Supporting Bright Minds in our Community
Nov 29, 2024 10:01AM ● By Jennifer Van Kirk
As the year comes to a close, Bright Minds Foundation, the education foundation for Howard County Public Schools, is excited to announce its 2024 End-of-Year Giving Campaign, aimed at supporting critical educational programs and initiatives that impact the students and schools of Howard County. This campaign seeks the generous support of individuals, corporations, and
community leaders to help us continue empowering the next generation of learners and leaders in Howard County.
The funds raised through this campaign will directly support Bright Minds’ goal to ensure every child in Howard County can access the support and resources they need to succeed. As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering educational excellence, every donation will contribute to making a measurable difference in the lives of students and educators through these programs and more:
● Read With Me – Through a partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, BrightMinds promotes early literacy by providing families with age-appropriate books forchildren from birth until age 5. Your gift helps inspire a love of reading and ensurechildren enter school ready to succeed.
● Staff & Teacher Grants – Bright Minds has a robust classroom grants program thatawards funding for innovative classroom projects that support student success, enrichteaching practices, and strengthen school communities.
● Scholarships – Bright Minds scholarships are helping make college more accessible forgraduating seniors.
● Resources for Student Success – To support students experiencing homelessness orfacing emergency situations, Bright Minds provides critical resources to overcomeobstacles students face to fully participate in their education.
Why Your Support Matters
“Bright Minds Foundation provides critical support, resources, and opportunities for students and teachers that would not otherwise be possible in our community,” said Lisa Terry, Board Chair of Bright Minds. “With generous contributions from our Howard County residents and businesses, we can enhance our programs, expand access to critical learning opportunities, and ensure that all students have the resources they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Together, we can make a lasting impact.”
Ways to Give
Donors can make a tax-deductible contribution in several convenient ways:
● Online Donation: Visit Bright Minds Foundation Breakfast to contribute securely online.
● Mail a Check: Mail your check, payable to Bright Minds Foundation, to Bright MindsEducation Foundation, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042.
● IRA Charitable Rollover: If you are 70 ½ or older, make a gift up to $100,000 directlyfrom your IRA. Contact your IRA plan administrator and provide this information –o Howard County Public Schools Education Foundation (dba Bright Minds)o 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042o Federal Tax ID #20-4840080
● Gifts of Stock or Assets: Contact [email protected] to learn how tomake gifts of stock or other assets.
Campaign Deadline
The Bright Minds End-of-Year Giving Campaign runs through December 31, 2024. All
contributions made by this deadline are eligible for tax deductions for the current year.
Recognition
All donors will be recognized on Bright Minds’ website and in our annual report. Major gifts will
be acknowledged through exclusive recognition opportunities.
Learn More
Learn about Bright Minds Foundation and the needs and priorities of the Howard County school
system at the upcoming Breakfast with the Superintendent and HCPSS Showcase that
Bright Minds is hosting on January 28, 2025 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at The Meeting House
in Columbia, MD. Purchase tickets and sponsorships at Bright Minds Foundation Breakfast.
Join Us in Making a Difference!
Together, we can invest in a brighter future for all students!