Washington County Historical Society Wins Community Foundation’s Forward Funding Challenge

The Washington County Historical Society won the Community Foundation of Washington County MD’s second annual Forward Funding Challenge. The Historical Society will use their grant of $3,000 to turn the Miller House and Gardens into a special event venue for showers, luncheons and birthday parties. They plan to purchase additional food storage and preparation items, such as a commercial ice machine and chafing dishes.The Forward Funding Challenge was a new initiative created to encourage local nonprofit organizations to develop innovative and ongoing fundraising efforts. The Foundation’s Marketing Committee chose three finalists from14 applications. Finalists presented their ideas at a live event on February 26 at the Women’s Club before a panel of judges consisting of the most recent Rising Star Award winners: Sam Buhrman, Dr. Brenna Bacon Ranieli, Heather Guessford and Kelsi Waltemire Palmer.Other finalists included Community Free Clinic and Community Volunteer Fire Company of District 12. The Community Free Clinic proposed a new online auction designed to coincide with Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday. The Community Volunteer Fire Company of District 12 proposed purchasing two fryers to use during indoor and outdoor fundraising events.