The Claude C. Thornton Foundation February eNews
- CCTF Board
- Feb 5
- 9 min read
Updated: Feb 17
Happy Black History Month CCTF Family🤎,
As we honor Black history, legacy, and excellence, we’re also stepping into a season of connection and collectivism. At CCTF, we recognize that the journey to an everlasting standard of equity is ongoing and we are proud to stand alongside you in that work.
Don't miss the fourth annual Blossoms Blooming Brunch on Sunday February 22nd! We’ll be celebrating in Washington, DC this year, and we cannot wait to gather, toast, and bloom alongside you. This will be a beautiful moment of connection, reflection, and celebration see below for more details.
Thank you for always being a part of the CCTF community. Your support, engagement, and belief in our mission is what makes our work possible. We are excited to grow, serve, and blossom together this year.
With love and gratitude,
The CCTF Team
Highlights
Our Blossoms Blooming Mentee
Meet Akiva’ Rooks, a creative communications specialist, leadership coach, and founder of I’ll Keep Her a women-centered brand grounded in self-care, self-love, and self-awareness.
A first-generation college graduate, Akiva’ has transformed her journey into purpose-driven work that mentors students and uplifts women holistically. Through creativity, intentional leadership, and community-centered impact, she continues to inspire growth and confidence in others.
We are proud to celebrate Akiva’ as a Blossom and changemaker, embodying purpose, creativity, and leadership in motion.
Follow her journey: @rebellefleeur
Shoutout to our former intern, Julia Ye!
We are so proud to share that Julia has recently accepted a role as a Technical Solutions Engineer, officially joining the healthcare IT field this August. During her time with our foundation as a Relationship Management Intern, Julia made a lasting impact supporting the development of 10 grant proposals totaling $406,000 in funding, conducting stakeholder analysis on potential sponsors, and developing a stakeholder database of 500+ contacts.
She also designed a comprehensive, research-backed organizational management framework and confidently presented her recommendations to senior leadership. In addition, Julia collaborated across teams to help develop marketing campaigns, outreach strategies, and innovative programming ideas.
Beyond her impressive contributions, Julia brought thoughtfulness, leadership, and a willingness to learn that truly set her apart. We’re grateful for the time we spent mentoring her and excited to see her thrive in this next chapter.
Connect with her on Linkedin
Troubled Tributary: Maryland’s Patuxent River
On February 7th, our president, Cari Harris, participated in a panel discussion that followed the screening of a short documentary, which examined the environmental challenges facing the Patuxent River and highlighted the vital role of community advocacy, science, and environmental justice in protecting Maryland’s waterways.
Upcoming Events
Join us for a virtual Community Roundtable focused on youth engagement, mental health, and practical climate action through behavior change, food cultivation, and school-based solutions.
MDEnviroScreen Webinar Schedule for Q1
We’re excited to announce the new webinar schedule for MDEnviroScreen 3.0. These sessions are designed to help the public better understand and use the tool with confidence. The 30-minute introductory webinars will cover the fundamentals, while the 60-minute sessions will dive deeper into advanced features such as layer customization and report generation.
Join Nu Momish for their Parents’ Night Out event!
If it’s been a while, this is your sign to drop off your little one for a night of interactive games, guided play, age-appropriate activities, snacks, and supervised fun in a safe, welcoming space. While they play, you get time to rest, reset, or reconnect.
Spots are limited to ensure quality care, so be sure to register early.You deserve a break and your little ones deserve a night of fun too.
We can't wait to see our friends at brunch!!
You don’t want to miss this. Our annual Blossom Blooming Brunch returns on February 22nd, and this year we’re bringing the experience to the DC area.
This exclusive, highly anticipated tradition is a space for reflection, fellowship, and real connection designed to spark personal and professional growth, empower mentees, and honor the community mentors who pour into others without ever asking for the spotlight.
This event will be intimate inspiring and impactful.
MBE Night in Annapolis is a dynamic celebration of diversity, entrepreneurship, and community-centered economic growth. Established in 2009, it has grown into Maryland’s largest conference dedicated to minority-owned businesses, creating a powerful space for entrepreneurs, business leaders, legislators, and state officials to connect, collaborate, and advance economic inclusion and opportunity. This is an event you don’t want to miss.
Fourth Annual Climate Summit
Join Maryland’s largest climate solutions event to learn, network, and explore local approaches to global environmental challenges.
Event Details:
Dates: Friday, February 27 – Saturday, February 28, 2026
Location: Hood College, Frederick, MD
Focus: Local solutions to global climate challenges
This is an external event; check organizers’ site for updates and details
Lillie May Carrol Jackson Career Day 2026 is Weeks Away!
Greetings from LMCJ!
We are about a month and a half away from our annual Career Day -- will you be there?
Each year, we create a space where people who are passionate about what they do get to share that excitement and wisdom with our girls. Already, our scholars are shaping up to be academics, athletes, artists, entrepreneurs and so much more. We'd love for you to meet them and for them to learn from you.
This year, Career Day is on March 25, 2026 from 8:30-10:30am. Start the day with a keynote speaker and then split into career clusters to share more about your profession. You'll have the opportunity to:
Share your story—how you got to where you are today.
Offer advice and encouragement to the next generation of leaders.
Answer questions and spark curiosity about your field.
Your words could light a spark in a young girl’s future and open doors she never imagined. If you’ve ever wanted to give back, inspire, and uplift, this is your chance!
If you’re interested, please register here, and fill out the career cluster survey so we can place you appropriately. Feel free to share widely so that we can fill our spaces with inspiring people who are invested in the next generation!
Thank you in advance and we can't wait to host you!
Lobby Day Sign-Up – Marylanders for Data Center Reform
Join Marylanders for Data Center Reform on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 10 AM–4 PM in Annapolis to meet your state delegate and senator. Advocate with fellow supporters for smarter, sustainable data center development in Maryland no prior experience needed.
Resources
Blossoms Blooming Mentorship Program
This video is just a glimpse into our annual Blossoms Brunch award ceremony, where we collectively honor community mentors who have poured into our professional, personal, and emotional growth.
The Blossoms Blooming Mentorship Program empowers young women to reach their full potential through academic and professional mentorship and etiquette training. Last year we launched our group mentoring experience, grounded in discussion topics such as mindset, relationships and partnerships, career mobility, professional opportunities, femininity and more.
We have our annual brunch coming up on February 22 so stay tuned for updates. If you would like to learn more about this mentorship program, please click this link to inquire. To keep up to date with Blossoms Blooming follow us on Instagram and/or contact us via email at cari@thecctfoundation.org for any questions or concerns.
Did you know we offer parent coaching?
Parents play an important role in helping their children succeed in school. Parent advocacy means speaking up for your child’s needs and rights. This school year, commit to staying involved and supporting your child every step of the way. In addition to building routine, education planning and prioritizing extracurriculars:
Celebrate Small Accomplishments
Let your child know when they are doing a good job. Whether it’s completing homework, helping at home, learning something new, or showing kindness, praise helps children feel proud and motivated to keep trying.
Listen with Care and Patience
Children are still learning how to express their feelings and make decisions. Sometimes they won’t get things right. When they talk, listen with an open heart and calm voice. Try not to interrupt, yell, or get upset. Let them know they can come to you for help, even when things are hard to talk about.
Wishing everyone a positive, peaceful, and productive start to the school year. You’ve got this! If you would like to schedule a free coaching session with us, please use this link to schedule a session.
Parents, We’re Here for YOU!
From navigating the school system to supporting your child’s mental health and behavior, parenting comes with a lot of challenges and you don’t have to do it alone.
Led by Autrese Thornton, a multi-decade special educator, school administrator, and nonprofit manager, The Claude C. Thornton Foundation’s Parent Advocacy & Coaching Program is here to listen, guide, and empower you with the tools and resources you need.
Tell us: What areas of education, mental health, or behavior do you need the most support with?
Email us at athornton@thecctfoundation.org
Sustain Our Future Foundation has received a Maryland Energy Administration grant to offer free electric HVAC systems and insulation upgrades to low- and moderate-income homeowners. The program provides an energy-efficient heat pump, weatherization improvements such as insulation and draft sealing, and comprehensive health and safety testing for hazards like carbon monoxide, gas leaks, mold, and asbestos.
Job Opportunities
As part of our commitment to economically supporting our community, we are excited to share these job opportunities with our network. We hope these workforce resources help you strengthen your friends, families and neighborhoods.
📣 COACHES WANTED!
Archery • Cheer • Lacrosse
NBC Champ Sports Academy is hiring for Spring 2026.
6-week afterschool season | Coaching stipend | Mentorship |
Grant Opportunities
As part of our commitment to economically supporting our community, we are excited to share these grant opportunities with our network. We hope these resources help you access funding, grow your projects, and strengthen the impact of your work.
The Rita Allen Foundation supports innovative work in biomedical research, civic science, and philanthropic exploration through programs such as the Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Program and the Scholars Award in Pain. Funding opportunities are typically offered through institution-nominated programs or periodically announced open LOI processes. For questions about eligibility or applications, contact ritaallenscholars@ritaallen.org
The Foundation Grants Maryland website provides a centralized hub of diverse grant opportunities available to individuals, nonprofits, and community organizations across the state.
The Community Foundation offers a variety of grant programs designed to achieve specific goals within the community. Some opportunities reflect the charitable vision of local donors and Community Partners, while others are intended to spark new ideas and engage new audiences to drive community change. Click the link below to learn more about each grant’s timeline, deadlines, eligibility, and examples of previously funded projects.
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
The Courage Project celebrates everyday courage in America by honoring individuals and organizations who uplift our communities and strengthen our shared future. This initiative recognizes those whose actions reflect the foundational values of our nation and inspire others to stand for what matters.
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, established in 1966, is dedicated to promoting the well-being of humanity through long-term grantmaking and innovative, time-limited initiatives. The Foundation supports a wide range of program areas, many of which have been central to its mission for decades. To learn more about what they fund, click the link above for detailed information on their programs and priorities.
The Civic Participation Program strengthens democracy by supporting year-round efforts that encourage active engagement in civic life. This initiative focuses on on-the-ground organizing that empowers communities to participate fully beyond election-season activities. Please note that the program does not fund academic research, technology development, book projects, individual fellowships, or conferences unrelated to direct civic organizing.
Volunteer & Community Support Opportunities
Volunteer with the Maryland Food Bank
Volunteering with the Maryland Food Bank is a meaningful way to show up for your neighbors and make a real difference. By giving a few hours of your time whether sorting food, packing boxes, or helping with distribution you help ensure families have access to the nourishment they need. Every act of service matters, and your kindness helps strengthen our community, one meal at a time.
Please consider a donation of any amount: $10, $20, etc. to the June Byrd Brown Legacy Grant in support of qualifying African American students at my alma mater, Calvert Hall.
As you may be aware, CCTF has supported the Darryl r. Perry Foundation, which has partnered with Calvert Hall the past several years for the annual summer basket ball tournament, which also serves as a school supplies drive.
Darry R. Perry, the founder of DPR Foundation, considers serving on the fundraising committee for this grant as another way of paying it forward to youth who come from similar backgrounds and can greatly benefit from financial aid to attend this private school.
Thank you for your consideration.
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