John and Jan Magnolia, Philanthropists of the Year

The Philanthropists of the Year Award is presented to an individual or family with a proven record of exceptional generosity who, through direct financial support, has demonstrated outstanding civic and philanthropic responsibility, and whose generosity encourages others to become philanthropic leaders, particularly in Anne Arundel County.

“The Magnolias are invaluable members of our community. Their dedication to the Community Foundation and the members of this county cannot be understated. They put their whole heart and soul into not only financially supporting organizations but also take the time out of their busy lives to take part in volunteering. Our community is a better place because of them.”

John and Jan Magnolia established the Magnolia Family Fund at the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) in 2009. Since then, the Magnolias have been one of the CFAAC’s largest fundholders and donors with contributions to CFAAC totaling more than $1.7 million over the last 11 years. Through the Magnolia Family Fund at CFAAC the family’s philanthropy has supported multiple local nonprofits including Anne Arundel Medical Center, YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, Hospice of the Chesapeake, St. Mary’s High School, Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis, Annapolis Area Christian School, Our Lady of the Fields church, South River Athletic Association, and GiGi’s Playhouse, which is an organization that provides therapeutic, educational programs, and tutoring to support all ages of individuals with Down syndrome.

The Magnolias contribute significantly to CFAAC’s Community Leadership efforts, and last year made a substantial gift, which helped CFAAC reach its goal to receive a $300,000 matching grant for the Fund for Anne Arundel (FFAA). FFAA was created to help meet critical needs and improve the quality of life for all county residents, now and in the future. The current focus of FFAA was important to the couple because of their commitment to providing opportunities for the children of Anne Arundel County to be healthy, thriving, and successful.

“The Magnolias are invaluable members of our community,” said Amy Francis, CFAAC Development Director. “Their dedication to the Community Foundation and the members of this county cannot be understated. They put their whole heart and soul into not only financially supporting organizations but also take the time out of their busy lives to take part in volunteering. Our community is a better place because of them.”

In addition to numerous Anne Arundel County nonprofits, the Magnolia Family Fund provides operating and program support to more than 30 different organizations throughout the Washington D.C. Area. Their mission is to have their foundation funds directly contribute to the needs of the community, specifically in the areas of medical assistance, tuition assistance, homelessness, hunger, basic life skill training, career path guidance, trade school education, and programs assisting the inner city.

Another philanthropic priority for the couple is providing scholarships and financial aid to underprivileged students. John, President of Magnolia Companies, serves on CFAAC’s Board of Trustees, and served as a trustee of St. John’s College High School during a decade of expansion and growth. He was the Co-Capital Chair for the renewing the Light for St. Mary’s in Annapolis, and a former president of the Royal Blue Club, which provides financial aid to students. John now serves as a trustee on the board for St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families, a nonprofit devoted to the underserved women and families in our community.

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