2023 CFAAC Annual Report - Report - Page 13
Inspiring Philanthropy: Mathias Family Leads by
Example with Active Volunteering and Donations
Tanya and Dan Mathias didn’t receive formal lessons in philanthropy but they inherited something far more
profound: a legacy of giving back from their parents.
“Philanthropy wasn’t actively taught to either of us, but we both observed our parents volunteering in different
capacities and participating in various community organizations throughout the years,” Tanya reflected.
Their upbringing laid the foundation for their own journey into the world of giving back. Part of that journey was
their introduction to the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County. It was a pivotal moment, according
to Dan, a licensed Fire Protection Engineer. “When we initially sat down with Mary [Spencer] to learn about the
Community Foundation, we gained an understanding and clear perspective of what the organization really stands
for in our community,” he said.
They were impressed by the relationships and the amount of support the Community Foundation provides to
local businesses, charities, and other organizations. They were also impressed by CFAAC’s thorough community
needs assessment and how CFAAC identifies nonprofits to fill the needs. It led them to opening the Mathias Family
Foundation, a Donor Advised Fund in 2021, and Dan becoming a CFAAC Board of Trustees member in 2023.
As parents to two boys, ages 13 and 11, Tanya and Dan were intentional about instilling the importance of
philanthropy from a young age. They involve their children in conversations and activities as much as they can to
demonstrate that even small efforts can yield significant impacts. “Giving together and supporting each other’s
efforts with the work that we do is a big priority and extremely fulfilling for us as a couple and as a family,” said
Tanya, who has a marketing background.
Their commitment to giving extends beyond financial contributions.
Dan has served on several community boards and coached their son’s
baseball team, and both parents actively volunteer at their children’s
school. For Tanya, serving on the school’s board of directors, sitting on
various committees, and being involved with the PTA are meaningful
ways to contribute. “I love being active in our boys’ school,” she said.
In their eyes, the Community Foundation serves as an
invaluable ally on their philanthropic journey. As
Fund Holders they feel that their contributions
are being stewarded in a professional way
that offers security for the future. “Simply
put, the Community Foundation is an
amazing organization led by trustworthy
custodians who put donated dollars to
good work in support of local charities and
philanthropies,” said Dan. “They have acted
as a gateway and advisor for giving in our
community. And they make giving easy
through their platform.”
Through their partnership with CFAAC,
Tanya and Dan have learned that giving
has no bounds. “No matter how big or
small, there are all kinds of ways to make
an impact with giving,” said Tanya. “The
Community Foundation can help anyone
start that process.”
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