Community Foundation of the Eastern Shor
The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (CFES) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1984, headquartered in Salisbury, Maryland. As a community foundation, CFES operates as a grantmaking organization and philanthropic intermediary, connecting donors with local charitable causes. The foundation maintains a donor-advised fund through which donors can direct the distribution and investment of funds.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$179.8M
+12.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$6.2M
+13.1% YoY
Grant Count
185
+5.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$33K
+7.6% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: Inspiring community philanthropy and connecting people who care with causes that matter for the common good of the Lower Eastern Shore.
CFES serves as a leader and steward of philanthropy, collaborating with individuals, families, and businesses to match their charitable interests with community needs and strengthen local nonprofits through grants and resources.
Primary funding areas include:
- Education — Support for classroom-based programs in public and private schools (pre-K through 12th grade), as well as assistance to colleges, universities, and libraries with financial support and scholarships
- Health-based programs — Support for organizations providing health programs and services to the community
- Human services — Support for organizations providing emergency and social services
- Animal-related causes
- Arts, culture, and humanities
- Community development
- Environmental quality, protection, and beautification
- Faith-based initiatives
- Youth programs
Grantmaking
CFES has provided more than $114 million in grants and scholarships to the local community since its establishment in 1984.
Review Cycle
, apply online, track application status, and upload reports through this system.
How to Apply
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
CFES funds the Lower Eastern Shore region, with primary focus on Maryland's Eastern Shore community.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total revenues: $16,943,866
- Total expenses: $8,533,623
- Total assets: $179,762,721
- Staff: 11 employees
As of 2023:
- Total revenues: $13.2 million
- Total expenses: $7.63 million
- Total assets: $159 million
- Total liabilities: $49.3 million
Performance metrics: CFES maintains a program expense ratio of 87%, demonstrating strong allocation of resources toward charitable activities. The organization holds a Four-Star rating reflecting perfect scores in accountability and finance.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $179,762,721 | $159,381,501 | $144,509,312 |
| Revenue | $16,943,866 | $13,185,530 | $16,050,496 |
| Expenses | $8,533,623 | $7,632,340 | $8,544,016 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $6,636,550 | $4,760,041 | $5,777,625 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
13 open opportunities from Community Foundation of the Eastern Shor
CFES Community Needs Grant
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE EASTERN SHOR
Amount
Up to US $10,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
CFES Education Grants
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE EASTERN SHOR
Amount
Up to US $5,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
CFES Workforce Development Grant
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE EASTERN SHOR
Amount
Up to US $7,500
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Erica Joseph — President
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ED BARBER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DEAN LEWIS | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| DR CAROLYN JOHNSTON | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| GREGORY TAWES | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ALLEN BROWN SR | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ROBIN EVANS | TREASURER | 1 | — |
| TYRONE MILLS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| WILLIAM MCCAIN | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| GINNIE MALONE | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| JANICE PERDUE | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MELODY NELSON | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MICHAEL P TRUITT | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ANDY KIM | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DR ANNETTE E WALLACE | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| JOHN PHOEBUS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| GAIL FOLTZ | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DR GEORGE I WHITEHEAD III | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| SONYA WHITED | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| VELDA HENRY | CHAIRWOMAN | 1 | — |
| GAYLE WIDDOWSON | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DANIEL O'CONNELL II | VICE CHAIRMAN | 1 | — |
| SHARONE GRANT | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| JIM JONES | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MICHAEL MATHERS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| PHYLLIS MITCHELL | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ERICA JOSEPH | PRESIDENT | 37.5 | $144,790 |
| VERONIQUE DIRIKER | CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER | 37.5 | $101,391 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
CFES received $45,000 in funding to strengthen emergency assistance and food security initiatives in the region. The foundation announced Fall 2025 Community Grants, continuing its commitment to supporting local nonprofits addressing urgent community needs, including strengthening food and emergency support across the Shore.
Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore receives $45,000 to strengthenSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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