On November 21st, donors and community partners across Montgomery County gathered for the annual Celebration of Giving honoring Bob Buchanan, founder of Buchanan Partners, as the 2024 Montgomery County Philanthropist of the Year.
The celebration came at a busy time for The Community Foundation and its community of givers. Over the past fiscal year, the organization has deployed more than $8 million to nonprofit organizations across Montgomery County- including $450,000 through its Sharing Montgomery initiative.
“The magic of The Community Foundation brings us together to act. We turn to them to help us craft our community impact and do the most good,” shared Robin Meisner Cameron, Vice Chair of The Community Foundation’s Advisory Board in Montgomery County. “Together we are absolutely more than the sum of our parts.”
The Community Foundation also celebrated the launch of Brilliant Futures – a children’s savings pilot program that will provide kindergarten students at two schools with up to $1,000 in savings each year from kindergarten through 12th grade. The innovative pilot launched in June 2024 in partnership with Jackson Road Elementary School and Montgomery County Public Schools.
A live painting of Brilliant Futures participants created by Hiral Joshi, an artist and instructor for VisArts.
Bob and his wife Sharon are long-time champions for VisArts, a nonprofit which acts as a hub for artistic exploration and social impact.
“Making this investment changes how these kids can dream,” shared Alisha Griffey, member of The Community Foundation’s Advisory Board in Montgomery County and advocate for the Brilliant Futures pilot program. “We have a unique opportunity to help build them a better world, to change their trajectory, and to keep them from shrinking who they are due to a lack of financial security.”
“The Community Foundation is putting our money where our ambitions are – creating a more inclusive and prosperous Montgomery County for all,” added Tonia Wellons, President & CEO of The Community Foundation. She then reported on the progress of Together, We Prosper, a $75 million campaign to jump-start The Community Foundation’s vision for economic justice in the Greater Washington Region. She noted this includes funding for initiatives like Brilliant Futures and Guaranteed Income pilots like Montgomery County’s MoCo Boost. “We invite you to help us finish what we’ve started, by joining our Together, We Prosper Campaign to fully fund Brilliant Futures and other initiatives to ensure that all in our community can thrive.”
Following the update on the Together, We Prosper Campaign, Tonia saluted the evening’s honoree, Bob Buchanan. A third-generation developer and beloved champion of many vital nonprofits serving Montgomery County, Bob is a builder in every sense of the word. Along with his wife, Sharon, and their family, Bob has strategically advanced the arts, education, and organizations building more equitable communities. By combining his generosity, business acumen, and ability to galvanize others behind worthy causes, his philanthropic leadership has touched the lives of thousands of people across our community.
Through a fireside chat with Shirley Brandman, former Montgomery County Advisory Board Member, Bob shared key values that have helped him along his philanthropic journey including cultivating a love of learning, always seeking to build and strengthen new relationships, setting a place at the table for the nonprofit community, and empowering those who demonstrate personal and organizational integrity to their values.
“We need to work together,” Bob shared. “We need to come together and stand together for acts of kindness and generosity and create a better and more compassionate community for all.”
Bob then surprised the audience – and The Community Foundation staff –by pledging a $250,000 Challenge Match to encourage others to give towards the Together, We Prosper Campaign. (To help us make the match, you can make a gift online today or contact us for other giving options!)
“It is so important that we continue to support our communities – now more than ever.”
On behalf of the thousands of lives touched by his leadership and generosity, we congratulate Bob on being named the 2024 Montgomery County Philanthropist of the Year. We know his example will continue to inspire others to discover the powerful difference we each can make when we commit to making our community stronger for all.
Additional information about our 2024 Philanthropist of the Year is available in the Bethesda Magazine Article and in our Celebration program booklet. Click here to see more photos from the 2024 Celebration of Giving!
2024 Philanthropist of the Year, Bob Buchanan with members of his family.