Your Gift Does More Than Fund a Scholarship. It Helps Build a Future

Since 2018, the Howard & Elizabeth Caldwell Foundation has been committed to helping students with disabilities pursue their dreams of higher education.

What began with a desire to provide financial assistance has grown into something much bigger.

Scholarships That Open Doors

For a student preparing for college or vocational training, financial barriers can make an already challenging transition even more difficult.

HEC Foundation scholarships help eligible students with disabilities from Baltimore City and Baltimore County pursue postsecondary education and vocational training.

But receiving a scholarship isn’t where our relationship with our students ends.

It’s where another part of the journey begins.

From 2018–2022, the HEC Foundation awarded five $500 scholarships to deserving students.

As our foundation grew, so did our commitment.

From 2023–2026, we increased our scholarship awards to $1,500 each, providing seven additional students with financial assistance toward their post-secondary education.

But along the way, we learned something important:

A scholarship can help a student get to college. Support can help them make it through.

In 2020, the HEC Foundation launched a pilot mentoring program with one of our scholarship recipients.

We didn’t simply award her a scholarship and wish her well.

We walked beside her throughout her college journey and saw her to the finish line. She graduated with a BS Degree in Kinesiology. 

We encouraged her.

We checked in.

We celebrated her accomplishments.

We supported her through challenges.

And that experience changed the way we thought about scholarships.

We realized that for many students—particularly students with disabilities—financial assistance is only one piece of the puzzle.

Students also need someone in their corner.

Someone asking:

How are you doing?

What do you need?

How can we help?

That realization helped shape the HEC R.I.S.E. Mentoring Program, which provides our scholarship recipients with continued guidance, encouragement, connection, and support as they navigate their post-secondary journey.

We’re Not Just Funding College. We’re Walking the Journey With Them.

When you donate to the Howard & Elizabeth Caldwell Foundation, you’re helping us provide more than a check.

You’re helping a student with a disability know:

Someone believes in me. Someone is invested in my future. And I don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

Your donation helps support scholarships, mentoring opportunities, educational workshops, books and school supplies, and resources that help our students continue moving toward graduation.

What Could Your Gift Do?

$25 can help provide essential school supplies.

$50 can help offset the cost of books and course materials.

$100 can support student resources, mentoring activities, and workshops.

$500 can make a significant contribution toward a student’s educational expenses.

$1,500 can fund an entire HEC Foundation scholarship.

And gifts of any amount help us continue this work.

You don’t have to give $1,500 to make a difference.

Every gift becomes part of a student’s journey.

Help Us Support the Next Student

Twelve students have already received HEC Foundation scholarships.

But there are more students with disabilities preparing for college, vocational training, and other post-secondary opportunities who need someone willing to invest in their potential.

You can be part of their story.

The Impact Reaches Families, Too

Changing one student’s future creates a ripple effect that strengthens an entire family—and

ultimately, an entire community.

At the Howard & Elizabeth Caldwell Foundation, we believe that student success doesn’t happen in isolation. Behind every student is a family, a support system, and a community cheering them on.

That’s why our work extends far beyond scholarships. We invest in programs and experiences that strengthen families, create meaningful connections, and build healthier communities.

Our Family & Community Initiative

🤝 Building Strong Communities

Through scholarships, educational resources, mentoring, family-centered programs, and community events, we provide opportunities that empower students while strengthening the families who support them.

When families thrive, students thrive—and communities become stronger.

Because We Believe…

Strong Families Build Strong Communities.

Every scholarship we award…
Every mentoring relationship we build…
Every family we support…
Every child whose future is changed…

creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond one individual.

Together, we are investing in brighter futures, stronger families, and healthier communities—one student, one family, and one opportunity at a time.

🎄 Operation Santa Drop

Operation Santa Drop has brought hope and joy to families during the holiday season. Through the generosity of our supporters, we have helped more than 100 families by providing Christmas gifts and essential items to ensure children wake up to a brighter holiday season.

Because every family deserves to experience the joy, love, and magic of Christmas.

  

                      What Our Community Partners Say:

  “The Howard and Elizabeth Caldwell Foundation made a meaningful impact at our 2021 FREE Farmers Market for individuals                   experiencing homelessness by volunteering and donating 100   $10 Walmart gift cards. We are deeply grateful  for HEC’s                   generosity, partnership, and continued commitment to giving back to the community.”

 — Cynthia Brinkley Scott
Love The HopeFul

  “The Howard and Elizabeth Caldwell Foundation brought joy, comfort, and hope to the women and children in our recovery home through its generous donation of Christmas gifts. HEC helped families rebuilding their lives feel remembered, valued, and supported during the holiday season. We are deeply grateful for their compassion, partnership, and commitment to making a  meaningful difference.”

 

🌳 Family Fun Day

Our annual Family Fun Day is a FREE community wellness event designed to encourage families to unplug from technology, get outside, and reconnect through play.

Families enjoy games, fitness activities, music, laughter, and quality time together while strengthening family bonds and creating lasting memories.

Because sometimes the greatest gift we can give our children is our time.