Building for God Community Foundation Awards Fresh Start Furnishings $10,000 Matching Grant

TOWSON, MD – In a generous show of community support, the Building for God Community Foundation has awarded Fresh Start Furnishings a $10,000 Board Giving Match to fuel its mission of transforming empty houses into homes for individuals and families in need across Harford County.

Founded in 2007 by Michael O. Brooks of Brooks Financial Group, the Building for God Community Foundation (BFGCF) operates in a spirit of service and love. Guided by its mission to affect a positive and determined impact in the local community in the areas of sheltering the homeless, feeding and caring for families, fostering the educational needs of our youth, and supporting those who protect our community, the foundation has supported over 40 local nonprofits through its “Champion in Life” programs.

“With great blessings come great responsibility,” reflects Brooks, whose organization encourages recurring and legacy giving through its Perseverando Society.

Through its premier fundraising events, the Community Cup Golf Invitational and the Champion in Life Celebration, Building for God annually channels grant awards to organizations addressing community needs. Its broad portfolio has included youth mentoring, hunger relief, and adult reentry programs among its recipients.

Why This Partnership Matters

Fresh Start Furnishings began in 2016 (then called Found in Faith Ministries) when three area church leaders joined forces to fill a gap in community resources: furnishing homes for families who had shelter but lacked essential furnishings. Since then, the nonprofit has served more than 1,800 homes and 5,200 people, providing dignity, warmth, and self-sufficiency to those starting anew.

The Building for God grant will double the impact of Fresh Start’s board contributions, allowing their efforts to stretch further at a time when demand exceeds supply. It underscores how furnishing homes aligns with BFGCF’s focus on homelessness, family support, and community stabilization.

United by Purpose: Compassion in Action

This latest grant is more than a transaction, it is a reflection of shared vision. Fresh Start’s hands-on furnishing model resonates with BFGCF’s passion for practical, transformative giving. It's a powerful example of how pooled community resources can spark real change: a furnished bed becomes a restored night's sleep, and a table becomes a place for family to reconnect.

Individuals or businesses interested in supporting can visit Building for God to learn about recurring giving and join the Perseverando Society. Those eager to help Fresh Start Furnishings continue their mission can donate funds, furniture, or volunteer time via their website freshstartmd.org.