Sylvia’s Acorn came into being in October, 2007. The dual charge from the founder was, “Use it to meet the identified needs in Carroll County of people with low income and make the funds grow.” The name of the Fund came from the donor’s own words: “From a little acorn, a mighty oak tree will grow.”

The Human Services Program of Carroll County, Inc. (HSP) has a strong and successful track record of meeting needs of low-income Carroll County citizens, so HSP functions as the operational resource for identifying the individual families who will benefit from a financial grant from Sylvia’s Acorn. HSP’s Emergency Assistance staff will screen applicants for a financial grant according to criteria set for eligibility.