The Columbia Festival of the Arts received a $1 million grant from The Rouse Company Foundation to establish a public endowment.

The gift will help the organization expand the festival programs in coming years. The Columbia Festival of the Arts, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, is a nonprofit that features events, performances, exhibitions and workshops each summer in Howard.

The grant also will be used as a challenge grant to encourage others to give. For every dollar the Columbia Festival of the Arts raises for the endowment, The Rouse Company Foundation will match it with a $2 donation. This will continue until the foundation meets the $1 million cap.

The Rouse Company Foundation invests in organizations that focus on human services, affordable housing and performing arts.

Donations to the endowment are being accepted and can be mailed to The Columbia Festival of the Arts, 5575 Sterrett Place, Suite 280, Columbia, 21044.