Cobb Community Foundation

🎉 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬! Cobb County’s Marietta has been named the most generous city in the nation by GoFundMe in their 2024 Year in Help report! 🏆👏

That means more people in Marietta donated per 50,000 people than any other city in the United States.

The spirit of generosity runs deep here in Cobb County, and we couldn’t agree more!
𝐂𝐨𝐛𝐛 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (CCF) and its fund holders have contributed $𝟓.𝟐 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 to date this year (2024) to nonprofits, and $𝟑.𝟓 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 has been to nonprofits in Cobb! 💙

We are so proud of our community for making such a meaningful impact. Let’s keep the giving spirit alive!

📖 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/cobb-county/cobb-county-city-named-most-generous-city-us-by-gofundme/GJULB6IX6RDKZMRT5SNZKCASKU/

🎄✨ A Heartfelt Evening with Serenade Heights ✨🎄

Thank you Serenade Heights, Inc. for inviting Cobb Community Foundation to your Christmas Dinner last Thursday. Spending time with your incredible staff, moms, and donors was truly heartwarming, and we are so grateful for the beautiful gifts you shared with us!

If you’re new to their mission, Serenade Heights offers a 6-month to two-year program to support single mothers and their children in Cherokee County, GA and surrounding areas that includes:
🏠 Housing & mentorship
📚 Life skills, budgeting, career planning, and bible study
🤝 Workshops, tutoring, childcare, and social activities

Their mission is simple yet powerful: to help single moms and their children dream again and succeed.

🎄 Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to Amber Jones, her team, and all the moms, kids, and donors who make this mission a reality. 💙

🎁 Year-End Giving Made Easy! 🎉

Hi all, Planning to give before December 31st? 🗓️ Here's a quick tip sheet with key deadlines for your CCF contributions—whether through donor-advised funds, checks, or other methods.
💻 Donate now: https://bit.ly/4gEKMes
📌 Save this post for reference and make sure your generous gifts count this year!

🌟 Celebrating Visionary Philanthropy 🌟

Cobb Community Foundation is thrilled to honor Mark and Rhonda Jacobson, owners of Cumberland Diamond Exchange, with the 2024 James L. Rhoden, Jr. Visionary Philanthropist Award! 🏆

This week, at the Cobb Chamber’s luncheon, Shari Martin, CCF CEO, and Kim Gresh, CCF Past Chair, presented the Jacobsons with the prestigious James L. Rhoden Award for Visionary Philanthropy.

💬 “It’s a wonderful feeling to know that you can help someone who needs a hand up,” shared an emotional Rhonda Jacobson.

Known for their generosity and dedication, the Jacobsons have supported organizations like Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, The WellStar Foundation, and SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center. Their unwavering commitment to giving back exemplifies what it means to lead with both heart and vision.

👏 Please join us in celebrating this amazing couple who continue to make a lasting impact on Cobb County!

In this photo: From left: Cobb Community Foundation CEO Shari Martin, Past Chair Kim Gresh and Cumberland Diamond Exchange co-owners Rhonda and Mark Jacobson.

🌟 Celebrating Collaboration and Community Impact at the 2024 Human Services Awards Luncheon! 🌟

On December 3, the Cobb Community Foundation, in partnership with Cobb Collaborative, hosted the 2024 Human Services Awards Luncheon, an inspiring event celebrating individuals and organizations making extraordinary contributions to Cobb County. 💙

A heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS to 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝟔 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡, this year’s recipient! 🎉 Courtney Schreer and Steven Egan received a $10,000 award on behalf of StoneBridge Church for their remarkable work in helping homeless and low-income individuals obtain critical documents like IDs and birth certificates, while fostering collaboration through resource-sharing breakfasts and impactful partnerships. 👏

And a huge round of applause for our other 5 nominees who are transforming lives through collaboration:
✨ Cobb Veterans
✨Cobb County Safety Village
✨CumberlandCounseling
✨Simple Needs GA, Inc.
✨Waymark

We also awarded grants to the winning organizations of Cobb Collaborative's awards, furthering their ability to serve the Cobb community.

At the luncheon, we shared inspiring stories, reflected on the legacy of Howard Koepka, and celebrated the countless ways these organizations are making our community stronger together.

We are so grateful to Collaborative for co-hosting with us, everyone who joined us for this special event, and to all those supporting our mission to foster connection and collaboration between nonprofits in Cobb County. 💛

Learn more about these amazing organizations and the award here: https://bit.ly/3ZDD8vr

✨𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭! ✨

Tomorrow is the LAST day to participate in Match Magic, and we’re thrilled to share a 𝐡𝐮𝐠𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞—a $50,000 donation to the and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre (Strand Marietta) from Debbie and Barry Abernathy! We’re sharing this incredible news because more people need to know about the amazing work happening in our community and the generosity making it all possible. 💙

There’s still time to join the magic! Visit cobbfoundation.org, select a nonprofit you’re passionate about, and help them unlock their share of our 💰 $100,000 match pool. Every dollar makes a difference, and together, we can reach even greater heights!

⏳ 𝑫𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕—𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉 𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒘 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 (𝐃𝐞𝐜 𝟑) 𝐚𝐭 𝟏𝟏:𝟓𝟗 𝐩.𝐦.

📸 In the photo: Debbie and Barry Abernathy with Nakeia Gray-Smith, Operations Manager, Cobb Community Foundation.

🎭 Test Your Knowledge! 🎨

𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐳: Which nonprofit organization is dedicated to making music accessible to everyone by providing exceptional musical performances and music education through programs. (Hint: This organization is holding one of Cobb's most treasured holiday traditions, the Holiday Pops! Performance this Dec 7-8)
A) Georgia Symphony Orchestra
B) Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre

👉𝘾𝙝𝙚𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙧—𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙜 #𝘼𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙣𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮! 💫
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⏳ Only one day left!
Visit cobbfoundation.org to donate to a nonprofit or cause you’re passionate about and help them unlock their share of our 💰 $100,000 match pool this holiday season!

Ways to give:
💻 Online: Donate at cobbfoundation.org
🖊 By Check: Address to Cobb Community Foundation, 1100 Circle 75 Parkway, Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30339 (include the organization's name in the memo line)
📞 From IRA or Donor-Advised Fund: Call (770) 859-2366

📆 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗰. 𝟯 𝗮𝘁 𝟭𝟭:𝟱𝟵 𝗽.𝗺. Don’t miss this chance to amplify your impact!

🌟Test Your Knowledge!🌟

𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐳: Which nonprofit organization helps provide housing and support to individuals and families in need, fostering stability and independence? (Hint: This organization focuses on creating stronger, more connected communities by addressing housing challenges!)
A) Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta
B) Serenade Heights
C) Special Needs Cobb
D) All of the Above

👉 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫—𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 #𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲! 🧡
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⏳ Only a few days left!
Visit cobbfoundation.org to donate to a nonprofit or cause you’re passionate about and help them unlock their share of our 💰 $100,000 match pool this holiday season!

Ways to give:
💻 Online: Donate at cobbfoundation.org
🖊 By Check: Address to Cobb Community Foundation, 1100 Circle 75 Parkway, Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30339 (include the organization's name in the memo line)
📞 From IRA or Donor-Advised Fund: Call (770) 859-2366

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐜. 𝟑 𝐚𝐭 𝟏𝟏:𝟓𝟗 𝐩.𝐦. Don’t miss this chance to make an impact!

🌟Test Your Knowledge!🌟

𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐳: Which nonprofit helps foster student success by connecting at-risk youth with community resources and support? (Hint: This organization works to break barriers and ensure every child can thrive in school and life!)
A) Communities In Schools of Georgia in Marietta/Cobb County
B) The STEAM Generation (TSG)
C) Atlanta Youth Tennis and Education Foundation
D) Marietta Mentoring for Leadership

👉 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫—𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 🧡
_____________
⏳ Only a few days left!
Visit cobbfoundation.org to donate to a nonprofit or cause you’re passionate about and help them unlock their share of our 💰 $100,000 match pool this holiday season!

Ways to give:
💻 Online: Donate at cobbfoundation.org
🖊 By Check: Address to Cobb Community Foundation, 1100 Circle 75 Parkway, Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30339 (include the organization's name in the memo line)
📞 From IRA or Donor-Advised Fund: Call (770) 859-2366

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐜. 𝟑 𝐚𝐭 𝟏𝟏:𝟓𝟗 𝐩.𝐦. Don’t miss this chance to make an impact!

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🌟 Test Your Knowledge! 🌟

𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐳: Which nonprofit provides essential support for individuals and families moving out of homelessness or facing significant need through programs like “Simple Household Needs”, “My Birthday Matters”, and "Spirit of Christmas"? (Hint: They are also one of 6 nominees for the Howard Koepka Collaborative Spirit Award, honoring nonprofits dedicated to teamwork and service).
A) Circles Cobb
B) Simple Needs of Georgia
C) 10 Women of Hope

𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫—𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐩! 🧡

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Just a few days left! Head to cobbfoundation.org and donate to a nonprofit or cause close to your heart and help them unlock a share of our 💰 $100,000 match pool this holiday season! And if you’re not sure who to donate to, just donate to the Match Pool, and we’ll distribute your donation across all 25 organizations.

The match window closes Dec. 3 at 11:59 p.m.

Ways to give:
💻 Online: Donate at cobbfoundation.org
🖊 By Check: Address to Cobb Community Foundation, 1100 Circle 75 Parkway, Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30339, with the organization’s name in the memo line
📞 From IRA or Donor-Advised Fund: Call (770) 859-2366

We'd like to highlight Needs GA, Inc. (SNGA), one of our six nominees this year for the Howard Koepka Collaborative Spirit Award.

This award was created by the Board of Cobb Community Foundation as a tribute to the spirit of collaboration that Howard modeled and inspired. It recognizes and honors a Cobb nonprofit that exemplifies this same collaborative spirit.🏆

SNGA focuses on supporting individuals and families moving out of homelessness or facing significant need through seven impactful programs. They collaborate with a wide range of organizations, including the Center for Family Resources, LiveSAFE Resources, MUST Ministries, Family Promise of Cobb, Together With Families, the Extension, Communities in Schools, Sweetwater Mission, the Red Cross, Ser Familia, The Table on Delk, and Mothers Making a Change. Additionally, they work with DFCS, school social workers in Cobb County and Marietta, churches, and drug treatment facilities to ensure comprehensive support. Their “Simple Household Needs” program provides beds, furniture, and essential household items to those transitioning from homelessness, while “My Birthday Matters” offers birthday gifts to children experiencing homelessness and the children in our furniture families. During the holidays, their "Spirit of Christmas" program helps families unable to access other holiday assistance. For more information on all seven programs, please visit their website. By avoiding duplication of services and filling critical gaps, SNGA effectively complements existing agency programs to address the community's most pressing needs.

Learn more about the award: https://bit.ly/4fDTdpQ

All six nominees will be recognized and the recipient will be announced on Dec. 3rd, at the Human Services Awards Luncheon which we are co-presenting with the Cobb Collaborative —stay tuned!

🧡 This Thanksgiving, Activate Good 🧡

As we gather around our tables this Thursday, let’s remember the families who wouldn't have a meal without the incredible work of 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 like Reflections of Trinity , Mission , Security for America , Direction Foundation , and H.O.P.E. Family Resource Center, Inc .

🏈 While scrolling through your phone during football or relaxing after a big meal, visit our Match Magic page at cobbfoundation.org. Browse through all 25 participating organizations and support the ones that inspire you.

💡 Did you know?
Demand at food banks and nonprofit distribution centers has surged by 60% in the past 2½ years, far exceeding even the peak of the pandemic. With food prices soaring, these organizations are working harder than ever to ensure no family goes hungry.

📹 Below is an inspiring VIDEO of Reflections of Trinity’s Thanksgiving Outreach:
Over 270,000 pounds of food were distributed to more than 1,600 families, with each family receiving about 85 pounds of food—enough for Thanksgiving week, including a full Thanksgiving meal. https://youtu.be/DxTzkPqkCDE?si=Z8-w9bOXojBOjuCf

✨ How to Give
The match window closes Dec. 3 at 11:59 p.m. Don’t miss this chance to double your impact:
💻 Online: Donate at cobbfoundation.org
🖊 By Check: Address to Cobb Community Foundation, 1100 Circle 75 Parkway, Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30339 (include the organization’s name in the memo line)
📞 From IRA or Donor-Advised Fund: Call (770) 859-2366

This Thanksgiving, let’s come together to make a difference for families in need. A little generosity goes a long way. 🧡

🌟 How well do you know our local heroes? 🌟

𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐳: Which nonprofit is known for spreading holiday joy by providing meals and gifts to first responders and their families during Thanksgiving? (Hint: This organization was founded by a group of dedicated first responders who wanted to give back to their peers and create a sense of community during the holidays).

A) Blue Thanksgiving
B) Cobb County Public Safety Foundation

See comments to find out the answer—and meet the other incredible Public Safety organization in our Match Magic lineup! 🧡

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Head to cobbfoundation.org and donate to a nonprofit or cause close to your heart and help them unlock a share of our 💰 $100,000 match pool this holiday season! And if you’re not sure who to donate to, just donate to the Match Pool, and we’ll distribute your donation across all 25 organizations.

The match window closes Dec. 3 at 11:59 p.m.

Ways to give:
💻 Online: Donate at cobbfoundation.org
🖊 By Check: Address to Cobb Community Foundation, 1100 Circle 75 Parkway, Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30339, with the organization’s name in the memo line
📞 From IRA or Donor-Advised Fund: Call (770) 859-2366

We'd like to highlight the County Safety Village, one of our six nominees this year for the Howard Koepka Collaborative Spirit Award.

This award was created by the Board of Cobb Community Foundation as a tribute to the spirit of collaboration that Howard modeled and inspired. It recognizes and honors a Cobb nonprofit that exemplifies this same collaborative spirit.🏆

The CCSV team focuses on safety education for all ages and collaborates with community organizations to improve safety in Cobb County.

The Cobb County Safety Village was nominated for this award because they partner with local police departments to offer radKIDS camp, teaching 80 students life-long safety skills and bullying prevention. The team provides free safety education to over 25,000 students in Cobb County and Marietta City schools, covering kindergarten, 2nd, and 4th grades. They also host a Spanish Safety Day for Spanish-speaking families, with all activities and signage in Spanish. Additionally, CCSV supports other organizations by hosting events, organizing the SafeKids Golf Tournament, and engaging in various community activities.

This award was created by the Board of Cobb Community Foundation as a tribute to the spirit of collaboration that Howard modeled and inspired. It recognizes and honors a Cobb nonprofit that exemplifies this same collaborative spirit.💙

🏆 Learn more about the award: https://bit.ly/4fDTdpQ

All six nominees will be recognized and the recipient will be announced on Dec. 3rd, at the Human Services Awards Luncheon which we are co-presenting with the Cobb Collaborative —stay tuned!

We'd like to highlight Cumberland Counseling Centers, one of our six nominees this year for the Howard Koepka Collaborative Spirit Award.

Cumberland Counseling Centers provides faith based as well as evidence based counseling to fit the unique needs of their patients.

Cumberland Counseling Centers fosters collaboration by working closely with clients to create personalized treatment plans and partnering with local churches, schools, and organizations. They also collaborate with institutions like Richmont Graduate University and the Cobb Collaborative to secure grants and resources, ensuring accessible mental health care for the community. Their approach amplifies the work of other organizations, creating synergies that enhance the availability of high-quality mental health services.

This award was created by the Board of Cobb Community Foundation as a tribute to the spirit of collaboration that Howard modeled and inspired. It recognizes and honors a Cobb nonprofit that exemplifies this same collaborative spirit.🏆 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4fDTdpQ

All six nominees will be recognized, and the recipient will be announced on Dec. 3rd, at the Human Services Awards Luncheon which we are co-presenting with the Cobb Collaborative—stay tuned!