February 22, 2008
ATLANTIC SOUTHERN BANK INVESTS IN LOCAL COMMUNITY THROUGH THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL GEORGIA

Macon, GA – Atlantic Southern Bank is a community bank that is dedicated to improving the quality of life of not only its customers, but of all local citizens throughout Middle Georgia.

President and CEO, Mark Stevens said, “At the direction of our Board and part of a community reinvestment commitment, it gives me great pleasure in announcing the relationship with the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. It is our desire to pledge a significant percentage of our net profits to local charitable organizations and to coordinate that giving through the Community Foundation.”

Atlantic Southern Bank recently created two new funds with the Community Foundation of Central Georgia - the Atlantic Southern Bank Foundation Fund and the Atlantic Southern Bank Foundation Annual Giving Fund. Through these funds it has become the first bank in Central Georgia to do all of its corporate giving through the Community Foundation.

“The Community Foundation is honored to partner with Atlantic Southern Bank. Both organizations’ mission statements say that we will work to improve the quality of life for the citizens of our region, and that is what we will continue to do together. We are grateful for the bank’s generosity.” stated Kathryn Dennis, President of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia.

The first grants to be awarded from the Funds will be announced at a press conference on February 26, 2008, at 3:00 p.m., in the lobby of the North Winds Corporate Center of Atlantic Southern Bank, located at 1701 Bass Road. All community and local media representatives are invited to attend.

February 25, 2008
$192,850 IN RESPONSIVE GRANTS MADE BY THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL GEORGIA

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia recently awarded $192,850.00 to organizations in Central Georgia, to benefit a variety of causes, including children, youth, and families; arts and culture; and education. The following organizations received grants from the Community Foundation in February 2008:

• Jay’s Hope Foundation, Inc. – Building Hope Expansion Project
• Junior League of Macon-Bibb County Medical Society Playground Fund – Handicap Accessible KaBOOM! Playground at Water Works Park
• Loaves & Fishes Ministries – Jack Steppe Day Life Center and Transitional Housing
• MidSummer Macon, Inc. – Marketing and Development Plan
• Compassionate Care Clinic, Inc. – Medical and Dental Care for the Underserved
• Family Advancement Ministries – Classroom Space and Teaching Materials
• Fragile Kids Foundation – Medical Goods for Macon Area Children
• Historic Macon Foundation – Building Renovation
• Macon Golf for Kids – Youth Golf Facility at Bowden Golf Course
• NewTown Macon – The Mercer Triangle: Traffic, Retail, and Streetscape Re-design
• Christ Lutheran Church – Free Friday Lunch Program
• United Way of Central Georgia, Inc. – Community Investment Process Web-Based Support
• Out & Up, Inc. – After School Program
• Power Sources Unlimited, Inc. – TriniTee Golf Range Lawn Mower
• Rebuilding Together Macon, Inc. – Home Repair for Elderly and Disabled
• Wesleyan College – Wesleyan-Bibb TAPP Scholarship Program
• Southwest High School – Southwest Philharmonic Society

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February 27, 2008
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS AWARDED GRANTS FROM ATLANTIC SOUTHERN BANK ANNUAL GIVING FUND OF THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL GEORGIA

Macon, GA – At a press conference that was held on Tuesday, February 26, 2008, Tori Heard Park, LLC , and the Tubman African American Museum, were the first two recipients of grants awarded from the Atlantic Southern Bank Annual Giving Fund, one of two funds newly created at the Community Foundation of Central Georgia.

Tori Heard Park is a public park that is being built in honor of Tori Heard, an eight year old girl that was tragically killed in a car accident in October of 2006. With this park, the local community will enjoy an environment that will not only promote fitness and recreation, but will also foster friendships and strengthen families. Tori Heard Park will be located at 1415 Bass Road in Macon.

The Tubman African American Museum opened in 1985, and has become an essential educational and cultural resource for the state of Georgia and the entire Southeast Region. The Tubman African American Museum offers an array of exhibitions, programs, and publications focusing on African American art, history, and culture. The Museum is currently working on completing a brand-new 49,000 square foot museum located on Cherry Street in Downtown Macon.

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BB&T DONATES $50,000 TO SUPPORT THE MACON NOW! CAMPAIGN

November 27, 2007, Macon – Dating back to 1872, BB&T has built a tradition of excellence in community banking. At the heart of the corporation is a passion for giving back to the community in which it represents, including a recent, significant $50,000 gift to the Macon NOW! Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, part of a $250,000 pledge.

The Macon NOW! Fund was created in 2005 as a component fund of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. As part of a five-year program of the Macon Economic Development Commission (MEDC) to create a more dynamic local community, the Macon NOW! strategy is providing the direction and generating the resources that will significantly enhance the effectiveness of both the MEDC and the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce. The three main initiatives – existing business retention and expansion, new business development, and a comprehensive awareness campaign will all help create 8,400 more jobs for Macon and Bibb County. Financial resources were the only limitation and the Macon NOW! $2.5 million campaign has been the answer.

“Part of our mission at BB&T is to make the communities in which we work better places to be,” said Scott Seigel, BB&T President. “Our commitment to Macon NOW! and the work that the MEDC is doing helps us to fulfill this tenant of our mission statement and we are honored to give back to the community that we work and live in.”  

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September 21, 2007
AT&T DONATES $10,000 TO SUPPORT THE AL LUCAS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

MACON – AT&T, the largest communications holding company in the United States and worldwide, has donated $10,000 to the Community Foundation of Central Georgia for the Al Lucas Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The Al Lucas Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2005 at the Community Foundation of Central Georgia by the Lucas Family. Many others in the community, and beyond, have made contributions to the Fund in loving memory of Al Lucas, a Macon native and extraordinary athlete who played, most recently, for the Los Angeles Avengers in the Arena Football League. Al passed away on April 10, 2005, while making a tackle during a football game.

“[Al’s} concern for young people will continue over the years to touch an ever-widening circle of young lives” through this Scholarship Fund, stated De’Shonda Lucas, Al Lucas’ widow.

AT&T has a proud heritage of corporate social responsibility that will continue to be an integral part of the company's future. AT&T and its employees are committed to enriching and strengthening the communities they serve through financial support and volunteerism.

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August 17, 2007
The Naomi Knowles Cravey Memorial Scholarship Fund

(McRAE, Ga.) – A new scholarship to benefit graduates of Telfair County High School has been established in the honor of a retired Telfair County educator.

The Naomi Knowles Cravey Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the 34-year teaching career of Naomi K. Cravey who passed away April 4, 2007, in her Milan, Ga. home. Mrs. Cravey began her teaching career in 1947 at Progress School in the old Temperance Community. In 1986 she retired from Milan Elementary and later taught at Ocmulgee Academy in Lumber City until she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 1987.

“Mama loved to teach, but she also loved sharing stories with her family about how much post-secondary education changed her life forever,” said Eric Cravey, her son who established the Fund to benefit students in Telfair County. “I felt this was the most appropriate way to honor Mama’s legacy of loving others and loving learning while helping Telfair County students have a chance to change their lives in the same way Mama’s life was changed.”

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia, a tax-deductible, non-profit philanthropic organization based in Macon, Ga. where the Fund is housed, is accepting donations from those who knew and loved Mrs. Cravey. With a goal of raising $10,000 by April 2008, the Fund will then be able to award its first scholarship in Mrs. Cravey’s honor. The Fund was established to provide scholarship assistance to any student who graduated from Telfair County High in the past three years, as well as current graduating seniors.

“The Community Foundation of Central Georgia is honored to partner with the Cravey family to honor Naomi Knowles Cravey’s tremendous teaching legacy in Telfair County,” said Kathryn Dennis, President of the Community Foundation.  “All of us can name ‘that special teacher’ who changed our life, and Naomi Cravey was that teacher for so many!  An education is a gift that lasts a lifetime, and this scholarship fund ensures that many Telfair County students will receive that gift for generations to come.”

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July 31, 2007

$196,215 IN RESPONSIVE GRANTS MADE BY THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL GEORGIA

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia recently awarded $196,215.00 to organizations in Central Georgia, to benefit a variety of causes in the areas of arts and culture; children, youth and families; education; health and human services; and historic preservation. The following organizations received grants from the Community Foundation in July 2007:

Advocates for Alzheimer’s Care, Dublin – Kitchen Installation at the Lighthouse Adult Day Care; American Red Cross, Central Georgia – Bibb County Disaster Relief, Equipment, and Training; Big Brothers Big Sisters Heart of Georgia – Mentoring Children of Promise Program; Boy Scouts of America, Central Georgia Council – Operation ScoutReach Program; Capitol Theatre – Stage Rigging System; CASA of Houston County – Training for Volunteer Advocates; Central Georgia CASA – Advocacy for Victims of Child Abuse and Neglect; Community Health Works – Renovation of the Family Investment Center; Education First – Project Initiatives in Bibb County Schools; Federated Garden Clubs of Macon – Roof Repair of the Garden Center; Friends of the Cannonball House – Security and Plumbing Upgrades; Georgia Music Hall of Fame – Development of Educational Programs; Girl Scouts of Middle Georgia – Direct Delivery Program; Hay House – Capital Equipment for Collections and Education Programs; Macon Volunteer Clinic – Diabetic and Obesity Care Services; The Mentors Project of Bibb County – Life Skills Program; Middle Georgia REACT – Motorola Digital Radio for Mobile Command Post; Museum of Arts and Sciences – Along the Ocmulgee Exhibition; Nutcracker of Middle Georgia – Costume Replacement; Peach Regional Medical Center – Support for a Lab Information System; Rainbow House Children’s Resource Center – Expansion of the First Steps Program; Ronald McDonald House – Expansion of Facility and Services; Theatre Macon – Youth Actors Company Programming

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July 25, 2007
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL GEORGIA
WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia welcomes the addition of the following new Board members:

J. Marc Albertson
Camille Hope
T. Alfred Sams, Jr.
George E. Youmans, Jr.

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia also bids farewell to the following Board members who rotated off the board after many years of dedicated service:

Mardie R. Herndon, Jr.
Monty W. Rogers

July 14, 2007

Community Foundation of Central Georgia Announces $57 Million Milestone

Macon – The Community Foundation of Central Georgia proudly announces an exciting Foundation milestone: As of June 30, 2007, CFCG has over $57 million in total assets. Thanks to the Foundation’s generous fund holders, countless supporters and community partners, CFCG exceeded its challenging $50 million goal in just four years, one year shy of the organization’s 15-year anniversary.

What is even more exciting is how this growth has impacted the 14-county Central Georgia community. Since 1993 CFCG has awarded over $27 million in grants to non-profit organizations for a variety of causes and programs.

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June 11, 2007

The 40th Anniversary Commemorating the Life and Legacy of Otis Redding

Evening of Respect Tribute Concert

An international star known for hits including "These Arms of Mine" and "Mr. Pitiful", 26-year-old Otis Redding's untimely death on December 10, 1967, shocked music fans around the world. December 2007 will mark 40 years since the legendary singer's passing. The Redding Family has partnered with the State of Georgia, The Georgia Department of Tourism, The Georgia Music Hall of Fame, The Soulsville Foundation, which manages The Stax Museum of American Soul Music, corporate and entertainment entities, and fans world-wide to present a series of events commemorating Redding's life and the enduring influence of his music, most of which he wrote and produced at the Stax Studios in Memphis, TN, who are also celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.

On September 14th, the musical tribute "An Evening of Respect & The Legacy Continues" will be held at the Grand Opera House and will feature sons Dexter and Otis Redding, III performing with a host of celebrity guests, and backed by the Macon Symphony Orchestra and the Bar-Kays.

The event is a fundraiser for The "Big ‘O’ Youth Educational Dream Foundation Fund" of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. The mission of the "Big ‘O’ Youth Educational Dream Foundation Fund” is to empower and enlighten youth to remain confident and motivated through programs related to music and the arts. "The Foundation is significant of a dream Otis had to encourage young people to stay in school,” Zelma Redding stated. "He had already developed programs to be held at our ranch where he invited people from all aspects of the music industry to lecture on the importance of education and learning. He would tell me, ‘If it takes music to get the attention of these young people, then let's educate them through music.’"
In addition to the concert, the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, which inducted Redding in 1981, will curate an exclusive photography exhibition documenting the Redding's life and career. The exhibit, aptly named "I've Got Dreams To Remember: The Life Of Otis Redding In Pictures", will open at the Macon museum on September 14, 2007, and will travel to other museums throughout the United States later in the year.
For more information, please visit www.otisredding.com. For ticket information, please call the Macon Symphony Orchestra at (478) 301-5300.

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April 16, 2007

Significant Gift Establishes Peggy Jones Fellowship for the
Federated Garden Clubs of Macon Endowment Fund


Macon natives, Bill Jones, Cindy and Doug Jones, Tava and Bruce Jones, and Barbara and Marty Foshee recently made a significant gift to the Federated Garden Clubs of Macon Endowment Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. Honoring their late wife and mother, Mrs. Peggy Jones, the Jones family was honored as the inaugural Peggy Jones Fellows by Heidi Ream, past president of the Garden Center, and Kathryn Dennis, President of the Community Foundation. Peggy Jones Fellows are those donors who have contributed $10,000 or more to the Endowment Fund.

Mrs. Peggy Jones generously shared her talents for the purpose of preserving the beauty and historic character of her adopted home of Macon. She was instrumental in supporting the Federated Garden Clubs of Macon, Inc. in maintaining its historic headquarters house by giving many hours assisting with plant sales, auctions, flower shows, and promoting use of the house by individuals for special events. She was also known as a gentle and knowledgeable advisor to Federation officers.

In 2001 the Federation Board realized that a more stable source of funding was needed to provide continual upkeep for the lovely structure that was home to the Federation and used by garden clubs as well as the broader community for a wide variety of activities. Located in the historic district of Macon, the Center is the former family home of Mr. Joseph N. Neel and was designed by the world-renown architect, and Macon native, Neel Reid.  The mission of the Federation is to coordinate the interests of the Garden Clubs of Macon and to bring them into closer relations of mutual helpfulness, to promote the love of gardening, to promote the study of horticulture, to encourage civic development and beautification, and to promote conservation and environmental protection.


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March 26, 2007

Coffee County Businessman Gives $1,000,000 to Help Drive Local Economic Development

Bob Porter, Chairman of the Community Foundation of Coffee County, announced the gift of $1,000,000 from Francis M. Lott, President of Lott Properties, to the Foundation’s Douglas-Coffee County Economic Development Fund.
 
Mr. Porter stated, “We are honored that Francis Lott chose to make this unique gift to the Community Foundation.  As a lifelong resident of Coffee County, he has been a tireless champion of economic development.    This endowment is a major milestone and will significantly strengthen the economic development activities of our community, helping give us the competitive edge. Mr. Lott deeply believes that creating jobs is the foundation for prosperity, and, by contributing to this fund, he is increasing his personal commitment to the future of our community.”
 
Luke Morgan, President of the Douglas-Coffee County Economic Development Authority, added “We are honored to receive this support from Francis Lott.  He has been visionary in all economic development activities in our community and has provided leadership for our community’s recognized economic achievements.  He has represented us with distinction on both a local and state level for many years.  This is a significant gift to the Community Foundation and will be important to creating and sustaining a better community now and in the future through job growth.”

Ben Evans, Chairman of the Douglas Chamber of Commerce added, “It has been my privilege to witness Francis Lott’s outstanding leadership and commitment to Chamber activities that have led to some rather remarkable economic achievements in our community. I hope others will join me in recognizing this gift as one that can make a real difference today and for generations to come.”

The Douglas-Coffee County Economic Development Fund was established by the Community Foundation as a culmination of the efforts and recommendations of a committee composed of representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Authority and the Community Foundation. These efforts followed the recognition of a need for a charitable funding vehicle over the past several years by members of our community involved in economic development. The Economic Development Fund is a Field of Interest fund established by the Community Foundation as a vehicle through which persons interested in supporting and enhancing economic development in the community can lend their financial support. “Field of Interest” funds are charitable funds from which grants are limited to the specific purposes, in this case economic development, for which the fund has been created.

Mr. Porter added, “We hope the Economic Development Fund will serve as a model for other donors and other communities.  The Community Foundation will award grants from the Fund to charitable or governmental organizations for the purpose of helping bring new jobs to our area through new and existing industries.  Grants will be used to enhance, not replace, funding already in place.” 

Donor, Francis Lott commented, “I was born and raised in Douglas/Coffee County. I love this community. It is my home. It is also a great place to live, work and raise families – and, it is growing! In the mid-seventies, I was given the opportunity to serve a two-year term as Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce. During that time, I came to realize that economic development is essential to the success of a community, and the energized involvement of civic-minded citizens is vital to those efforts. Over the thirty years since and along with others, I have worked as a volunteer to help drive improved growth for Douglas/Coffee County. I resolutely believe that creating jobs drives growth, and growth drives everything - we must continue to grow as a community, or we will die. My own involvement has been a passionate, enjoyable and immensely rewarding experience. With this endowment, I am increasing my personal commitment to local economic development. If successful, I will be well-pleased, and this donation will be well-served. I also hope others will be motivated to contribute to the Economic Development Fund of the Douglas/Coffee County Community Foundation.”
 
Francis Lott graduated from Georgia Tech in 1959 with a degree in architecture and returned to Douglas in 1963 after completing his ROTC obligation as a Captain in the USAF. He has served as a Chamber and community "volunteer" since 1975, helping drive improved economic growth for Douglas/Coffee County, particularly in recruitment of new industry. He was named the Statewide Volunteer of the Year for 1995 by the Georgia Economic Development Association. He is the recipient of numerous other awards and honors recognizing his tireless service to various organizations, including Ben-Hill Irwin Tech, Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce, Southeast Georgia Regional Development Council, and the Lion’s Club. He is an organizing Director for Douglas National Bank, serves on the Boards of Directors for East Central Technical College Foundation, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, is a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Coffee County Community Foundation and is a member of the Georgia Tech Presidential Scholarship Committee. Mr. Lott is married to the former Diane Vickers, also of Douglas. They have four grown children, Jeffrey, Kirby, Mary Jane and Allyson.

The Community Foundation of Coffee County was founded in 2002 with the mission of advancing philanthropy and connecting people who care with causes that matter. Its total assets now exceed $3,000,000, including the Economic Development Fund. Other funds managed by the Community Foundation include donor advised funds, an organizational endowment, and an unrestricted fund.

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February 5, 2007

$179,500 IN RESPONSIVE GRANTS MADE BY THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL GEORGIA

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia recently awarded $179,500.00 to organizations in Central Georgia, to benefit a variety of causes, including children, youth, and families; arts and culture; and education. The following organizations received grants from the Community Foundation in January 2007:

• Boys and Girls Club of Central Georgia – General Support
• Camp Little Shot – May 2007 Summer Camp
• Communities in Schools – Performance Learning Centers
in Baldwin and Bibb Counties
• Family Counseling Center – Counseling and Therapeutic Programs
• First Tee of Macon – Driving Range Construction for Macon Youth
• Georgia Children’s Museum – Development of Museum Store
• Georgia Industrial Children’s Home –
Weekend Wilderness/Independent Living Program
• Hospice of Central Georgia – Child’s Heart Children’s Bereavement Program
• Houston County YMCA – Business and Technology Enhancement Project
• Macon Area Habitat for Humanity – Land Development Fund
• Macon Economic Development Commission – Macon NOW! Campaign
• Macon Symphony Orchestra – Symphony in the Park
• Macon/Bibb Citizen Advocacy – Citizen Advocacy Expansion
• Macon-Bibb Convention & Visitors Bureau –
Revitalization of Trailways Bus Station
• Manna Ministries – Manna Youth Summer Opportunity Program (MYSOP)
• Mercer University – CSI Mercer: Hands-on Lab
• Methodist Home for Children and Youth – Building Renovation
• Miracle League of Macon – Peyton Anderson Miracle Field
• Museum of Aviation – Educational Programming
• NewTown Macon – 2007 Fundraising Campaign
• Out & Up, Inc. – Summer Enrichment Camp and After School Program
• Tubman African American Museum – Arts Education and Outreach

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia was founded in 1993 by a group of citizens interested in encouraging philanthropy and strengthening communities. Since then, the Foundation has awarded over $22 Million in grants through its donor advised, unrestricted, designated, field-of-interest, scholarship, and agency endowment funds. As a local center for philanthropy, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia works with individuals, families, corporations, private foundations and non-profit organizations to carry out their charitable objectives and address emerging community issues. It is one of more than 650 community foundations in the country. The responsive grant application deadlines each year are April 15 and October 1. Applications may be downloaded from our website, www.cfcga.org.

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December 18, 2006

New Opportunity to Donate IRA Assets

Macon – Recently signed legislation (HR4) that focuses on pension fund issues also includes a number of items related to charitable giving.

One provision of this law provides a unique opportunity to use retirement plan assets to make a significant gift to an organization or cause. Specifically, the new law permits people who have reached the age of 70 ? to exclude from income up to $100,000 per year in retirement plan assets if it is contributed to a qualifying charity. These IRA charitable rollovers will be allowed in 2006 and 2007 only, and the gifts must be made from an IRA and not from any other type of retirement plan.

The new law makes no change to the rules that govern charitable requests of IRA assets, either outright to charities or to deferred giving arrangements. Such transactions have qualified for favorable income tax consequences in the past and will continue to be an attractive planning strategy in the future. The new law only changes the rules for lifetime charitable gifts from IRAs.

For more information on this opportunity, you can contact your attorney, CPA, or the Community Foundation of Central Georgia at (478) 750-9338.


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October 18, 2006

HAZLE HAMILTON NAMED 2006 HULL FELLOW

Macon – Hazle Hamilton, Chief Financial Officer of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, has been named a 2006 Hull Fellow, participating in the Southeastern Council of Foundations’ Hull Fellows Program. The Program was initiated in 2000 to nurture and inspire the Southeast's next generation of philanthropic leaders. It is a selective program that reaches out to foundation staff and trustees who have demonstrated strong leadership capabilities in their careers and their communities. It is designed to provide program participants with opportunities for professional and personal growth. Mrs. Hamilton will be recognized and will graduate from the Program this November at the Southeastern Council of Foundations' annual meeting in Savannah.

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August 23, 2006

$150,500 IN RESPONSIVE GRANTS MADE BY THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL GEORGIA

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia recently awarded $150,500.00 to organizations in Central Georgia, to benefit a variety of causes, including education, arts and culture, and economic development. The following organizations received grants from the Community Foundation in July 2006:

• Alexander II PTA – updated science lab materials
• Centenary United Methodist Church – adult literacy education and GED preparedness
• Center for Racial Understanding – start-up funds for new Center
• Federated Garden Clubs of Macon, Inc. – purchase and installation of commercial dishwasher
• Girl Scouts of Middle Georgia – Direct Delivery of Girl Scout program
• The Golden Rule – updated living quarters
• Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia – capital campaign
• Macon Arts Alliance – technology upgrade
• Macon Volunteer Clinic – cervical cancer screening/medication formulary
• MedCen Community Health Foundation – Nurse Family Partnership program
• Middle Georgia Community Food Bank – new storage facility
• Middle Georgia Tennis Foundation – court re-construction at JDS tennis facility
• Mother and Child Ministries – life skills program
• Museum of Arts and Sciences – educational programming for children

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia was founded in 1993 by a group of citizens interested in encouraging philanthropy and strengthening communities. Since then, the Foundation has awarded over $22 Million in grants through its donor advised, unrestricted, designated, field-of-interest, scholarship, and agency endowment funds. As a local center for philanthropy, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia works with individuals, families, corporations, private foundations and non-profit organizations to carry out their charitable objectives and address emerging community issues. It is one of more than 650 community foundations in the country. The responsive grant application deadlines each year are April 15 and October 1. An application may be downloaded from our website, www.cfcga.org.

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July 17, 2006

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL GEORGIA WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia welcomed the addition of the following new and returning board members:

Dr. Alvin D. Sewell, M.D., Physician
Mrs. Mary A. Comer, Community Volunteer
Mr. Malcolm S. Burgess, Jr., Business Owner
Mr. Melvin I. Kruger, Business Owner
Mr. Rett Walker, President, Security Bank

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia also bid farewell to the following board members who rotated off the board after many years of dedicated service:

Mr. Virgil Adams
Mr. James B. Patton
Mr. Robert F. Hatcher
Ms. Jo W. Wilbanks

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia was founded in 1993 by a group of citizens interested in encouraging philanthropy and strengthening communities. Since then, the Foundation has awarded over $18 million in grants through its donor advised, unrestricted (responsive), designated, field-of-interest, scholarship, and agency endowment funds. As a local center for philanthropy, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia works with individuals, families, corporations, private foundations and not-for-profit organizations to carry out their charitable objectives and address emerging community issues. It is one of more than 700 community foundations in the country.


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July 17, 2006

Council on Foundations Recognizes the Community Foundation of Central Georgia for Compliance with National Accountability Standards

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia is being recognized for having organizational and financial practices that are in accordance with the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations. The Council on Foundation and leaders of the community foundation field created the National Standards in 2000 to aid community foundations in establishing legal, ethical, and effective operational practices that would show the foundations’ transparency and financial responsibility in light of the increased public scrutiny of foundation practices. In addition, National Standards were developed to distinguish community foundations from other philanthropic vehicles, build the capacity of community foundations to carry out their missions, and assist the field with self-regulation in a manner viewed positively by the Internal Revenue Service.

Intended boy as a blueprint for internal organizational development and as a tangible set of benchmarks for external assessment of performance, the 43 National Standards address six key areas:
• Mission, Structure, and Governance
• Resource Development
• Stewardship and Accountability
• Grantmaking and Community Leadership
• Donor Relations
• Communications

U.S. Community Foundations serve tens of thousands of donors and administer more than $39 billion in charitable funds. Of the nearly 700 community foundations in the United States, over 500 have pledged to comply with National Standards.

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia was founded in 1993 by a group of citizens interested in encouraging philanthropy and strengthening communities. Since then, the Foundation has awarded over $18 million in grants through its donor advised, unrestricted (responsive), designated, field-of-interest, scholarship, and agency endowment funds. As a local center for philanthropy, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia works with individuals, families, corporations, private foundations and not-for-profit organizations to carry out their charitable objectives and address emerging community issues.

The council on Foundations is a Washington, D.C. based nonprofit membership association of more than 2,000 grantmaking foundations and corporations. The Council provides the opportunity, leadership, and tools needed by philanthropic organizations to expand, enhance, and sustain their ability to advance the common good. For more information on the Council, visit the organization’s website at www.cof.org.


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June 23, 2006

ATLANTA GAS LIGHT ESTABLISHES CHARITABLE FUND WITH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL GEORGIA

Atlanta Gas Light and the Community Foundation of Central Georgia will host a press conference and light breakfast on Tuesday, June 27, 2006, at 8:45 a.m. at the Community Foundation’s office in the Peyton Anderson Community Services Building at 277 MLK Jr. Blvd., Suite 303. AGL Resources Private Foundation will present a check to establish The Atlanta Gas Light Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. The Fund will be used to support local charitable organizations. They will also award a grant to the Macon Now! Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. Harriette D. Watkins, President, AGL Resources Private Foundation , and Paul Leath, Atlanta Gas Light Company’s Regional Manager, will present the checks to CFCG President, Kathryn Dennis, and the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce’s President, Chip Cherry.

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia was founded in 1993 by a group of citizens interested in encouraging philanthropy and strengthening communities. Since then, the Foundation has awarded over $18 Million in grants through its donor advised, unrestricted (responsive), designated, field-of-interest, scholarship, and agency endowment funds. As a local center for philanthropy, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia works with individuals, families, corporations, private foundations and non-profit organizations to carry out their charitable objectives and address emerging community issues. It is one of more than 700 community foundations in the country.


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June 5, 2006

AL LUCAS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND AWARDS LOCAL SCHOLARS

MACON – For a second year, the Al Lucas Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded scholarship to graduating student athletes Bibb County Public High Schools. This year’s award winners were Arington O. Brown, III, Bryan D. Canady, Shaunta J. Hamilton, Willie B. Meadows, Shunquinese T. Dennis, and Anthony T. Burney. All of the recipients are outstanding students, athletes, and community-minded citizens.

The award winners were honored and presented trophies at an awards ceremony held on April 26, 2006, at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. The event was hosted by the Lucas Family, with proceeds going to the Al Lucas Memorial Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. David Baker, Commissioner of the Arena Football League, served as the keynote speaker.

The Al Lucas Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2005 at the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. Many supporters in the community, and beyond, have made contributions to the Fund in loving memory of Al Lucas, a Macon native and extraordinary athlete who played, most recently, for the Los Angeles Avengers in the Arena Football League. Al passed away on April 10, 2005, while making a tackle during a football game. For more information or to make a contribution to the Al Lucas Memorial Scholarship Fund, please contact the Community Foundation office at (478) 750-9338.

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia was founded in 1993 by a group of citizens interested in encouraging philanthropy and strengthening communities. Since then, the Foundation has awarded over $18 Million in grants through its donor advised, unrestricted (responsive), designated, field-of-interest, scholarship, and agency endowment funds. As a local center for philanthropy, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia works with individuals, families, corporations, private foundations and non-profit organizations to carry out their charitable objectives and address emerging community issues. It is one of more than 700 community foundations in the country.


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March 10, 2006

$125,000 IN RESPONSIVE GRANTS MADE BY THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL GEORGIA

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia recently awarded $125,000.00 to organizations in Central Georgia, to benefit a variety of causes, including education, historic preservation, arts and culture, and economic development. The following organizations received grants from
the Community Foundation in January 2006:

• Choral Society of Middle Georgia – choral music performances in Central Georgia
• Communities in Schools of Georgia – performance learning centers in Bibb and Baldwin
• Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Middle Georgia – pre-bankruptcy counseling
• Georgia Transplant Foundation – Macon satellite office and patient services allocation
• Historic Macon Foundation – headquarters project
• Houston County YMCA – member management software program
• Loaves & Fishes Ministry of Macon – Day Life Service and Adult Transitional Housing programs
• Macon Area Habitat for Humanity – Lynmore Estates neighborhood revitalization
• The Methodist Home for Children and Youth – van replacement
• MidSummer Macon, Inc. – Teacher’s Art Institute
• Nutcracker of Middle Georgia – replacement costumes
• Tubman African American Museum – operating support
• Wesleyan College – Pioneer Teachers Scholarships

Click here to read more about these projects in the February 2006 newsletter, "Partners in Philanthropy."

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia was founded in 1993 by a group of citizens interested in encouraging philanthropy and strengthening communities. Since then, the Foundation has awarded nearly $18 million in grants through its donor advised, unrestricted (responsive), designated, field-of-interest, scholarship, and agency endowment funds. As a local center for philanthropy, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia works with individuals, families, corporations, private foundations and not-for-profit organizations to carry out their charitable objectives and address emerging community issues. It is one of more than 650 community foundations in the country. The responsive grant application deadlines each year are April 15 and October 1.


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