Organizational Endowment Funds

Endowments provide a perpetual source of operating funds for non-profit organizations. Buildings may crumble and people will come and go, but endowments last. Listed below are the local organizations who have established endowment funds at the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. Also included are brief descriptions of each organization’s purpose, mission, and goals for the future. If you would like more information on any of these organizations, please contact the Community Foundation office at (478) 750-9338.

Central Georgia Opera Guild Fund—The Central Georgia Opera Guild is dedicated to the presentation of live opera in the Central Georgia community through cultivating an interest in and appreciation of opera as an art form. The Guild organizes programs annually, including performances by opera companies of high artistic quality, develops youth educational events and workshops, attracts talented, enthusiastic volunteers, and has created an endowment to insure the continuity of opera performances in our community.

Family Counseling Center Endowment Fund—Established in 1957 by the Junior League of Macon and the United Way of Central Georgia, FCC has licensed therapists trained in psychology, family therapy and social work. FCC offers marital and family therapy, victim counseling, programs for divorcing parents, adoption and custody evaluations, therapeutic educational programs and a juvenile court program designed to help parents deal with the unruly behavior of their children. For more information, please visit their website at www.fcccg.org.

Federated Garden Clubs of Macon Endowment Fund—FGC Macon is located in the historic Neel Reid designed Joseph N. Neel house and has been for over fifty years. A recent recipient of the GAP grant, FGC Macon is currently looking for partners with its 2008 Traveling Neel Reid Tour. The mission of FGC Macon 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. The house is open to the public for tours and special events, and is also used for Garden Club activities. Please visit their website at www.fgcmacon.org.

Friends of the Grand Fund—The Friends of the Grand Fund is an endowment that was established in 1985, by generous volunteers and supporters in an effort to secure the ongoing operation of Macon's historic treasure, The Grand Opera House. The Fund was moved to the Community Foundation in 2001 and is to benefit the maintenance and operational and capital improvement needs of The Grand.

Georgia Industrial Children’s Home Fund—For many years the Home’s Farm provided eggs, meat, and produce to homes and merchants throughout Central Georgia, as well as a place for thousands of children to call “home.” Over one hundred years later that Home is still dedicated to serving abused, abandoned, and neglected children and adolescents. The problems children face have become more complicated, but Rev. Mumford's vision is evolving to meet those challenges. The Home today provides a safe and nurturing environment for children with no other place to go, while giving them the opportunities to learn skills that allow them to become productive Georgia citizens. The Home works on three different levels: Therapeutic Foster Care, Long Term Residential Treatment, and Immediate Care for children in crisis. Staff members work to develop children spiritually, emotionally, physically and educationally and also strive to create a homelike atmosphere for children who have suffered from serious abuse and who are emotionally disturbed. Please visit their website at www.gich.org for more information.

Girl Scouts Endowment Fund—The Girl Scouts of Middle Georgia's mission is "to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place". Girl Scouting offers young girls a variety of activities to choose from, including leadership development, summer camps, arts & crafts, outdoor adventures, marketing/financial experience and friendship building. For more information, please visit their website at www.gsmginc.org

The Grand Opera House Endowment Fund–The Grand is a performing arts center of Mercer University, is a historical 1,000-seat theatre located in downtown Macon. Built in 1884, The Grand is owned by Bibb County, but has been leased to Mercer University since 1995. The Grand brings the very best in live, professional performing arts and entertainment to Central Georgia. In addition to its popular Broadway Series of nationally-touring productions and its GrandKids Arts Education Series for elementary, middle and high school students, The Grand hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. It is also home to the Macon Symphony Orchestra, the Central Georgia Opera Guild and The Nutcracker of Middle Georgia. Please visit their website for more information.

Historic Rose Hill Cemetery Foundation Fund—Located on the banks of the Ocmulgee River, Historic Rose Hill Cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One of the oldest surviving cemetery parks in the U.S., Rose Hill houses a variety of monuments, including the family of Sidney Lanier, a confederate cemetery, members of The Allman Brothers Band and many more. The Foundation was created in order to fund the up-keep of this 164-year old landmark. The Endowment Fund will help preserve one of Macon’s great treasures. Please visit their website at www.rosehillcemetery.org.

Museum of Arts and Sciences Endowment Fund—In the 52 years since its founding by community leaders and volunteers, MAS has served as an educational and cultural resource for Central Georgia. It is a multi-disciplinary institution with a broad mission to interpret and exhibit objects of artistic, scientific and cultural value, and to organize related programming. Located on 18 acres of land in a facility of over 48,000 square feet, the Museum offers 12–15 changing exhibitions a year, specialized tours for over 15,000 school visitors, outreach programs, lectures, workshop, classes, daily planetarium shows and live animal programs, summer and holiday camps, and six Family Days annually. The Museum is a dynamic institution with programs designed to enhance community needs and address community interests. Please visit their website at www.masmacon.com

Nutcracker of Middle Georgia Fund—Founded in 1985, the Nutcracker’s mission is to stage the finest possible annual production of the magical “Nutcracker” Ballet. Each year dozens of dedicated people invest their time, talents, and financial resources to make possible this annual treat. The talented dancers, fantastic sets, and outstanding costumes are the culmination of a year-long process of planning and preparation. The end result significantly enriches the cultural life of this region, while rewarding those who take part with new friendships, valuable experiences gained and fond memories of an exuberant and touching performance. Please visit their website at www.midganutcracker.org.

The Shield Club Fund—The Shield Club was chartered in 1968 and is a service organization offers financial assistance to firemen, policemen, and peace officers in cases of extreme hardship or to their families in the event of their death. The Shield Club also grants yearly scholarships to officers and their children.

The United Way Endowment Fund—Serving 14 counties in central Georgia, The United Way began in 1922 as the Community Chest of Bibb County. The first campaign raised more than $60,000 to serve local non-profit agencies. By the end of the 1970’s, the annual giving campaign had reached a near $1 Million. Following a merger of local United Way organizations in 1989, The United Way of Central Georgia was formed and amazing growth and support followed. In 2006 The United Way raised $4.3 Million through its annual campaign and served more than 100,000 Central Georgians. Its mission is to mobilize the community to change lives and improve community conditions through agency programs that demonstrate measurable impact. For more information, please visit their website at www.unitedwaycg.com