Founded in 1993, The Cobb Community Foundation (CCF) is a philanthropic foundation through which individuals, families, organizations and corporations, support the well-being of our community. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, CCF invests in solutions to solve Cobb County’s civic, educational, health, human service, and cultural challenges.

Strategic Philanthropy — Doing More with Less

Ronald H. Francis • President, First Landmark Bank

As I begin my term as Cobb Community Foundation Board Chairman (CCF), the same economic realities and challenges that confront the business world are also being faced by foundations, non-profits and universities everywhere. The essential question of how to remain focused on our mission while doing more with less can be daunting. With decreased assets, we have utilized new thinking and more efficient use of existing resources to remain on mission during this difficult economic period.
In a recent issue of The Chronicle of Philanthropy (2/11/10), it is predicted that the number of active U.S. donors making strategic gifts will continue to grow during the next few years even while the economy is still trying to stabilize. Although the total amounts of individual, foundation and corporate gifts will reflect an overall decrease in assets, most donors will continue to want maximum flexibility and strategic thinking in putting their philanthropic dollars to work. They will continue to be interested in addressing solutions ranging from their own local issues to regional, national and global targeted giving. In addition, according to the report, there will be a new emphasis of donors partnering with other donors for maximum impact as well as seeking grant-making opportunities to qualified organizations domestically and internationally.
A community foundation offers an ideal vehicle for this type of strategic philanthropy. That is one of the reasons my wife, Claire, and I decided to establish a Donor-Advised Fund at CCF. CCF assists us in distributing our charitable giving to local organizations and to other entities where we have an interest. They have also consulted with us on the ability to take maximum tax advantage for our contribution.
CCF donors are primarily located in Cobb County, but their philanthropic giving has a much broader geographic footprint. During the past four years their contributions, totaling nearly $4 million dollars, have supported a broad range of organizations locally, in the U.S., and abroad. I hope you will keep CCF in mind as you plan your giving in the days and months ahead.