Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta

Did you know The Atlanta Women's Foundation (AWF) began as a fund at the Community Foundation? Founded in 1986 as the Atlanta Women’s Fund, AWF promoted women’s issues, educated women about philanthropy, and prepared them to serve on nonprofit boards. In 1998, the Fund became the independent Atlanta Women’s Foundation we know today. A year before becoming independent, AWF launched its signature annual fundraiser — the Numbers Too Big to Ignore Luncheon — to fuel programs that improve the lives of women and girls across metro Atlanta. The inaugural event in 1997 featured iconic speakers Jane Fonda and Gloria Steinem. When AWF celebrated the luncheon’s 20th anniversary, both trailblazers returned to commemorate the milestone. Learn more about the Atlanta Women’s Foundation on its website for #WomensHistoryMonth: www.atlantawomen.org

#FundingOpportunity: Nathan Cummings Foundation is looking to connect with new partners advancing impact in racial, economic, and environmental justice, particularly in the US South.? Their grants will support organizations working to foster civic engagement; build worker power; close the racial wealth gap; reduce environmental harms; create an inclusive green economy; and more. Most of their new funding will be focused in 13 states in the US South, including GA, LA, & SC. Deadline to apply: June 30.?

In celebration of Women’s History Month, meet the inspiring women who lead on our Board! Kelli Stewart shares how she sees the role of women in philanthropy and leadership evolving: "Because I sit at the intersectionality of life, I show up not just as a woman but also as a Black American woman. From that lens, what I want to see is more Black women sharing the pathway to philanthropic leadership with other Black women. As Black people in general, most of our involvement in direct service philanthropy comes from the pain of lived experiences. What we often don't get a taste of, though, is the behind-the-scenes parts of philanthropy. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley said, ‘People who are closest to the pain, should be closest to the power.’ Black women who have been closest to the pain in our country need to be where policy and thought leadership live in the philanthropic sector. We are essential to ensuring that the voices of the counted out are heard." How do you see women shaping the future of philanthropy? Join the conversation in the comments and celebrate the power of women leading change.

Women are set to inherit and control trillions of dollars in the coming decade, and their approach to philanthropy (more generous, collaborative, and impact-driven) will reshape charitable giving. Advisors who engage women in these conversations, prioritize their philanthropic interests, and understand the nuances of charitable giving will build stronger, lasting client relationships. Check out our blog for suggestions: https://lnkd.in/eJ6Xbn7F

As reported in Financial Investment News (https://lnkd.in/eGyzvby9), Mark Sutton, vice-president and chief financial officer for the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, is set to retire from the region’s leading institute for social impact at the end of the first quarter of 2025. Concluding an impressive 40-year career spanning nonprofit and governmental accounting, Sutton has played a pivotal role on the leadership team of the Foundation since 2022 and has been instrumental in guiding its financial strategy and the evolution of its business lines post the pandemic. Frank Fernandez, President and CEO of the Foundation, commented, "It is with mixed emotions that we share Mark’s retirement. While we are excited for Mark to begin this next chapter---with his grandkids, his love for flying and his astronomy club, we also want to acknowledge the tremendous impact he has had on the Foundation. Under Mark’s Six-Sigma leadership style, our financial position has never been stronger, we’ve successfully outsourced a chief investment officer model and built compliance systems for clean audits. We are grateful for Mark’s expertise and commitment to excellence." Looking ahead, the Foundation has initiated a comprehensive search process (https://lnkd.in/eA2mYvvn) for a successor and is committed to a seamless transition to ensure seamless continuity in its financial leadership. “I have been privileged to work alongside talented colleagues at the Community Foundation, and I think highly of this organization, as well as its generous donors,” said Sutton. “With my wife Terri, I am excited for the next phase of life, and am grateful to have had the opportunity to raise the financial fidelity of the Foundation to new heights, serving our donors and the region to make Atlanta better for all.”

Atlanta just dropped from 49th to 50th in economic mobility among major U.S. cities - dead last. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for action to create pathways to opportunity for all. “A commitment to a long-term concerted action is key,” said Foundation president and CEO Frank Fernandez. Read more about the challenges we face and why action is urgent in the SaportaReport: https://lnkd.in/gYAfyjnh

State & local governments have more power than they realize to transform housing ecosystems.?Today, the National Housing Crisis Task Force released the first 6 tools in the State and Local Housing Action Plan. The Plan serves as?a guide for communities to implement the tools NOW and a roadmap to identify how these innovations can be scaled more rapidly in more places to create more attainable housing.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, meet the inspiring women who lead on our Board! Margaret Stagmeier shares how her community service network connected her with strong, talented women who helped shape her leadership skills: “Community service has been an essential part of my career, and a critical element of my success as a woman real estate investor and nonprofit founder. When I started my career, there were no women leaders in my international realtor network, so I had to get creative to find she-counselors. Fortunately, my community service network provided access to many strong, talented women, who generously provided a blueprint for life skills such as fundraising, fiscal responsibility, marketing and public relations and expanding my leadership competence. The exposure to people is the best part of community service. I’ve personally grown through my friendships with people from all income levels, faiths, backgrounds and professions who bring kindness and shared community passion. I would like to say that I have generously contributed to our community through service, but the reality is the community has reciprocated exponentially.” How has a woman in your life shaped your leadership journey? Share your story in the comments below!

Join the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law on Tuesday, March 4, from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM (EST) for a critical discussion, "Executive Dis-Order: How the Trump Administration is Weaponizing Executive Orders to Dismantle Civil Rights." In his first 30 days back in office, President Trump has issued dozens of executive orders aimed at reversing decades of progress. Our expert panel will examine these actions, their implications, and the steps we can take to push back. Register for this virtual event today: https://lnkd.in/e7MuP77m. Join our panel of legal and policy experts as they break it all down: - Damon T. Hewitt, President & Executive Director, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law - Dariely Rodriguez, Acting Co-Chief Counsel, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law - Shatorah Roberson, Senior Policy Counsel, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law - Jean Tom, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP - Susan Taylor Batten, CEO & President, ABFE. A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities We must stay informed and engaged—our civil rights depend on it Don't miss this critical conversation! #CivilRights #ExecutiveOrders

March is #WomensHistoryMonth and this year's theme is "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations." Women have been catalysts for change across every industry, shaping our communities, mentoring future leaders and driving progress. Let’s take a moment to recognize the incredible women who inspire us. Who has played a pivotal role in your journey? Share in the comments and tag a mentor, leader or colleague who deserves a shoutout! ??