The Community Foundation works closely with individual and family donors to strengthen their philanthropy and help them make smart investments in nonprofits. All of this begins with the dedication and hard work of our donors and their personal passion for philanthropy. Read below to learn more about how these extraordinary people are making a difference.
The Salwen Family
Hannah's Lunch Box Fund was inspired by a routine drive home in Atlanta. Fourteen-year-old Hannah was in the car with her father Kevin when she looked out the window to one side and noticed a homeless man who was often in this spot asking for help. She looked to her other side and saw a man driving a Mercedes and said to her dad, "If that man didn't have such a nice car, the homeless man over here could have a meal." And so began the Salwen family's exploration in selling half of their materials to contribute more to philanthropy.
Read MoreThe Giving Mutt Fund
Both Margaret and Bob Reiser were active in Atlanta’s nonprofit sector when they met. After they married, they decided to have their new blended family participate in a fund at The Community Foundation. In 2007, Margaret and Bob Reiser, her two children, his two children and their four respective spouses participated in their first family meeting.
Read MoreDavid Satcher
The spirit of giving was instilled in Dr. David Satcher very early on. “Growing up on a small farm in rural Alabama, I remember my mom taking milk from our cow to others, as well as the vegetables we grew,” he says. “We appreciated the fact that you were supposed to share with others.” This value has stayed with Dr. Satcher throughout his life and it’s one he has developed in his own family.
Read MoreEllen Macht
After deciding to retire from the corporate world, Ellen Macht began her pursuit into the nonprofit sector. She was looking for a way to directly impact the Atlanta community so she became a pro bono consultant for nonprofits and set up a donor-advised fund with The Community Foundation. With this fund, she is able to tackle what she believes are Atlanta’s greatest challenges.
Read MoreSunny Park
Growing up in Korea during the Korean War gave Sunny Park a great appreciation for the act of giving. After a simple donation of paper and pencils from a group of Americans, Sunny knew he would be an American giver. Sunny is now a major advocate for education and is sending school supplies to Iraqi children, hoping that they will have the same experience.
Read MoreDavid and Melanie Couchman
David and Melanie Couchman have been long time philanthropists. They have their own private foundation as well as a donor-advised fund with The Community Foundation. The Couchmans use this fund to assist organizations in the North Fulton area. Their goal is to create a sufficient and independent North Fulton community by giving financial, human, and intellectual support.
Read MoreSandy Morehouse
After moving to his family’s farm in Newton County, Sandy Morehouse saw a much broader need for philanthropy in his community. Sandy and a couple of friends got the idea of starting a local fund with The Community Foundationfor Newton County. Because of their efforts, the Newton Fund has received a lot of attention and is growing each year.
Read MoreAli Benveniste
Although she is only fifteen-years old, Ali Benveniste, has a passion for philanthropy. She volunteers at the Community Food Bank and the Zaban Night Shelter and she recently held an art auction for a Middle Eastern village. However, with The Community Foundation’s new program, Planet Philanthropy, Ali learned how she could do more.
Read MoreDeenie McKeever
Deenie McKeever knew she wanted to support the nonprofit “Horses for Heroes,” but didn’t know how. With help from The Community Foundation, Deenie was not only able to give money to this organization, she learned valuable knowledge about the best ways to get involved in philanthropy and how to engage her family as well.
Read More