Our Story
We’re here to support you. Together, we’re stronger and can make a greater impact.
We are excited to announce that the Coweta Community Foundation, is now the Caring Communities Foundation.
The Coweta Community Foundation, Inc. was established in 1997 under the guidance of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber.
The Foundation was established to maintain the charitable intent of donors and to act as a catalyst to help focus local philanthropy on our community’s changing needs. The Foundation manages funds that directly support a variety of community interests such as women’s and children’s issues, public safety, education, and the arts.
Our History
In 1997, the first major project of the Foundation, Kids’ Castle Playground, was completed.
The Board didn’t stop with Kids’ Castle Playground. Little did they realize at the time, but they became visionaries.
Our Mission
The Foundation’s mission is to enhance our community’s quality of life by encouraging philanthropic interaction in local counties.
- We accept gifts of all sizes to empower individuals, families, corporations, non-profits, and communities to respond to the needs and opportunities that matter.
- We empower the Community through Grants and Education to non-profits, as well as supporting community impact programs through Donor Advised Funds and Fiscal Sponsorships.
Our Goals
Guided by its mission, the Foundation has the following goals:
- To be a catalyst for the establishment of endowments to benefit local communities now and into the future.
- To serve the varied interests and needs of donors.
- To provide leadership and resources in identifying and meeting communities needs.
- To serve as a steward of funds.
- To encourage collaboration among community organizations and agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Caring Communities Foundation?
The Caring Communities Foundation (CCF) is a 501(C)3 which abides by the Internal Revenue Service’s guidelines allowing local nonprofits to obtain tax-deductible donations and also funds grant requests within Coweta County. CCF was established in 1997 so that local projects could raise funds and offer tax-deductible giving to our local community. The Caring Communities Foundation exists so that we can leverage funds on an ongoing basis and spread the monies collected in a lasting effort to address the needs in our county. Caring Communities Foundation provide services – all in an area that the IRS has defined as tax-exempt – for three distinct constituencies: charitable donors, nonprofit organizations and the community-at-large.
How does the Caring Communities Foundation work?
The Caring Communities Foundation receives contributions large and small from various people within local communities. We then invest the money and manage the funds until needs arise in our communities. Then, we fund grants to local nonprofits which benefit local residents. We provide cost-effective administrative services to an assortment of donors and grow the collective endowments while also fulfilling the wishes of the donor.
What is the minimum donation?
We have no set limits on contributing. While some funds have a beginning threshold to start up, all contributions are accepted and placed in an issue-related fund or in the general grants fund. No gift is too small, and we promise you that we will pour these gifts back into local communities to enrich lives.
Where do my contributions go?
Your contributions support the Caring Communities Foundation’s goal to strengthen nonprofit organizations in local communities. Through our annual grants cycle, local nonprofits can apply for funding, including the Coweta Together Impact and Education grants, which open in the fall and are awarded in December. This support allows organizations to plan their annual budgets and continue their essential work in our communities.
Who do I contact with questions about the Caring Communities Foundation?
Please contact us at info@cowetafoundation.org. Also, please visit our website, www.cowetafoundation.org, or our Facebook page for more information.
What other charitable giving options do I have?
There are several through Caring Communities Foundation. Please contact the Foundation to find out what is available for you and your family to carry out your current charitable desires or to leave a legacy for the nonprofits in local communities. The Caring Communities Foundation can tailor plans to meet you and your family’s charitable needs.
What do I receive for my tax preparation at year end?
What are the advantages of using the Caring Communities Foundation rather than a private foundation?
CCF has a fund available for an individual, family or corporation, which we call a Donor-Advised Fund.
- CCF process is much easier and less expensive, as there are no setup costs and minimums of as low as $1,000 to start. With low administrative costs, more of your money helps fulfill your true wishes.
- CCF process is easier and less expensive to maintain. Our administrative fees are prorated among all funds, and the expense is shared.
- CCF can provide a greater tax deduction.
- CCF has easy access to information about local nonprofits seeking support.
- CCF is able to take donations of stock options, real estate, securities, insurance policies, etc. without most standard IRS limitations.
- CCF allows you to give on your own timeline and not a mandated schedule.
- Avoids the 1-2% excise tax on investment income.
Do you have resources to help nonprofits already serving Coweta citizens?
Yes. We host training events, provide support by connecting nonprofits to one another or with partners who can assist with administrative needs. We also organize an annual Nonprofit Summit to further empower local nonprofits. Please visit our Nonprofit Resources tab for more information on available tools for established nonprofit agencies.
I (or someone I know) am in need of assistance, do you provide grants to individuals?
No. However, please visit our Community Resources tab and see The Coweta Family Connection Community Resource Guide. This guide can help you find assistance and services here in Coweta.
Financial Information
This group of individuals quickly recognized that we had nonprofit agencies in our community that found it financially impossible to apply for and receive their 501(c)(3) status, so the Board decided to become a Fiscal Sponsor. The Board was able to extend our nonprofit status to three nonprofit agencies — CLICK (Certified Literate Is Coweta’s Key), our Adult Education program; Coweta FERST Foundation; and Stepping Stones. These visionaries were able to give these much-needed agencies the ability for their donors to deduct their contributions and for these agencies to apply for grants to bring funds to Coweta to support their wonderful programs.
Not too long after that, The Centre for Performing and Visual Arts of Coweta County came under the wing of The Foundation as well. By providing them the same platform as we did the first three groups, The Centre for Performing and Visual Arts Board of Directors was able to acquire funds from The Lauren Stepaniak Foundation and The Thomas McKeehan Estate, both of which provided funds for string instruments and the beautiful Steinway piano.