Twenty non-profit organizations across Camden, Glynn, and McIntosh Counties were awarded a total of $200,000 in funding from the Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation’s (CCGF) Community Impact competitive award initiative.
The competitive award cycle underwent a few changes in 2024. For one, following the tragic passing of former CCGF Board member and active Community Impact Committee member, Bernard McCloud, the award was renamed to honor his memory and legacy within our Coastal Communities. Keeva Kase, CCGF President & CEO spoke to this change, “On behalf of the board of directors, fundholders, staff, and nonprofit partners, I want to thank Sheila McCloud for allowing Bernard’s legacy to continue at the Foundation through these awards. Bernard was a personal friend and mentor, and I know how much he cared so deeply about this work and our Coastal Georgia Communities. These worthy and effective nonprofit organizations will carry out important work, which we all know would make Bernard so very proud.”
The 2024 cycle also marked the first year the competitive award was open to all non-profit organizations serving Camden, Glynn, and McIntosh counties, with no restrictions based on organizational mission. Instead of focusing on one or two areas of interest, as done during previous cycles, CCGF offered funding for operational support. This change allowed organizations who have benefited from the award over the years to apply, and it encouraged a wide range of first-time applicants.
CASA Glynn has been a regular recipient, and its Executive Director, Cary Greenfield said of receiving the 2024 award, “It is a blessing to see communities coming together, and we are thankful for the support of CCGF and its leadership. True leadership and the work to make changes for those most vulnerable in our community can be daunting. We want to thank CCGF for its support, resilience, and determination which drives CASA Glynn to work harder to ensure children aren’t left alone in a burdened foster care system without a voice.”
A first-time recipient of the award is Above and Beyond Basketball, Inc. Board member, Taylor Haley expressed the organization’s gratitude, “This grant will enable Above and Beyond Basketball to expand our reach in developing the next generation. They may look like girls on a basketball court right now, but we see our community’s future leaders. Be on the lookout for our team, Perfect Storm, in hot pink and lime green all over town on service projects, enjoying team bonding, and of course, hooping it up!”
The following 501(c)3 organizations received $10,000 of operational support funding, the largest amount ever given through CCGF’s competitive award process. We are thankful for the generous fundholders, supporters, and friends who generously donated to ensure CCGF and the Community Impact Committee met its $200,000 goal for 2024, allowing us to support these effective organizations and their missions.
Above & Beyond Basketball
Memory Matters Glynn
Camden Community Family Center
CASA Glynn
Coastal Symphony of Georgia
Communities in Schools of Glynn County
Gathering Place
Glynn County Parkinson’s Support Group
Golden Isles Youth Orchestra
Grace House of Brunswick
Hope 1312 Collective
Hospice of the Golden Isles
Kate’s Club
Morningstar Children and Family Services
The Remedy Project
Safe Harbor Center
Salvation Army – St. Marys Service Center
Social Opportunities & Active Recreation
St. Marys Riverkeeper
STAR Foundation of Coastal Georgia
The next William “Bernard” McCloud Community Impact Award cycle will open in May 2025, with applications due in June 2025.