On July 11-12, 2024, the Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation (CCGF) hosted the Georgia Community Foundation Leader Summit which brought Community Foundation Presidents and CEOs from around the state to the Golden Isles.
As explained by Keeva Kase, President & CEO of CCGF, “The goal of the summit was to convene the leaders of Georgia’s Community Foundations to learn best practices from each other and receive essential updates on policies affecting philanthropy. We also wanted to shine a light on our beautiful natural coast and the opportunities and challenges we face as a community.”
During the two-day summit, the leaders heard from local experts on a variety of topics including: corporate social responsibility, existing and proposed Donor Advised Fund regulations, the Corporate Transparency Act, and excise tax regulations, with the purpose of discussing and understanding how these matters impact and relate to philanthropy, now and moving forward. Additionally, the leaders participated in a strategic planning session which included an open forum to discuss common challenges and opportunities facing Community Foundations in Georgia.
The leaders also visited Little St. Simons Island (LSSI) to learn more about coastal conservation efforts. Scott Coleman, Ecological Manager for LSSI, said of the event, “The Georgia Community Foundation Leader Summit elevated the critically important role that all of Georgia’s communities play in the health of our 100-mile coast. Conservation is a statewide effort and philanthropy plays a vital role in our success.”
Overall, the summit allowed Community Foundations to collaborate on the future of philanthropy in Georgia. Frank Fernandez of the Atlanta Community Foundation shared his view of the event, “I really appreciate Keeva and the CCGF hosting this leader summit. It’s been great to connect with Community Foundation colleagues and talk through how we can work together to better serve all Georgians and our respective communities.”
Through these learning opportunities and collaborative efforts, CCGF aspires to bring improved philanthropic tools to Glynn, Camden, and McIntosh counties to ensure the work we are doing is For Good, Forever.