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Cobb Community Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$6.2M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.1M
Decision Time
2mo
Success Rate
62%

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $6.2 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: Data not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Varies by program
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $100,000
  • Geographic Focus: Cobb County, Georgia (68% of grants remain local)

Contact Details

  • Website: cobbfoundation.org
  • Phone: 770-859-2366
  • Email: CCFTeam@cobbfoundation.org
  • Address: 1100 Circle 75 Parkway Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30339
  • Pre-application Support: Grant Seeker Sessions hosted by Programs Manager Alexandra Boyle; email richard@cobbfoundation.org to register

Overview

Founded in 1993 by a group of Cobb business leaders, the Cobb Community Foundation (CCF) has evolved from a local offshoot of the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta to an independent 501(c)(3) organization (2007) with $34 million in charitable assets. In 2024, CCF celebrated its 30th anniversary by unveiling the "Activate Good" strategic plan—a five-year roadmap to amplify impact through collective giving. The foundation mobilizes people, ideas, and resources to improve quality of life in and around Cobb County. In 2024, CCF distributed over $6.2 million in grants and scholarships, with 68% staying within Cobb County. President and CEO Shari Martin, who joined as Executive Director in 2017 and was promoted to CEO in 2019, received the Cobb Executive Women's 2022 Woman of Distinction award and recognition from Food Security for America for her "Exemplary Leadership Uniting Cobb" during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Match Magic Giveathon

  • Annual fundraising campaign (November/December)
  • $138,000+ in matching funds available (2025)
  • Application open: July 9-30
  • 25-27 nonprofits selected through competitive review
  • Two-week fundraising window
  • 2024 raised $808,000; 2025 raised $1.7 million total
  • Selection by 26+ trained community reviewers
  • Application method: Online portal, competitive selection

Dr. William M. Harris Grant for Chiropractic Advancement

  • Invitation-only program
  • Focus: Chiropractic education, research, and business management
  • Grant amounts:
    • 1 multi-year award up to $100,000/year
    • 1-3 single awards: $10,000-$25,000
    • 2-4 single awards: $25,000-$100,000
  • Application period: June 1-July 18
  • Application method: By invitation only

Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) Credential Grant

  • Partnership with Kennesaw State University
  • Six-month program combining online and in-person courses
  • Culminates in CNP credential + $5,000 grant for participant's organization
  • 5-7 leaders selected annually
  • Grant Seeker Session: August 13 (1-2pm EDT)
  • Application method: Competitive selection

Cobb Community Grant Funds (Thrive Grants)

  • Awards: $105,000 distributed in 2022 inaugural round
  • Individual awards: $7,500-$10,000
  • Capacity-building focus
  • Recipients from 40+ applicants in 2022
  • Application method: Competitive, online portal

Scholarship Programs

  • $186,000+ awarded in 2023
  • Dozens of scholarship funds available
  • Awards vary: $1,000-$2,500 typical range
  • For students attending accredited colleges, universities, technical schools, and vocational programs

Priority Areas

Based on their 2019 Community Needs Assessment, CCF focuses on:

  • Human services in high-need census tracts
  • Early learning programs in underserved areas
  • Poverty reduction programs (e.g., Circles Cobb)
  • Nonprofit capacity building and leadership development
  • Programs serving vulnerable populations in Cobb County
  • Food security and healthcare access
  • Organizations with annual revenue $75,000-$1 million (for Thrive Grants)

What They Don't Fund

  • Organizations without 501(c)(3) status (unless using fiscal sponsor)
  • Organizations not registered with Georgia Secretary of State
  • New nonprofits with less than one year operating history after receiving 501(c)(3) classification
  • Organizations that don't serve Cobb County residents
  • Proselytizing or evangelistic activities by faith-based organizations (faith-based organizations eligible for non-proselytizing programs)

Governance and Leadership

President and CEO: Shari Martin

  • Served on Board of Directors for 5 years, including one year as Board Chair
  • Became Executive Director in 2017; promoted to President and CEO in 2019
  • 30 years background in wealth management industry
  • Awards: 2022 Woman of Distinction (Cobb Executive Women); recognized for COVID-19 pandemic leadership

Key Staff:

  • Lisa-Ruth Karnes, Director of Programs
  • Gitanjali Bakshi, Communications & Marketing Manager
  • Nakeia Gray-Smith, Client Services and Office Manager
  • Richard Parham, Operations and Support Specialist

Board of Directors: 28 members (as of January 2026)

Recent Board Additions (2025):

  • Richard "Rick" Bennett, Co-Founding Partner of Bennett Thrasher
  • Grant Rivera, Superintendent of Marietta City Schools
  • Sam Olens, Partner at Dentons' Public Policy practice; former Georgia Attorney General and Kennesaw State University President
  • Chris Boyd, General Manager of Riverside Epicenter
  • Otis Brumby III, Publisher of Marietta Daily Journal
  • Sherri Hill, Chief of Staff for Cobb County Schools
  • Stephen Vault, Senior Vice President of Wellstar

Leadership Quotes:

"To truly be an effective catalyst for a thriving community, we must have a diverse board made up of well-known community leaders with varied experiences and expertise. This board reflects that vision." — Shari Martin

"Stronger together isn't just a phrase — it's how progress happens. These honorees demonstrate what a truly connected, compassionate community can accomplish, ensuring that every person has the chance to thrive." — Shari Martin

"This wasn't just a celebration—it was a rallying cry. At CCF, we mobilize people, ideas and resources—but real impact happens only when the community is ready to be mobilized." — Shari Martin

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the foundation's online grant portal at cobbfoundation.org. CCF operates multiple grant programs with different application schedules:

Match Magic Giveathon:

  • Application window: July 9-30
  • Storytelling workshops provided to help nonprofits prepare applications
  • Competitive review process with 26+ community volunteers as reviewers
  • 25-27 organizations selected from applicant pool
  • Fundraising window: November-December (approximately 2-3 weeks)

Dr. William M. Harris Grant:

  • Invitation-only program
  • Application period: June 1-July 18
  • Grant seeker session offered prior to application deadline

CNP Credential Grant:

Thrive Grants (when available):

  • Check website for current availability
  • Rolling or annual cycles (varies by year)

CCF hosts Grant Seeker Sessions led by Programs Manager Alexandra Boyle for each program, providing comprehensive information to maximize applicants' chances of success. Video recordings and presentation slides are made available to those unable to attend.

Decision Timeline

Timelines vary by program. Match Magic selections are announced before the fundraising window (November). Other competitive grants typically have decision timelines of several weeks to months after the application deadline. Specific timelines are communicated during Grant Seeker Sessions.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. For the inaugural 2022 Thrive Grants, 40+ applications were submitted with multiple recipients selected for $105,000 total funding. For Match Magic 2024, 42 applicants competed for 25 spots; in 2025, 27 organizations participated.

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly disclosed. Applicants should contact CCF directly or attend Grant Seeker Sessions for guidance on reapplication eligibility and waiting periods.

Application Success Factors

Based on CCF's documented guidance and funded projects, successful applications demonstrate:

Strategic Communication and Donor Engagement:

  • Amber Jones from Serenade Heights (a funded organization) emphasized "the importance of strategic donor engagement and the benefits of utilizing QR codes to streamline the giving process"
  • Create compelling narratives about your organization's impact on Cobb County
  • Use clear, accessible language to describe programs

Leadership and Capacity Building:

  • CCF values organizations committed to professional development
  • Shari Martin stated about the CNP program: "This is an investment in people who are already doing great work for our community"
  • Demonstrate how grants will strengthen organizational infrastructure

Community Impact and Need:

  • Show alignment with CCF's community needs assessment findings
  • Focus on serving vulnerable populations and high-need census tracts in Cobb
  • Demonstrate measurable outcomes and community change

Geographic Focus:

  • Strong preference for organizations serving Cobb County residents (68% of grants stay local)
  • Organizations must serve Cobb residents at a location in Cobb or share a city/ZIP code with Cobb

Organizational Readiness:

  • Must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit with at least one year operating history
  • Registered with Georgia Secretary of State
  • Annual revenue between $75,000-$1 million (for Thrive Grants)
  • Demonstrated fiscal stability and management

Grant Seeker Session Participation:

  • Attend sessions to "leave well-equipped with the information needed to maximize chances of success"
  • CCF provides application tips and reviews actual applications during sessions
  • Access to videos and slides for those unable to attend

Recent Funded Projects Include:

  • Circles Cobb (evidence-based poverty reduction program)
  • Early learning programs in high-need areas
  • Y.E.L.L.S., Special Needs Cobb, Wonderful Days Preschool, Loving Arms Cancer Outreach, Lekotek of GA, Food Security of America, Mentoring for Leadership, Star-C, Communities in Schools of Georgia

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Attend Grant Seeker Sessions: CCF explicitly provides these to help applicants succeed—participation demonstrates commitment and provides insider application guidance
  • Align with Community Needs Assessment: CCF's grantmaking is guided by their 2019 community needs assessment mapping vulnerable populations by census tract
  • Demonstrate Cobb County Impact: With 68% of grants staying local, show strong connection to Cobb residents and alignment with county priorities
  • Emphasize Leadership Development: CCF values capacity-building and professional development, offering multiple programs (CNP, Thrive Grants) focused on organizational strengthening
  • Leverage Multiple Opportunities: Beyond competitive grants, explore Match Magic Giveathon, donor-advised fund potential, and scholarship programs
  • Build Visibility: Participate in Cobb Thrives Gift Guide, use social media strategically, and engage with CCF's broader initiatives like Activate Good events
  • Show Collaborative Spirit: CCF's leadership emphasizes that "real impact happens only when the community is ready to be mobilized"—demonstrate partnership readiness

References

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