Attorney Shelley Elder is always looking for ways to make an impact. Whether it is going above and beyond for her clients or providing assistance in her community, Shelley brings ideas and high-level commitment to the table. A partner in the Crane Elder Law Firm, she specializes in estate planning and probate. With a long history as both a donor and frontline volunteer, she says she was content knowing she was making a meaningful impact toward the needs of the community until she learned some new things that challenged that point of view.
“The team at Cobb Community Foundation (CCF) really educated me on their role in our nonprofit community. With a giving fund through CCF, I saw an opportunity to do more.” The Aurora Fund (a donor advised fund or DAF) was created with the purpose of increasing Elder’s support for locally based mental health programs touching children, homeless and addicted persons. Mental health, she believes, is a root cause of many larger problems we are seeing.
Shelley admits, “I was a tough customer. Although I certainly had heard of the good works of Cobb Community Foundation (CCF), I did not know enough initially about its benefits to be convinced I should change my approach to charitable giving. When my good friend (Acworth Mayor) Tommy Allegood suggested I get to know the CCF Team and spend time learning more about the advantages of having a giving fund, I took that advice. I got involved with some of their initiatives during the pandemic and learned a lot more about their fund options. After working with them I have realized their impact is even better than I had heard.”
With a law background, she took note of the due diligence offered through CCF. One of the most important benefits she sees is the vetting process performed on nonprofit organizations prior to mailing grant checks. Occasionally, the nonprofit status of an organization has changed, unbeknownst to the average donor. This loss of nonprofit status means the donor’s contribution is no longer tax deductible (unless the nonprofit status is reinstated within an IRS specified period of time). She pointed out that this benefit is more important than people realize because a donor’s confidence in the integrity of a nonprofit is priceless.
One nonprofit she has a special appreciation for is The Extension-Marietta. She can’t say enough good things about this agency that has helped hundreds of homeless men and women in Cobb County take back control of their lives from drug and alcohol addiction. Getting these individuals back on course has important generational impact. The program offers a new beginning to these individuals, and this idea aligns with the name of the fund. Aurora, meaning dawn or new beginnings, is a part of the belief system held by the Cree Indians, Elder’s family heritage. The Aurora giving fund is offering new beginnings to many in our community.
If you’d like to read more about how donor advised funds work, visit our website here. If you’d like to learn more about how your charitable giving can be more impactful through a DAF at Cobb Community Foundation, contact us at CCFTeam@CobbFoundation.org or by calling (770)859-2366.
