When Matthew Teague, Director of New Development at Walton Communities, participated in the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Cobb Class of 2015, his eyes were opened to not only the many challenges facing Cobb County, but the many resources and organizations working together to make a difference. He began to get involved in spaces where he could be effective, such as the Cumberland Community Improvement District and Town Center Community Alliance.
“When I had the opportunity to co-chair the Leadership Cobb Class of 2022, I got to know Shari (Martin) a little bit. Shari came and spoke to our group and gave the background of what Cobb Community Foundation does. She gave a high-level look at Cobb County, our non-profits, and how the foundation helps support these organizations through the work they do.”
While Matthew was impressed with the work being done at Cobb Community Foundation, it wasn’t until an unfortunate encounter with another foundation that Matthew decided to get involved.
“I had a fund at a different agency for a number of years. They contacted me and said they could not donate money to one of the non-profits I wanted to direct my funds to, because that particular non-profit supports the LGBTQ+ community. That was deeply hurtful and surprising; it hit me close to the core. I decided to withdraw my funds and move them somewhere else.”
That somewhere else was Cobb Community Foundation. Thanks to the positive impression Shari had left on Matthew, he was hopeful his passion to help the community would be in good hands.
“Cobb Community Foundation made me feel so at home. They have been so supportive. When that happened, it made me want to get more involved. I decided to move more funds over to Cobb and find other ways to contribute.”
Through Leadership Cobb, Matthew had been told that he would likely be asked to be on boards, participate in non-profits, etc.
“We were told to ‘Choose the organizations you really care about and that excite you.’ I think about those words a lot. So, when the opportunity came to be on the board at Cobb Community Foundation, I knew it would be a great fit. It meant so much when Shari was welcoming.”
Matthew is eager to make a difference on the board at Cobb Community Foundation and as a philanthropist.
“I’ve told Shari that I wish more people knew about their donor advised fund. I tell people about it all the time now. It’s a great way to be philanthropic. Once you contribute to your fund, that money is no longer yours, but you can still direct it to the places you care about. I’m a firm believer in tithing and being charitable. I make goals every year. I know the money is not mine now, but it’s in their hands to be used charitably. And I trust Cobb Community Foundation with that.”
When Matthew isn’t busy at work or serving his community, you can find him enjoying CrossFit, bike riding, church involvement, spending time with family, and hanging out with his dog, Moose.
The Cobb Community Foundation looks forward to Matthew’s valuable contributions as it continues to support and advance initiatives that benefit the local community, fostering growth and improvement in and around Cobb County.
