On August 26, more than 70 nonprofit executives and board members gathered at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce for a special session of CCF’s Ignite Nonprofit Learning Series, presented in partnership with United Way of Greater Atlanta, Mauldin & Jenkins, and the Georgia Center for Nonprofits (GCN).
The session, Strategic Options for Sustaining Nonprofit Impact, addressed the funding uncertainty many nonprofits are facing today—shaped by potential federal budget cuts and increased competition for philanthropic dollars. Attendees explored tools to evaluate organizational sustainability and discussed pathways forward, including partnerships, internal pivots, and other mission-driven strategies.
“In the face of shrinking funding and growing uncertainty, nonprofits must ask tough questions about sustainability and impact. Our program empowers leaders to make mission-driven decisions and preserve their impact on the community,” said Karen Beavor, CEO of GCN.
“This program is about more than assessing challenges—it’s about planning for impact in the long term,” added Jim Williams-Neal, GCN’s Director of Consulting.
Strengthening Nonprofits for the Future
Nonprofits who participated will receive follow-up support at no cost, as part of CCF and United Way’s broader investment in strengthening the missions of nonprofits serving Cobb County, including:
- A Rapid Sustainability Assessment developed by GCN
- Customized insights into their sustainability profile
- Cohort-based advisory sessions with expert guidance and peer learning
“Just because funding is reduced doesn’t mean the needs have gone away,” said Shari Martin, President & CEO of CCF. “It’s in all of our best interests for nonprofits to be able to meet critical needs like housing, healthcare, and food—but that requires outside-the-box thinking. GCN is the expert.”
Through the Ignite Nonprofit Learning Series, CCF convenes nonprofit leaders throughout the year to explore timely challenges, gain insights from experts, and build stronger connections across the sector.
Nonprofit leaders at Cobb Community Foundation’s Ignite session on August 26.
Rev. Dr. Dwight “Ike” Reighard, President & CEO of MUST Ministries—which serves nearly 65,000 people annually—shares the organization’s experience with strategic partnerships in addressing poverty.
Shari Martin, Cobb Community Foundation President & CEO, speaks to nonprofit leaders.
Karen Beavor, CEO, Georgia Center for Nonprofits
Jim Williams-Neal, Director of Consulting, Georgia Center for Nonprofits
