2024 Competitive Grantmaking Programs

Our 2 competitive grantmaking programs are no longer accepting applications, but you are welcome to read about them below to learn what we are funding this year! You can also click here to create an account on our Grant Portal so you will be notified of future funding opportunities.

2024 CNP Credential & Incentive Grant

• The deadline to apply on our Grant Portal is Thursday, September 26th at 5pm.
• For the 2nd year, Cobb Community Foundation (CCF) and United Way of Greater Atlanta are pleased to partner with Kennesaw State University to award this unique grant to 7 recipients. KSU’s Wellstar College of Health and Human Services is affiliated with the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NLA) which offers the credential of Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP). The CNP is the only nationally recognized credential in nonprofit management that provides both learning and real-world experience.
• The credential is obtained through a 6-month online course plus in-person workshops facilitated by Assistant Dean and Professor Dr. Jennifer Wade-Berg, PhD, MPA, CNP. There will be a minimum of 6 in-person workshops with 6 additional workshops (either in-person or virtual) to be scheduled at a later date at a time that works for the professor and cohort. In these workshops, Dr. Wade-Berg brings the online coursework to life with her vast nonprofit experience, problem-solving discussions, and engaging examples. The intimate cohort model, in-person workshops, and access to expert advice are the hallmarks of this unique and highly valuable grant program.
• If selected for the 2024-2025 CNP cohort, the recipient must be diligent and committed to completing the intense 6-month process. The recipient and their associated nonprofit should prepare to balance the recipient’s commitment to this program, a minimum of 10 hours a week, alongside the ongoing operations of their associated nonprofit.
• Click here to download the detailed CNP Credential & Incentive Guidelines
• Click here to download the schedule and program outline for the 2024-2025 cohort.
• Click here to download the list of Core Competencies that the CNP course will teach.
• Click here to read about the 6 amazing recipients!

2024 Match Magic: Cobb’s Holiday Giveathon

• The deadline to apply on our Grant Portal is Thursday, September 19th at 5pm.
• Match Magic: Cobb’s Holiday Giveathon is an opportunity for 25 selected Cobb organizations to supercharge their end of year fundraising by:
  • Leveraging the spirit of giving surrounding the holiday season
  • Capitalizing on the visibility created by Giving Tuesday & GA Gives
  • Benefitting from Cobb Community Foundation’s multi-channel marketing investment
  • Taking advantage of the training opportunities to tell your story most effectively
  • Securing your part of our match pool (CCF GOAL: $50,000)
• This campaign is intentionally timed to start on November 19 and conclude on December 3, which is Giving Tuesday (GA Gives Day). It is an opportunity to tie into your organization’s end-of-year giving efforts.
• Unlike last year’s Gift Guide, which featured specific funding requests, this year’s taxdeductible donations are unrestricted and may be used as you wish for general operating support or projects. Nonprofits will be asked to craft an appeal that explains the problem you are trying to solve, why it is important, and how you are solving it. Your answers will flow into the online and printed guide and tell potential donors your story, so make them specific and compelling!
• Click here to download the detailed Match Magic: Cobb’s Holiday Giveathon Guidelines
• Click here to read about the incredible results!

Need Help Completing the Application? Come to our Workshop!

• Storytelling for Success: Building Your Match Magic Narrative
• Friday, September 6  |  10-11 a.m.
• During a competitive holiday fundraising season, a compelling narrative can make all the difference. This workshop is designed for nonprofits applying to participate in Match Magic: Cobb’s Holiday Giveathon, offering essential insights and tools to craft a powerful, resonant story that not only captures attention but also inspires action. Whether you’re new to fundraising or looking to refine your approach, this session will guide you through the key elements of effective storytelling that can set your application apart and maximize your fundraising impact.

 What You Will Learn:

• The Power of Storytelling: Understand why storytelling is crucial in nonprofit fundraising and how it can transform your application into a persuasive narrative that resonates with donors.
• Key Components of a Compelling Narrative: Learn the essential elements that make up a strong story, including a clear problem statement, the impact of your work, and the role of the donor in your success.
• Tailoring Your Message: Discover how to align your story with the values and expectations of Match Magic, ensuring your application stands out.
• Practical Writing Tips: Get hands-on tips for writing with clarity, emotion, and purpose, making your narrative both engaging and effective.
• Using ChatGPT for Brainstorming and Refining: Explore how to leverage ChatGPT as a powerful tool to brainstorm ideas and refine your message, making your story sharper and more compelling.

 What You Will Come Away With:

• Storytelling Toolkit: Gain a set of tools and resources to refine your narrative, including templates and examples of successful pitches.
• Increased Confidence: Build confidence in your ability to communicate your nonprofit’s mission and impact in a way that inspires donors to take action.

If You Missed The Session:

• Click here to view the recording
• Click here to download the presentation deck
• Click here to download the writing prompts that go with the presentation.

Ongoing Coaching:

The workshop will kickstart your journey in crafting a compelling narrative for Match Magic. To ensure you’re fully supported throughout the process, we’re offering four virtual coaching calls where you can receive personalized feedback on your narrative and application. These sessions will help you refine your pitch, answer any questions, and provide guidance on how to best present your organization’s story.

• Mon, Sept 9: 2pm
• Thurs, Sept 12: 10:30am
• Mon, Sept 16: 2pm
• Wed, Sept 18: 11am

Thank you to everyone who attended our 2024 Grant Seeker Session!

• Click here to download the slides from the Grant Seeker Session
• Click here to watch a recording of the presentation.

Session Topics

This in-person information session will break down our 2024 competitive grantmaking offerings which are:

1. Match Magic: Cobb’s Holiday Giveathon: During this two-week fundraising period, we will shine a spotlight on 25 local nonprofits. These organizations will be featured in our Cobb Thrives Gift Guide, showcased on our Match Magic Giving Portal, and promoted across social media platforms to maximize their visibility and encourage contributions.
2. Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) & Incentive Grant: This nationally recognized, unique credential will be offered to a cohort of nonprofit leaders through a custom program administered through Kennesaw State University.

Both opportunities will be fully introduced and explained at the Grant Seeker Session. CCF Staff will review the actual applications, share useful tips, and answer any questions. This learning opportunity is another way we help nonprofits to ACTIVATE GOOD.

Is my nonprofit eligible for these grants?

Nonprofits that meet the following requirements are eligible to apply:

• Must be providing services in Cobb County OR to residents of Cobb County
• Must be classified by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service under Section 501(c)(3) of the I.R.S. code as a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, donations to which are deductible as charitable contributions under Section 170 (c)(2) OR have a fiscal sponsor
• Must be registered with the Georgia Secretary of State as a nonprofit (verify here: https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/BusinessSearch) 
• Effective date of its 501(c)(3) classification must be before September 19, 2023
• If applying under a fiscal sponsor, operations of the applicant nonprofit must have begun before September 19, 2023
• Faith-based organizations are eligible for non-proselytizing activities
• Individual schools are not eligible to apply, however, district-wide programs, supporting an entire school system, are eligible
• Government entities may apply if all funds will be used for charitable purposes