Who We Are
$122 M
In Assets (as of December 31, 2023)
$148.1 M
Total in Grants & Scholarship since inception in 1985 (as of December 2023)
269
Scholarships Granted in 2023
$13.4 M
Invested in the community in 2023 through grants & scholarships.
Founded in 1985 by a group of citizens interested in encouraging philanthropy and strengthening communities, the North Georgia Community Foundation was built by the community to serve the community and exists today to strengthen our region by inspiring giving, investing in nonprofit organizations and mobilizing action.
MISSION
The North Georgia Community Foundation helps people and non-profits invest generously in the lives of those who call our community home.
Vision
North Georgia: A caring community where giving is a way of life.
Our History
1980’s
The Community Foundation vision became a reality with a $250,000 grant from the Gannett Foundation to start the Gainesville Community Foundation.
1987 - 1996
Under the strong leadership of early executive directors Julia Cromartie (1987-1990) and Maria Calkins (1991-1996), the Foundation became a well-respected organization in the community.
1997
To represent a more regional approach, the Gainesville Community Foundation became North Georgia Community Foundation.
1998
NGCF reached $5 million in assets and Jim Mathis was named Executive Director where he would continue to serve for 18 years with outstanding board chairs.
2001
NGCF moved their office to Oak Street, launching the Non-Profit Center which included twelve other non-profit organizations.
2007
NGCF, together with United Way of Hall County and Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County, founded WomenSource.
2008
The Georgia Mountain Food Bank was created as a separate non-profit organization under the leadership of NGCF.
2009
After seven years, The John Jarrard Fund at NGCF successfully became its own non-profit organization, The John Jarrard Foundation.
2014
Awarded $60 million in grants since 1985.
2015
Michelle R. Prater was named as President and CEO. Forsyth County Community Foundation, NGCF’s first affiliate foundation, was established.
2016
NGCF established an annual Celebration of Community event.
2017
Exceeded $60 million in assets. A $250,000 grant was awarded to NGCF for the renovation of the Non-Profit Center.
Financial Information
Our commitment to our donors and the communities we serve is to be trusted stewards of the assets donors have given to the Foundation and to invest them wisely. Our ability to serve our community rests on our ability to prudently manage and grow assets entrusted to us. Check out more about our investment policy and financial documents.
News & Publications
We invite you to explore our latest news for information on the work we do and the latest happenings at the Community Foundation as well as useful information about issues facing our community.