Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1437729
10 Community Foundation of Central Georgia A Community Built Together Francis Lott Community Economic Development Fund Francis Lott, whose impact on Douglas, Ga. will be felt for generations. Established in 2006 at the Community Foundation of Coffee County, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, the fund honors Lott's considerable efforts and impact on the community by making grants to economic development projects that help improve the quality of life in Coffee County. "This fund has the power to significantly strengthen the economic development activities of our community. It not only perpetuates Mr. Lott's drive to improve economic growth for the area, but it also offers incredible possibilities for the future of Coffee County," said Joan Zimmer, former chair of the Community Foundation of Coffee County. "Most towns and communities this size do not have access to a fund like this. It's really unique to have something like this here in Douglas." Lott established the fund because he wanted to create possibilities for his hometown and be sure the work continues once he's gone. "I started thinking, somebody's got to carry this on when I'm gone, and that's why I pursued developing this fund. I'm proud of the work we've done, and I want this community to keep growing," Lott said. FEW HAVE MADE AN IMPACT ON THEIR COMMUNITY LIKE FRANCIS LOTT. BEGINNING IN THE 1970S, LOTT LED A CHARGE FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR HIS HOMETOWN OF DOUGLAS, GEORGIA. THANKS TO HIS FORESIGHT IN ESTABLISHING THE COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND TO BENEFIT COFFEE COUNTY, THE COMMUNITY WILL BE MADE STRONGER BY HIS GENEROSITY FOREVER.