Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1437729
6 Community Foundation of Central Georgia Great communities have citizens who come together and work toward common goals. That is exactly what is happening in Houston County. Longtime Houston County resident Kathy O'Neal, along with a committee of other local leaders, led the charge to establish The Fund for Houston County – a permanent fund at the Community Foundation of Central Georgia to solely support Houston County's nonprofit organizations and charitable projects working to improve the lives of Houston County residents. From Robins Air Force Base to the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, Houston County has unique opportunities that define the community. "We have needs specific to this community," shared O'Neal. "And we wanted a way to bring people together from across the county to be part of making a difference for everyone who calls Houston County home." Dr. Ivan Allen, CFCG board member, explained that the goal of the new fund is to build an endowment that awards grants year after year to deserving Houston County nonprofit organizations. An advisory committee of local citizens will annually review grant requests and decide how to allocate grant dollars to best serve the unique needs of Houston County. Local leaders know what is best for their community and having dedicated charitable resources to address Houston County's unique needs will position the community for success both now and in the future. "We want to grow opportunities for people to support projects, organizations and initiatives that define Houston County or for nonprofits to be able to expand their good work to better serve the people of Houston County," Allen said. "We are grateful for the Community Foundation's shared vision of the importance of growing philanthropy across Central Georgia. Their support of the fund has started a ripple of positive change across our community." An Opportunity for Growth The Fund for Houston County "We want to grow opportunities for people to support projects, organizations and initiatives that define Houston County..." A CFCG grant funded critical home repairs for low income families in Houston County.