Photo: Denise Shackleford of Giving Hearts Pantry and Meghan Bennett of St. Maragret’s Community Outreach
February is a good time to reflect on what it truly means to love, not just the people closest to us, but also the communities where we live, work, and raise our families. At the Community Foundation of West Georgia, we believe that loving your community means investing in its well-being in ways that create real, lasting impact.
Kim Jones, President of CFWG, puts it this way: “Local giving is about more than dollars and cents, it’s about building lasting relationships that strengthen the fabric of our community.” She adds, “Every gift invested here helps support families, create opportunities, and make West Georgia a place where everyone can thrive.”
When donors choose to give locally, their support goes straight to the issues and opportunities that shape daily life in West Georgia. “Local nonprofits know the community inside and out,” Kim explains. “They’re able to act quickly and put resources where they’re needed most, which means every dollar goes further.”
Whether it’s helping children access better education, providing food for families in need, improving healthcare access, or enriching the region through arts and culture, local organizations are equipped to respond with both insight and compassion.
“Strong communities grow out of strong families and neighborhoods,” Kim says. “Local giving funds programs that provide essential services, from early learning and after-school programs to mental health and housing assistance. These investments aren’t just quick fixes. They create a foundation for long-term well-being.”
She also points out a benefit that’s often overlooked, the economic impact of local philanthropy. “Nonprofits play a key role in West Georgia’s economy. They employ local people, purchase goods and services from area businesses, and help keep money circulating within the community.” Supporting nonprofits, she notes, also means supporting the businesses and jobs that help West Georgia thrive.
Julie Coppinger, Director of Operations at CFWG and head of The Connector platform states, “The Connector program brings people and resources together to meet the unique needs of our community. When donors give locally, they empower nonprofits to act swiftly and effectively, creating real impact where it matters most.”
Kim sums it up simply: “At the Foundation, we help donors turn their generosity into meaningful change. Giving locally is the best way to invest in the heart of West Georgia, today and for generations to come.
”This February, as we think about what it means to love, we invite you to consider the impact of loving your community. When you give locally, you help build a stronger West Georgia for everyone. To learn more about how your giving can make a difference, visit cfwg.net. Together, we can support the heart of our community and create lasting change where it matters most.
