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The Ripple Effect of Local Philanthropy: Local Nonprofits to Consider this Giving Tuesday

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Giving Tuesday is a global day for giving back. It falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, following the shopping frenzies of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

Launched in 2012 by New York’s 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation, the day aims to shift focus from consumerism to charity. Some ways to celebrate include donations, volunteering and doing social good. 

Over the years, it has become an international movement, inspiring generous acts worldwide.

This Giving Tuesday, consider the impact you can make in your local community. There is competition for donations from large, national nonprofits. Yet, local organizations provide an opportunity for meaningful, close-to-home contributions. 

Below are five local organizations worthy of your attention and support. 

Boy with a Ball: transforming communities through youth

Boy With a Ball, a nonprofit rooted in faith, collaborates with a diverse network of leaders, donors, volunteers, religious groups, educational institutions and businesses. 

The organization’s core mission is to empower young people to make sustainable changes in their communities. According to Communications Director Molly Johnson, Giving Tuesday serves a purpose beyond a single day of fundraising. 

“It’s not just a 24-hour donation window for us,” Johnson said. “It actually kicks off a season of impactful giving that extends through the end of December.”

During this giving season, the organization solicits contributions and releases special content to underscore the long-term effects of these donations. 

“From Thanksgiving to December 31, we share updates and insights about the tangible impacts of giving,” Johnson explained. “We also outline our vision for the upcoming year. It’s an exciting and crucial time for our mission.”

Financial transparency is a hallmark of Boy with a Ball. 

“These funds are used to broaden our efforts in communities and schools,” Johnson said. 

Donations can serve multiple purposes, such as providing snacks for the mentoring program or funding tutoring for a student for an entire year.

In fact, Giving Tuesday has evolved into one of the nonprofit’s most crucial fundraising days, often drawing first-time donors. On some occasions, the day’s contributions have funded specific initiatives like Velocity, a school-based mentoring program.

Boy with a Ball is committed to transforming Gwinnett County by empowering its young population and strengthening family bonds. 

“We’re here to help young people realize their dreams, bolster family cohesion and, in turn, build a safer, more vibrant community,” Johnson added.

Those interested in contributing can do so either by volunteering or offering financial support. 

“Both kinds of giving make a transformational difference in young lives across Gwinnett County,” Johnson said. 

Monetary gifts grant access to resources and mentorship, while volunteers contribute to the personal development of emerging leaders.

For more information or to get involved, contact Maria Bortolucci at Maria.Bortolucci@boywithaball.com or visit the organization’s website at boywithaball.com.

Cultivation Foundation
Cultivation Foundation
, stemming from Cultivation Brewery in Norcross, Georgia, established its roots in the late summer of 2022. 

Born from a modest brewery, this philanthropic endeavor prioritizes community relationships. 

Its vision revolves around supporting local charities and the local environment. This foundation’s mission is to create positive change for the underprivileged members of its local community.

Cultivation Foundation Plant Donation

The term “cultivate” deeply resonates with the team at Cultivation Foundation. They have ambitions to leave a lasting mark on the Norcross community. By identifying and supporting local charities that mirror their values, they aim to fill gaps where assistance is needed. 

Their contributions include donations to local food pantries, aiding in setting up family holiday gift stores, and collaborations with organizations like Norcross Cooperative Ministries

Cultivation Foundation Plant Donation

They also partnered with Peachtree Corners’ newest meat market, Union Brothers Market, to raise money with a whole pig roast in 2023. Such activities further highlight the vast scope of charitable work that lies ahead.

This Giving Tuesday, the spotlight shifts to hyperlocal philanthropic initiatives as the holiday season commences. The foundation works hard so that its impact in Norcross remains innovative, substantial and beneficial to those in need.

Cultivation Foundation Union Bros Hog Roast

As part of its journey, the foundation is unveiling the 2nd Annual Cultivation Cup Golf Charity Tournament, scheduled for October 30, 2023. 

Cultivation Golf Tourn Group Shot

Profits from this event will bolster both the Cultivation Foundation and Norcross Cooperative Ministries. Interested participants can register on their website.

Those wishing to support Cultivation Foundation can learn more at cultivationfoundation.com or email info@cultivationfoundation.com.

Cultivation Foundation Golf Tourn

Georgia Center for Opportunity: investing in lives and communities
The Georgia Center for Opportunity aims to break down the barriers that perpetuate poverty, working both at the grassroots level and advocating for policy change at state and federal levels. 

In addressing community challenges, the Center believes a multifaceted approach is essential. 

The organization goes beyond meeting immediate local needs by actively engaging with the community to gather insights. These interactions inform wider policy initiatives aimed at fostering a thriving environment. 

This Giving Tuesday, the center is spotlighting transformative tales and introducing fresh pathways to support its mission, like Ms. T‘s journey.

After a separation, Ms. T, a mother of five, grappled with homelessness, losing her apartment and vehicle. 

The Lawrenceville Response Center, an instrumental partner, stepped in to provide shelter and later put her in touch with the Georgia Center for Opportunity in June. The center connected her to a local business and coordinated an interview with partnering employers. 

The mentoring initiative addressed Ms. T’s challenges, like participation and childcare constraints. Collaborating with Heirborn Servants, the center facilitated Lyft transport for her interview. 

By June’s end, Ms. T secured a warehouse associate position that started in July, which offered a sustainable wage. Working with her new employer, the center ensured a morning shift, facilitating afternoon time with her children and minimizing childcare hurdles.

Her contributions at work didn’t go unnoticed. Employers commended her proactive participation, spotlighting her zest during the company’s backpack drive project.

Reflecting on her two-month tenure, Ms. T remarked, “Things are going great. I’m beyond pleased with the job. It’s hard to believe it’s approaching two months; it feels longer.”

The center emphasizes that continuous backing, via one-time or recurring donations, provides stability.

Beyond financial aid, it encourages mentorship and volunteering, allowing the community to aid peers in their ascent from poverty. To collaborate with the Georgia Center for Opportunity, reach out to Info@foropportunity.org or dial 770-242-0001.

Growing Leaders: cultivating tomorrow’s trailblazers

Marking its 20th year in 2023, Growing Leaders focuses on more than just academics. The organization places equal emphasis on helping students develop emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills and academic achievement. 

Giving Tuesday is a key funding moment for them, attracting both longtime supporters and newcomers. These financial contributions allow the group to expand its reach, helping underserved students gain essential life skills and emotional well-being.

Growing Leaders celebrated its 20th anniversary in September 2023, marking two decades of imparting life skills and leadership to 2.8 million children.

At the event, the organization also shared its future plans, including a merger with the Maxwell Leadership Foundation and a goal to reach 40 million students.

Unlock lasting impact by becoming a partner with Growing Leaders. Your year-round volunteer efforts or financial commitments don’t just sustain the organization — they power transformative work in underserved schools and enrich extracurricular programs. 

It’s more than a contribution; it’s an investment in shaping tomorrow’s leaders. For opportunities to make a long-term difference, reach out to Anne Machemer at Anne@GrowingLeaders.com.

Promise686: changing lives in the child welfare system

Aiming to drive positive change for vulnerable children in the child welfare system, Promise686 has embarked on a campaign to amass $50,000 this Giving Tuesday. 

These designated funds offer a lifeline to families in the adoption pipeline and ensure they aren’t financially strained.

Promise686 channels approximately $300,000 in grants annually to families in the adoption process. A snapshot of this impact resonates in Eliana’s narrative, as shared by her adoptive parents.

“Eliana was introduced to us via a hosting program for Ukrainian orphans. At age 10, she spent six weeks under our roof. As her departure neared, she was candid: she wanted to stay,” they recalled. 

“Echoing her sentiments, we had, unbeknownst to her, already initiated the adoption process, nearing the tail end of our home study. Regrettably, she returned to Ukraine amidst a myriad of paperwork awaiting clearance. Over the subsequent six months, amidst a sea of forms, medical exams, and fingerprinting sessions, a Promise686 grant emerged as our saving grace,” they added.

“It bridged our financial gaps, setting Eliana’s adoption in motion. Six months down the line, our voyage to Ukraine marked a celebratory reunion. Today, as we vie for a Post Placement Support Grant to bolster Eliana’s educational needs, our gratitude runs deep.”

But Promise686’s fundraising isn’t restricted to Giving Tuesday. The organization offers many donation avenues, from tapping into their bespoke software to grassroots engagement in local church, Family Advocacy Ministries

To learn more about partnering with the organization, John Flores, VP of Strategic Growth, encourages you to reach out to him at JFlores@Promise686.org.

ReClif Community: amplifying autism support through collective giving

Since its launch in 2019, ReClif Community has emerged as a haven for families touched by autism, providing invaluable resources and events ranging from sensory-friendly movie outings to intensive parent communication training workshops. 

As they gear up for this year’s Giving Tuesday, the spotlight is on the collective power of small donations, which have been a game-changer for this growing organization.

What started as discounted events has blossomed into a rich catalog of fully funded community activities, thanks to the generosity of Giving Tuesday supporters in previous years. 

Activities include age-appropriate, sensory-friendly movie outings featuring titles like “Top Gun” and “Dungeons & Dragons,” family trivia nights, bowling at Bowlero and specialized events such as painting workshops.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, ReClif pivoted in its mission to emphasize scholarship opportunities, providing financial assistance to families impacted by autism. 

Now, with the easing of pandemic restrictions, the focus is back on organizing more community outings, including a potential visit to the Fernbank IMAX or Planetarium, an initiative strongly championed by founder Reece.

The organization’s rise has been assisted by enduring relationships within the Lilburn community and beyond.

Among them are Janice and David Whitcomb, title sponsors of the yearly “Aces FORE! Autism” golf fundraiser. Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves first baseman, along with his wife, Nicole, continue to be strong advocates and supporters of ReClif. 

Over 95 families have attended free Braves games through partnerships with the Atlanta Braves Foundation, cementing community ties.

With Giving Tuesday just around the corner, ReClif Community is optimistic about building momentum. The global movement has not only enabled them to expand their reach, but also allows them to make their offerings free to participants.

For those interested in contributing to the impactful work of ReClif Community, involvement isn’t just a donation; it’s an investment in a cause that transforms lives every day. 

For more information, reach out to Reece at reece@reclif.com. Participation in Giving Tuesday can have a lasting impact, creating a ripple effect of goodwill that benefits not just individuals, but the entire community.

Building community together

As Giving Tuesday continues to grow in prominence globally, its message remains clear: even during rampant consumerism, we must prioritize giving back.

Embracing this spirit, focusing on local organizations can lead to tangible change right in our backyards. The efforts of such groups, often overshadowed by larger entities, serve as a cornerstone of community welfare. 

This year let’s redirect our attention to those working tirelessly nearby and recognize that sometimes, the support we can give is closer to home than we think.

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Community

PCBA Awards $3,500 to Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

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Group of women holding a large check representing a donation from PCBA to GABC

The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) donated a check for $3,500 to the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer at their October Business After Hours event. The organization was selected by the PCBA Community Outreach Committee and board, who are dedicated to identifying and selecting charities whose mission aligns with supporting the community. 
 
Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer — formerly It’s the Journey — is a registered 501c3 non-profit that supports Georgia’s breast cancer community by raising funds for breast health and breast cancer programs throughout the state.

Since 2002, the organization’s Georgia 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer has raised over $19 million to fund 554 grants that provide breast cancer education, screening, early detection, support services and continuing care for Georgians. Their mission is to engage with Georgia’s breast cancer community to increase access to care and reduce disparities in cancer outcomes.
 
“Since [our] donations are made possible through our members and sponsorships, we wanted to award this check at our recent PCBA Business After Hours Speaker’s event, allowing our members the opportunity to celebrate with us and learn how this organization supports our community” said Lisa Proctor, PCBA president. “This check represents the first of three charities we raised money for at our annual charity event, Tailgates and Touchdowns, in August of this year. We will be awarding a check to the Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries in November and Spectrum Autism Support Group in December.”

Supporting the community

“We are so proud of our continued commitment to supporting our community,” Proctor continued. “The PCBA has donated over $162,000 to local deserving charities and awarded 19 scholarships to outstanding graduating high school seniors in our metro Atlanta community since the inception of our community outreach program in 2013.”

Four women at a PCBA meeting
photo courtesy of the Peachtree Corners Business Association

Funds for the PCBA Community Outreach program are raised throughout the year from PCBA memberships, sponsorships and an annual charity event. Donations and scholarships are awarded during monthly events so that members have the opportunity to learn more about the selected organizations.  

For more information about the Peachtree Corners Business Association, visit peachtreecornersba.com.
 

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Doing Good

Good Samaritan Gwinnett Receives State Authorization to Launch Access Academy 

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Professional woman standing in front of Good Samaritan Health Center signage

Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett (Good Samaritan Gwinnett) has received state authorization from the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC) to officially launch Access Academy, a private, certificate-granting, low-cost postsecondary education program targeting students of low-income and/or minority households who aspire to pursue careers in healthcare but may lack the financial means to attend traditional college programs.   

Access Academy is designed to meet the needs of students from underserved communities, providing healthcare-specific training at a fraction of the cost, thanks to charitable donations and volunteer-based faculty support.

Healthcare worker sterilizing dentistry instruments
photo courtesy of Good Samaritan Gwinnett

Access Academy will initially offer a five-month medical assistant certification program. Graduates of the program will be able to enter the workforce without the burden of student loans, directly benefiting their household income and financial well-being.   

“We are thrilled to launch Access Academy and open the doors of opportunity for those who need it most,” said Shameka Allen, CEO of Good Samaritan Gwinnett. “Our mission has always been to support underserved communities, and now, with Access Academy, we can extend that impact by helping students earn their medical assistant certificates and get their start in healthcare.”  

A history of mentoring and education

Good Samaritan Gwinnett has a rich history of educating undergraduate and graduate students in health sciences. Since 2012, the organization has mentored nearly 450 graduate students pursuing medical and dental professional degrees. The cost of precepting just one midlevel student for an average of 168 hours amounts to $10,038, reflecting the organization’s dedication to training and education.  

Two female healthcare workers standing at their computers
photo courtesy of Good Samaritan Gwinnett

Greg Lang, chief financial officer of Good Samaritan Gwinnett, spearheaded the efforts to secure state authorization and launch Access Academy.   

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see Access Academy come to life after months of planning and preparation,” Lang said. “Access Academy is not just providing training — it’s offering hope, opportunity and the support needed to turn dreams into reality.”  

An ongoing mission

The launch of Access Academy is part of Good Samaritan Gwinnett’s ongoing mission to expand its reach and make healthcare more accessible, both by providing direct patient care and by equipping future healthcare professionals with the skills they need to succeed. Since Good Samaritan Gwinnett’s inception in 2005, more than 52,300 patients have entered the clinic more than 300,000 times. 

For more information about Access Academy, visit them at goodsamgwinnett.org/access-academy or email Greg Lang at Greg.Lang@goodsamgwinnett.org.   

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Community

GCPL Accepting Applications for Next New Start Entrepreneurship Incubator

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GCPL logo

The Gwinnett County Public Library is now accepting applications for its next New Start Entrepreneurship Incubator Program (NSEI).

NSEI provides business education for formerly incarcerated individuals through in-person classes, online coursework and a robust network of mentors and community partners. NSEI is specifically geared towards the reentry population, which, in Georgia, is disproportionately minority populations and people of color.

This six-month course is designed to help community members who have served time in jail or prison create and sustain their own businesses.

“Formerly incarcerated individuals are an overlooked population of aspiring entrepreneurs, often lacking the means, access and support to launch a small business successfully,” said Charles Pace, executive director of the Gwinnett County Public Library.

New Start Entrepreneurship Incubator logo

About the program

NSEI originated as a grant project in 2021, funded by Google in partnership with the American Library Association.

Coordinated by a team of five library staff members, NSEI includes cohorts of 15 to 20 students who attend monthly presentations by local business experts on topics such as finance, marketing, licensing and writing a business plan. Following each meeting, participants complete assigned online coursework and receive one-on-one support from experienced small business mentors. The library provides free laptops and Wi-Fi service to those who need them.

The program’s culmination occurs at Launchpad, where the aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to community business leaders.

As of this year, the program has graduated 35 entrepreneurs in four cohorts. And the Gwinnett County Public Library Foundation has awarded $8,000 in start-up funding through the Launchpad event.

For more information, visit gwinnettpl.org/adults/new-start-entrepreneurship-incubator.

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