North Georgia Community Foundation reaching out

GAINESVILLE - The Gainesville-based North Georgia Community Foundation has become part of an effort to expand support to non-profit organizations in North Georgia.

Jim Mathis, Jr., the president and CEO of the foundation, says nonprofit organizations in North Georgia, "like those across the state and our nation are facing overwhelming challenges to meet operating budgets due to the stagnant market and economy, reduced government support and to meet the ever changing needs of the communities they serve."

"Recognizing these circumstances and responding to the shortage of resources available to our region's nonprofit organizations, the North Georgia Community Foundation has become a part of a statewide effort to expand support to these groups," Mathis added. "Beginning with Georgia's first Rural Philanthropy Forum in October 2000 to the establishment of North Georgia's Nonprofit Network Center in 2002, the foundation is pushing forward to strengthen regional nonprofits."

He said the goal of the North Georgia Nonprofit Network is to provide the over 500 nonprofit organizations in the region, opportunities to gain knowledge and skills to increase their capacity to run their organizations better.

"Strengthening and building capacity of our nonprofit organizations will ultimately improve the quality of life for the people and the communities they serve," Mathis said. "The network hopes to help the 500-plus nonprofit organizations in our region gain the knowledge and skills needed to increase their capacity to run their organizations better."