Non-profits meet in Cobb to navigate funding uncertainty

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On August 26, 73 nonprofit executives and board members came together for a special session of the Ignite Nonprofit Learning Series, hosted by Cobb Community Foundation (CCF) in partnership with United Way of Greater Atlanta, Mauldin & Jenkins, and the Georgia Center for Nonprofits (GCN).

Titled Strategic Options for Sustaining Nonprofit Impact, the session addressed the growing uncertainty many nonprofits face in today’s funding landscape—driven by potential federal budget cuts and increased competition for philanthropic dollars.

Held at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, the event provided timely context on today’s challenges and equipped attendees with tools to assess their organization’s sustainability—and explore meaningful paths forward, from partnerships to internal pivots and beyond.

“In the face of shrinking funding and growing uncertainty, nonprofits must ask tough questions about sustainability and impact. Our program empowers leaders to make mission-driven decisions and preserve their impact on the community in the face of these challenges,” said Karen Beavor, CEO of Georgia Center for Nonprofits.

What’s next?

Participating nonprofits will now dive deeper with follow-up engagements, including:

• A personalized Rapid Sustainability Assessment (RSA) – a practical tool developed by GCN to help nonprofits evaluate their operational and financial health
• Customized insights into each organization’s sustainability profile
• Cohort-based advisory sessions, led by GCN, for those seeking additional support—featuring expert guidance, peer learning, and practical strategies to strengthen partnerships, navigate internal pivots, and more.

“This program is about more than assessing challenges—it’s about planning for impact in the long term,” said GCN Director of Consulting Jim Williams-Neal. “We’re proud to support nonprofits as they explore what sustainability means for them.”

Investing in Nonprofit Impact

Both the session and follow-up support are being provided at no cost to participating organizations, as part of a broader investment by Cobb Community Foundation and United Way to strengthen the missions and long-term impact of nonprofits serving Cobb County.

“This is the kind of collaborative investment that is critically needed right now,” said Shari Martin, President & CEO of Cobb Community Foundation. “Just because funding is reduced doesn’t mean the needs have gone away. People who need help with housing, healthcare and food are still going to need help, and they are going to turn to our nonprofits. It is in all of our best interests for them to be able to meet these critical needs, but that is going to require some serious outside-the-box thinking.  GCN is the expert.”

About CCF’s Ignite Nonprofit Learning Series

Hosted by Cobb Community Foundation, the Ignite Series convenes nonprofit CEOs, Executive Directors, and board members throughout the year to explore timely challenges, learn from expert facilitators, and strengthen relationships across the sector.