Founders Society

As the Foundation’s impact grows, our operational strength must grow with it. The Founder’s Society is the Foundation’s operating endowment, a permanent source of support that sustains the work behind the scenes and makes long-term leadership
possible.

Through their leadership commitments, Founder’s Society members help make sure that the Foundation has the capacity to serve donors well, respond to community needs, and steward charitable resources responsibly.

This support is not simply overhead. It is the infrastructure that allows the Foundation to lead philanthropy across our region with integrity, expertise, and care.

The Founder’s Society plays a critical role in sustaining this work.

Through a permanent operating endowment, Founder’s Society members support:

• Exceptional donor and fundholder experiences
• Trusted local community leadership and expertise
• Stewardship rooted in integrity and care

Leadership Through Commitment

Membership is established through a one-time leadership gift of $50,000, payable over five years. Today, the Founder’s Society provides meaningful annual operating support that helps sustain the Foundation’s mission and work in the community.

Founders Society Members

• The Benson Family
• Cadence Bank
• Bob Carson
• Ricky H. Chastain
• Bertis and Katherine Downs
• Epting Family Foundation
• Greg and Kay Garcia
• Heyward Allen Motor Company
• Clementi L. Holder
• First American Bank and Trust
• Jackson EMC
• Joe D. Irving
• John and Teresa McLean
• Kirbo Charitable Trust
• Margaret D. McLanahan
• Steve and Susan Middlebrooks
• Patrick C. Mercardante
• Myra Blackmon
• Helen H. Mills
• In Honor of Tim Johnson
• William C. Mundy
• The Newland Family Founation, Inc.
• Alex and Janet Patterson
• Piedmont Athens Regional
• Jim and Emily Reynolds
• Jinx and Gordhan Patel
• The Riverview Foundation, Inc.

Join the Founder’s Society

A commitment to the Founder’s Society is an investment in the long-term health of the Athens Area Community Foundation and the community it serves. If you would like to learn more about becoming a Founders Society member, email smckinney@athensareacf.org.