The Role of Philanthropy in a Changing Region

It comes as no surprise that the Unites States is experiencing a dramatic population increase.  What will surprise many is the Southeastern region is witnessing the bulk that population growth. The State of Georgia ranks 8th in the nation for foreign born residents. Within the 20-county Atlanta region, 13% of the population is foreign born.[i] More than half of the foreign born are from Latin America.

Recognizing, the significant of the demographic shift impacting the Metro Atlanta, the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta became a leader in building relationships to encourage civic engagement on this timely topic. As part of this effort, the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, in partnership with the Atlanta Foundations Forum, hosted a meeting on: The Role of Philanthropy in a Changing Region. The meeting built on the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta’s One Region Atlanta initiative. One Region Atlanta is a two year initiative aimed at supporting inclusion, civility, and participation across the region. 

To illustrate the issues and barriers impacting many foreign born residents in Metro Atlanta, the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta invited Horizon Theatre Company to present a dramatic presentation to the philanthropic community which spoke to the contentiousness between long-time residents and many foreign born residents in the area. The presentation touched on the misperception by some lawmakers and long-term residents that foreign born residents are a drain on local resources and lower property values. By acting out a fictitious public hearing, Horizon spoke to the economic contributions of foreign born residents in counties like Gwinnett which includes a population where 32% of the residents speak a language other than English at home. Further, Horizon highlighted the frustration experienced by community leaders on both sides attempting to discuss these issues with local lawmakers. At one point, the actors posing as lawmakers acknowledged their bias and limited understanding of the issue. The dramatization was an excellent method by which to illustrate the challenges and opportunities to philanthropy on this topic.

In addition to the presentation, the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta included presentations from the Latin American Association and the Asian American Advancing Justice organizations. The combination of the dramatic presentation along with comments shared by the Latin American Association and Asian American Advancing Justice organizations dramatization demonstrated the incredible leadership provided by the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta on this topic.

Since 1951, The Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta has connected philanthropic resources with community needs across the 23 county Metro Atlanta service area. The Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta’s mission is to strengthen the region by providing quality services to donors and innovative leadership on community issues.

To learn more the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, visit www.cfgreateratlanta.org.