Generosity is purpose transformed into impact.

A Legacy of Giving

For decades, the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga has served as a pillar of generosity, connecting people who care with causes that matter. Together with our community and partners, our mission is to transform generosity into lasting change toward a prosperous and just Chattanooga where all can thrive and achieve their full potential.

We do this by inspiring charitable giving, investing in relationships, leaders and organizations, and leading initiatives that create opportunity for economic mobility. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant Chattanooga.

Our Why

Across four key focus areas, the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga works to meet current and immediate needs, address root causes of challenges, and support a community of donors who are committed to bettering life in our community.

  • Philanthropy

    Nurturing a community of donors through relationship building and philanthropic support.
  • Impact

    Investing in diverse and collaborative partners and leaders to create opportunities for prosperity.
  • Equity

    Giving all Chattanoogans access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
  • Stewardship

    Leveraging assets to meet or exceed market returns, ensuring that we can continue to affect change for generations to come.

Guiding Principles That Shape Our Work

Work with Proximate Leaders

We believe that strong leaders are catalysts for lasting change and we recognize that those most impacted by an issue offer unique wisdom and insights on the solutions. We work with diverse, collaborative leaders who are closest to community needs to help us understand where we can have the greatest impact.

Build Strong Anchors

We recognize that strong nonprofits are essential to a healthy community.  We equip local nonprofits with the tools and strategies they need to thrive and make a difference, championing access to resources and opportunities for all of our neighbors.

Creating Economic Mobility for All

We partner with nonprofits, local officials, businesses, and community leaders to address the root causes of poverty and disparities and create access to opportunity for all members of our community. We understand that creating equitable access means focusing our resources on people and communities where opportunity has been limited. 

Inspiring Generosity

We believe that generosity has the power to transform individuals and communities. We bring personalized support and a team of experts to help donors live more generously and grow and sustain their impact over time

Join Us in Making a Difference 
The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga is more than a charitable organization. We are a force for good, dedicated to strengthening our region through philanthropy, leadership, and collaboration. Whether you’re looking to give back, grow your impact, or engage in community solutions, we invite you to be part of something bigger. Together, we can make more possible.

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Scholars

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, over 3,000 Chattanooga students have attended and graduated college.

View Scholarships
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Nonprofits

Our caring and inclusive grant cycle supports organizations serving our most vulnerable neighbors.

Learn More About Grants
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Donors

We help transform generosity into lasting change by creating tailored plans and meaningful giving experiences.

Consider Giving
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Professional Advisors

We partner with professional advisors to provide more value for their clients, provide highly tailored philanthropic experiences, and longer-lasting relationships.

Partner with us

Our People

The leadership and staff of the Foundation work hand-in-hand with our Board of Directors and our community to make Chattanooga a more prosperous and just city.

Maeghan Jones

Maeghan Jones

President and CEO (ext. 13)
Maeghan Jones

Maeghan Jones

President and CEO (ext. 13)

President and CEO (ext. 13)
Rebecca Underwood

Rebecca Underwood

VP, Finance and Administration (ext. 14)
Rebecca Underwood

Rebecca Underwood

VP, Finance and Administration (ext. 14)

VP, Finance and Administration (ext. 14)
Caroline von Kessler

Caroline von Kessler

VP, Philanthropy (ext. 32)
Caroline von Kessler

Caroline von Kessler

VP, Philanthropy (ext. 32)

VP, Philanthropy (ext. 32)
Quentin Lawrence

Quentin Lawrence

VP, Community Investment (ext. 47)
Quentin Lawrence

Quentin Lawrence

VP, Community Investment (ext. 47)

VP, Community Investment (ext. 47)
Katrina Craven

Katrina Craven

VP, Marketing and Communications
Katrina Craven

Katrina Craven

VP, Marketing and Communications

VP, Marketing and Communications
Dr. Stephanie Young

Dr. Stephanie Young

Director of Scholarships (ext. 11)
Dr. Stephanie Young

Dr. Stephanie Young

Director of Scholarships (ext. 11)

Director of Scholarships (ext. 11)
Robin Posey

Robin Posey

Senior Director, Philanthropic Research (ext. 15)
Robin Posey

Robin Posey

Senior Director, Philanthropic Research (ext. 15)

Senior Director, Philanthropic Research (ext. 15)
Keely Gilliland

Keely Gilliland

Chief of Staff (ext. 20)
Keely Gilliland

Keely Gilliland

Chief of Staff (ext. 20)

Chief of Staff (ext. 20)
Laura Howell

Laura Howell

Director of Donor Engagement (EXT. 22)
Laura Howell

Laura Howell

Director of Donor Engagement (EXT. 22)

Director of Donor Engagement (EXT. 22)
Chris Adams

Chris Adams

Donor Services Coordinator (ext. 31)
Chris Adams

Chris Adams

Donor Services Coordinator (ext. 31)

Donor Services Coordinator (ext. 31)
Joe Wood

Joe Wood

Executive Assistant (ext. 27)
Joe Wood

Joe Wood

Executive Assistant (ext. 27)

Executive Assistant (ext. 27)
Woodson Carpenter

Woodson Carpenter

Manager of Communications and Strategy (ext. 24)
Woodson Carpenter

Woodson Carpenter

Manager of Communications and Strategy (ext. 24)

Manager of Communications and Strategy (ext. 24)
Catherine Coker

Catherine Coker

Senior Accountant (ext. 23)
Catherine Coker

Catherine Coker

Senior Accountant (ext. 23)

Senior Accountant (ext. 23)
Lindsey Cross

Lindsey Cross

Philanthropy Coordinator (ext. 30)
Lindsey Cross

Lindsey Cross

Philanthropy Coordinator (ext. 30)

Philanthropy Coordinator (ext. 30)
Anthony Prince

Anthony Prince

Impact Assistant (ext. 19)
Anthony Prince

Anthony Prince

Impact Assistant (ext. 19)

Impact Assistant (ext. 19)
Candice Brock

Candice Brock

Finance Associate (ext. 42)
Candice Brock

Candice Brock

Finance Associate (ext. 42)

Finance Associate (ext. 42)
Emily Allen Murphy

Emily Allen Murphy

Director of People and Culture (ext. 33)
Emily Allen Murphy

Emily Allen Murphy

Director of People and Culture (ext. 33)

Director of People and Culture (ext. 33)
Taya Mayfield

Taya Mayfield

Receptionist and Administrative Assistant (ext. 10)
Taya Mayfield

Taya Mayfield

Receptionist and Administrative Assistant (ext. 10)

Receptionist and Administrative Assistant (ext. 10)
Jon Berestecky

Jon Berestecky

Manager of Community Investment (ext.44)
Jon Berestecky

Jon Berestecky

Manager of Community Investment (ext.44)

Manager of Community Investment (ext.44)

Board of Directors

Dr. Ruth Liu

Chair

Chair

Dallas Joseph

Ex Officio Chair

Ex Officio Chair

Dr. Dave Bhattacharya

Vice Chair

Vice Chair

Cheryl Key

Vice Chair

Vice Chair

Lorie Runge

Vice Chair

Vice Chair

Skip Schwartz

Treasurer

Treasurer

Ansley Moses

Secretary

Secretary

Charlie Brock

Ben Brown

Daniela Peterson

Gene Geiger

Andrea Hardaway

Dr. Le Andrea Ware

Chris McKee

Martha Leiper

Niti Tejani

Will Clegg

Dr. John Adams

Briana Garza

Pam McKenney

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Finances & Stewardship

We are proud of our legacy of stewardship in our community. View CFGC's annual finances and investment performance.