‍Tikkun Olam – repairing the world. For Herb Cohn, this tenet of his faith informs how he sees his responsibility to his community and, in particular, how his philanthropy brings it to life.

Herb attended college on an ROTC scholarship before finding his way back to Chattanooga, where his family had lived and owned businesses since before prohibition. As he grew his own family and business, he saw new opportunities to give back. Herb was inspired by his mother's quiet generosity and particularly her mentality that charity was an obligation we hold to one another.

"Giving back is a responsibility," Herb says simply. "It's about filling in the gaps and helping folks who are struggling."

Susie, his late wife, also played a significant role in shaping his philanthropic endeavors, modeling the gift of time and talent. Susie was actively involved in various volunteer activities in Chattanooga, including knitting afghans for hospice patients and baby caps for AIDS patients, demonstrating that generosity extends beyond financial contributions.

For decades, Herb has put these charitable principles into practice through a donor-advised fund (DAF) at the Community Foundation. This fund has not only provided him with strategic tax advantages, but has also allowed him to give back in consistent and responsive ways. Herb regards this as one of the best financial decisions he has ever made: “The Community Foundation is probably one of the best-kept secrets anywhere. Not only do I get to give back, but I get to see the tangible and lasting impact on people's lives. The only problem is more people need to know about it – and more need to participate.”

That sense of duty, both shared and individual, is core to how he sees the future of philanthropy in Chattanooga. It's a lesson he’s been direct about imparting to his own children. “When the next generation takes over, I want them to run [our family’s fund] the way they want to,” he says with a laugh, “Not necessarily how I did.” 

At the moment, Herb’s charitable priorities encompass a broad array of world-repairing acts.

He was recently recognized for his volunteer service at Erlanger Hospital and credits the Community Foundation with introducing him to organizations like the Bethlehem Center in South Chattanooga; YCAP, which mentors justice-involved youth; and the Eviction Prevention Initiative, which works countywide to help stabilize families at risk of losing their homes. 

Seeing and feeling the impact of his generosity is a gift in itself. He points to a thank you from a Bosnian father for supporting his refugee son's education. The son had graduated at the top of his class and later earned a doctorate. World repair, it turns out, can happen anywhere if you’re intent on finding ways to make it happen. 

For Herb, part of being a responsible donor means helping other people who have been similarly blessed see the value in working with a charitable partner like the Community Foundation. "There are so many people that have an income substantially above what they need," he notes, "Becoming a part of the Community Foundation is the best way to give back."

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Thank you to Herb Cohn and his daughter, Amy Cohen, for sharing their story with us.