For the holiday season, Cobb Community Foundation is expanding its Match Magic program, selecting 31 local nonprofits to participate in the 2026 Giveathon. The three‑week fundraiser runs from Nov. 10 through Dec. 1, with a shared Match Pool that could boost donations.
Program growth and impact
Match Magic began in 2023 as the Cobb Thrives Gift Guide, raising $71,000 from 30 charities. In 2024 the initiative evolved, giving each organization its own fundraising page, storytelling instruction and coordinated media support. That year 25 participants raised more than $703,000; in 2025, 27 groups generated nearly $1.6 million, with matching funds pushing the total above $1.7 million.
Beyond dollars, the foundation tracks longer‑term outcomes. In 2025, 93 % of participants reported gaining new donors, 89 % reached a new audience, and 78 % received larger gifts from existing supporters.
Who’s participating
The 2026 cohort spans a wide range of services. Animal‑related charities include the Atlanta Humane Society and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Arts and culture groups feature Friends of The Strand, the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre and the Georgia Symphony Orchestra. Basic‑needs providers include 10 Women of Hope, Cobb Moms Helping Cobb, Family Life Restoration Center, HOPE Family Resource Center, Simple Needs GA, Tillman House Resource Center at First United Methodist Church of Smyrna and The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta Area Command.
Economic‑mobility organizations are Circles Cobb, CobbWorks and St. Vincent de Paul Georgia. Food‑security groups include BackPack Blessings, Encompass Ministries and PORCH Marietta. Health‑care and mental‑wellness participants are Aloha To Aging, Cumberland Counseling Centers, HHH Equine, The Extension and Good Samaritan Health Center of Cobb. Housing assistance comes from Family Promise of Cobb County and Emmanuel’s Village by Passion with Purpose. Additional categories cover public benefit, tailored support and youth development.
Long‑term benefits
Shari Martin, president and CEO of Cobb Community Foundation, emphasizes that the real value lies after the campaign ends. Participants keep their campaign plans, photos, email templates and social‑media content for future fundraising and grant applications. The foundation hopes first‑time donors will become recurring supporters, volunteers or advocates.
Applications were reviewed by trained local leaders who considered service to Cobb residents, organizational story, fundraising plan and readiness. The competitive process selected the 31 nonprofits from a record 70 applicants.
How the community can help
The Match Pool has already reached $160,000 toward a $250,000 goal. Community members can amplify their giving by donating during the Giveathon, which aligns with Giving Tuesday and GA Gives Day.
By strengthening nonprofit storytelling, expanding donor bases and providing reusable fundraising tools, the Match Magic program aims to leave Cobb County charities better equipped for future success.
Original reporting: SaportaReport — read the source article.
