Thirty-one Cobb County nonprofits will have more resources to serve their neighbors this holiday season, thanks to a community-wide fundraising campaign that kicked off with more than $114,000 in donations.
The Cobb Community Foundation launched its 2026 Match Magic Holiday Giveathon on Nov. 10 at the Plaza Green at The Battery Atlanta, bringing together nonprofits, donors and supporters to raise money for causes ranging from housing and food assistance to education, health care and animal welfare. The three-week campaign runs through 5 p.m. Dec. 1, with a combined fundraising goal of $2 million.
“We want the community to be more aware of some of the challenges that face our neighbors,” said Shari Martin, president and CEO of the Cobb Community Foundation. “We also want them to be significantly more aware of the work that’s going on and who’s doing that work.”
The foundation connects donors with local nonprofits and provides resources to strengthen their work. Match Magic builds on that mission by combining community donations with a pool of matching funds distributed among participating organizations based on their fundraising totals.
Last year’s campaign raised more than $1.7 million for 27 nonprofits.
This year’s kickoff featured music, games, Atlanta Braves mascot Blooper and a Power Hour competition that challenged organizations to raise as much money as possible between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.
Together, the nonprofits raised more than $114,000 during that hour alone. Participating nonprofit, Circles Cobb led the competition with a $32,000 donation, which earned them an additional $2,500 prize.
“I was so incredibly thankful to our incredible board, to our incredible supportive community of allies, of donors, of supporters,” said Barbara Garner of Circles Cobb.
The organization provides a two-year mentoring program to help families achieve economic stability. Garner said 60 families applied this year, but only 12 could be accepted. Additional funding could help establish a second location, particularly in south Cobb County.
“Social capital is really our secret sauce,” Garner said, explaining how volunteer mentors help families overcome barriers to employment, education and financial stability.
For other organizations, the campaign offers an opportunity to turn long-term plans into reality.
Molly Holm, founder of Emmanuel’s Village, is working to establish a tiny-home community for families experiencing housing instability in the Marietta City Schools district.
The idea grew from her son’s determination to help a community member experiencing homelessness. At age 8, he began fundraising through small projects, eventually helping fund four years of housing.
Emmanuel’s Village aims to provide temporary housing, employment assistance and community support for 12 to 18 months while helping families transition into permanent housing.
“This is going to help us raise our last dollars so that we can break ground,” Holm said, adding that construction could begin in January or February.
Youth Empowerment Through Learning, Leading and Serving, known as YELLS, is another participating nonprofit. Its free after-school and mentoring programs encourage young people to lead community projects while developing leadership skills.
Executive Director Lauren Keefe said donations are especially important amid funding challenges. The organization hopes to sustain existing programs and eventually expand services to middle school students.
“Match Magic funding is critical, especially right now when there’s a lot of different cuts going on in the funding climate and the national climate,” Keefe said.
Amber Butler, a former YELLS participant who now works as a recreational instructor, said the organization introduced her to opportunities that helped shape her future.
“I was also connected with a lot of people that [were] able to develop me as a person and reel me in, and just give me a family and friends that are unforgettable,” Butler said.
Other participants include the Atlanta Humane Society, Salvation Army of Cobb County, Georgia Symphony Orchestra, Backpack Blessings, Good Samaritan Health Center of Cobb and Family Promise of Cobb County.
Residents can support participating nonprofits through the Cobb Community Foundation website through Dec. 1.
For Martin, the campaign’s success goes beyond dollars raised. It is also about connecting neighbors with opportunities to help one another.
“There’s something special about Cobb County and the way people here rally around their neighbors and want to help each other,” Martin said.
