For more than 60 years, your Community Foundation has existed to connect the passions of our donors with purpose, creating meaningful impact in our shared communities, and making more possible.
OUR MISSION
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.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES THAT SHAPE OUR WORK
>> INSPIRING GENEROSITY
>> WORKING WITH TRUSTED LEADERS
>> BUILDING STRONG NONPROFIT ANCHORS
>> CREATING ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR ALL
>> FOSTERING TRUST
Every community has common elements it treasures—a sense of belonging, a shared history, the hope we hold for the next generation. Every community also faces the pressure of adapting to a changing world. At the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, we work at the intersection of both: preserving what’s precious, while working to remove barriers that keep people from reaching their full potential.
Last year, after research and talking with our community partners, we deepened our focus on an area that continues to be a challenge and a barrier to economic mobility: affordable housing. We know that when families have safe, stable, affordable homes, they can begin to build toward long-term stability and success. That’s why we’re committing additional resources to this issue, while continuing to support efforts that address education, health, entrepreneurship, and other drivers of lasting change. Because we know that no single challenge stands alone, and neither do we.
We continue to embrace our role as a connector, bringing together people and partners across sectors, perspectives, and ideologies. When we lead with curiosity, collaboration, humanity, and a shared vision, we build trust. And trust makes transformation possible.
We’re proud to see national partners like The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation recognize Chattanooga’s strength and potential. Their investments highlight something we already know—our communities are full of people with bold ideas, valuable lived experience, and the will to make a difference.
None of this work happens without you—our generous donors, dedicated partners, and neighbors—your belief in what’s possible, and your willingness to turn generosity into action fuel the work ahead.
At the heart of this progress is a tradition of generosity that spans generations. We’re honored to work with families who pass down not just resources, but values—instilling in children and grandchildren a deep commitment to community. Whether it’s helping families open donor-advised funds, navigate legacy planning, or engage the next generation in giving, we serve as a trusted partner on the journey.
As we look forward, we do so with humility, clarity, and resolve. Change takes all of us—and when we come together, we can make more possible for everyone in Chattanooga.
With Gratitude,
Maeghan Jones, J.D. | President & CEO
Dr. Ruth Liu | Chair, Board of Directors
The State of the Foundation
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FACING OUR AREA
The Chattanooga region is a collection of communities with deep roots and a shared commitment to lifting each other up. Yet beneath this strength, many families face ongoing challenges that make everyday life a struggle.
We’re grateful for our friends and community partners at United Way of Greater Chattanooga, who have been collecting and reporting data on some of these families that help us understand their challenges in more detail. Their work with ALICE families (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) describes those who earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to cover basic costs necessary for a stable life.
Nearly 40% of households in our area, more than 45,000 families, fall into the ALICE category. Many members of these ALICE families have jobs that are essential to our local communities and economies— working as teachers, childcare providers, firefighters, sanitation workers, and nursing assistants. One of the most urgent challenges facing our community, and our ALICE families in particular, is affordable housing. When families don’t have a safe, stable place to call home, it’s difficult for them to focus on other critical aspects of their lives, such as education, health, and financial growth. Currently, nearly half of renters in Hamilton County spend more than 30% of their income on housing. This cost burden leaves many families without enough resources for other essentials like food, transportation, and healthcare. The impact is felt across generations—affecting seniors on fixed incomes, young families just starting out, and working adults striving for better opportunities.
TO HELP ADDRESS THESE CHALLENGES, THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER CHATTANOOGA HAS IDENTIFIED KEY STRATEGIC IMPACT AREAS:
RESPONDING TO PRESSING NEEDS, such as food insecurity, emergency support, and healthcare access
BUILDING FINANCIAL STABILITY, empowering individuals and families to access opportunities and vital resources, and gain skills for long-term security
EXPANDING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, supporting education, workforce development, and affordable housing initiatives that open doors to opportunity
These issues are complex and deeply interconnected, and solving them requires coordinated, thoughtful action. We work closely with local nonprofits, donors, community leaders, and policymakers—investing in effective programs, facilitating collaboration and research, and advocating for policies that promote lasting solutions at the local, state, and national levels.
Our strength lies in our ability to come together with generosity, compassion, and shared purpose. By joining together and drawing on a variety of perspectives, we can break down barriers and build a more just, thriving community where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential.
OUR MULTI-ANGLED APPROACH
We meet complex challenges with a collaborative, data-informed approach. We invest in nonprofits through funding, capacity-building, and trust. Our grantmaking is guided by community input and focused on impact. We convene partners, conduct research, and build coalitions to align efforts across sectors. And we advocate— locally and nationally—for policies that expand opportunity. By connecting people, resources, and ideas, we help build a more just, resilient region where everyone can thrive.
Pathways to Opportunity
THE HEARTBEAT OF THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
At the heart of the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga is something quietly powerful: The Fund for Chattanooga. It’s more than a fund—it’s the heartbeat that keeps our work alive, responsive, and deeply rooted in love for this community.
We believe everyone deserves the chance to build a better life, no matter where they start. The Fund for Chattanooga is what makes that possible. It fuels the programs, partnerships, and nonprofits that help families move from surviving to thriving—creating pathways to opportunity that ripple across generations.
This fund carries the hopes of those who came before us—neighbors, friends, and visionaries who gave generously, believing in a future they couldn’t fully see but trusted would be worth investing in. Their gifts created a legacy that still speaks today, allowing us to meet urgent needs and prepare for the ones we haven’t yet imagined.
Because of their trust, we’re able to support nonprofits doing life-changing work across our region—helping children discover opportunity, families find stability, and communities grow stronger together. The Fund for Chattanooga ensures that compassion and care are never in short supply.
The Fund for Chattanooga is how we keep listening to our community. It’s how we stay ready. And it’s how we keep moving forward, together.
Affordable Housing
We believe economic security and growth begin with a safe, stable place to call home. Yet today, Chattanooga is facing a deepening challenge with affordable housing—driven by rapid economic growth and a shortage of housing that working families can afford.
Nearly half of Chattanooga’s renters and one third of homeowners are cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs, including rent and utilities. This threshold is widely recognized as the point at which housing becomes unaffordable and begins to crowd out other essential needs like food, healthcare, and transportation.
Nearly half of Chattanooga’s renters are cost-burdened
That’s why we recently launched the Affordable Housing Fund—a bold, community-driven effort to expand access to affordable housing and invest in long-term solutions. In 2024, we were one of three Community Foundations to secure a $5 million line of credit from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)—its first-ever investment in Chattanooga— to support long-term affordable housing development.
This catalytic funding allows us to partner with local lenders and nonprofit developers to bring more affordable units to life.
To complement the investment from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, WE’VE COMMITTED $400,000 OF OUR OWN ASSETS TO WORK IN COORDINATION WITH THESE IMPACT INVESTMENT FUNDS TO:
>> EXPAND CHATTANOOGA’S HOUSING SUPPLY
>> PRESERVE EXISTING AFFORDABLE HOUSING
>> LEVERAGE AND ALIGN WITH RWJF’S INVESTMENT
>> SUPPORT LOCAL DEVELOPMENT CAPACITY
>> CREATE AFFORDABLE NEIGHBORHOODS
LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE OBJECTIVES
From First-Gen to Founder
HOW SCHOLARSHIPS FUEL ECONOMIC MOBILITY
FOR CHANTZ YANAGIDA, a proud Chattanooga native, the journey from helping out at his family’s restaurant to launching a cutting-edge manufacturing company began with a scholarship—and a whole lot of heart.
Chantz was part of the first full class to move through Battle Academy, later attending Normal Park Upper and Hixson High School, graduating in 2015. College was always part of the plan, but the path felt overwhelming.
“All of a sudden, I had two months to make a $60,000 decision,” he recalls. During his interview with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Honors College, things began to click. He enrolled in mechanical engineering and became the first in his immediate family to earn a bachelor’s degree—a milestone that marked the beginning of a new chapter.
The scholarship and support Chantz received from the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga played a pivotal role in his undergraduate success. Through Lenward Bracken, a lifelong friend and former CFGC Together We Can scholarship recipient, Chantz was introduced to the Community Foundation. With their guidance, he successfully navigated the complexities of the FAFSA—unlocking more than $20,000 in aid. Later, a Rotary scholarship helped cover his final year of college, allowing him to finish strong and graduate without debt.
The scholarship and support Chantz received from CFGC played a pivotal role in his undergraduate success.
Today, Chantz leads Protoproof, a Chattanooga-based company offering rapid prototyping and low-volume manufacturing to clients ranging from solopreneurs to global giants like Mars and Nissan. He credits the Community Foundation’s support with accelerating his career by half a decade.
“Graduating without debt gave me the freedom to pursue entrepreneurship immediately,” he said. But Chantz’s story isn’t just about personal success—it’s also about paying that success forward to up-and-coming students, including future entrepreneurs. Chantz and his team have donated more than 1,000 hours in volunteer service to Hamilton County Schools, helping to maintain fabrication equipment and mentoring students.
Through his work in the schools, Chantz has seen firsthand how powerful the eLabs can be. He’s heard countless students share that their decision to pursue engineering in college was sparked by their time in these labs. He credits the eLab Specialists as the true catalysts—educators whose tireless efforts have helped students learn how to think critically and solve problems, not just operate machinery. Chantz sees his role as supporting that mission: keeping the equipment online so teachers can continue delivering uninterrupted, problem-based learning experiences that change lives.
“Chattanooga’s talent pool is rising fast,” he says. “We want to harness that energy to build jobs and make our city a manufacturing powerhouse.”
Education opens doors. Scholarships hold the key. And as Chantz’s story illustrates, WHEN ONE STUDENT RISES, WHOLE COMMUNITIES CAN RISE WITH THEM.
Generational Giving
ONE FAMILY’S LEGACY OF PHILANTHROPY
“When you have the capacity to help, and you see a need—that compels you to act.”
– CHRIS MCKEE
THE STORY OF THE MCKEE FAMILY is one of entrepreneurship, perseverance, and an enduring commitment to community. What began in 1934 when O.D. and Ruth McKee purchased a small Chattanooga bakery has become one of America’s most iconic and beloved food companies.
Today, McKee Foods, the maker of Little Debbie® snacks and other brands—stands as a legacy of vision, determination, and family. But beyond the company’s business success lies another story: a deep, multigenerational tradition of philanthropy that continues to shape Chattanooga and beyond.
LEGACY ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
McKee Foods founders O.D. and Ruth McKee knew hardship. They endured the Great Depression, sold snack cakes from the backseat of their car to support their children, and built their business through grit and innovation. As their company grew, so too did their understanding that business success carried with it a responsibility to give back.
That sense of responsibility has passed through the generations. Today, O.D.’s son Jack McKee, along with his children and grandchildren, continues to support the community through philanthropy. Their philanthropic engagement includes working with the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga.
For Jack, his son Chris, and Chris’s son Nathan, giving is not simply about financial support; it is also listening to the needs of the community, addressing root causes, and building a legacy of generosity that the next generation can carry forward.
FROM TRANSACTIONAL TO TRANSFORMATIONAL
Chris McKee, President and COO of McKee Foods, recalls hearing his father talk through the years about giving through the Community Foundation and then reached out to then President, Pete Cooper, to set up a donor-advised fund (DAF).
“For the first several years, my interaction with the Community Foundation was purely transactional. It was about timing donations and maximizing deductions,” Chris McKee recalls. “But over time, it became much more than that.”
The turning point for Chris came when the Foundation facilitated a “discovery event” for multiple generations of the family. They gathered with spouses, children, and grandchildren to share their philanthropic journeys and priorities.
“That experience shifted my perspective,” Chris says. “It helped me see the Community Foundation not just as a vehicle for giving, but as thought leaders who really understand the needs of our community. Hearing my dad share his giving story, and seeing my children begin to articulate theirs, made me want to step up my own generosity.”
Nathan echoes the impact of that moment.
“The discovery process was really helpful. It inspired me to be more intentional about my giving, more strategic, and to set personal goals. Without the Foundation, I don’t think I’d be giving at the level I am today.”
“Without the Foundation, I don’t think I’d be giving at the level I am today.”
SPILLING OVER: A PHILOSOPHY OF GENEROSITY
For Nathan, generosity is both a personal practice and a family value. He named his fund after a Greek word–Perisseuon, meaning “to overflow.”
“That’s what giving is,” Nathan explains. “When you have resources, you let them spill over to bless others. The Foundation helps me channel that overflow in meaningful ways.” Chris has taken a practical approach as well, leveraging appreciated stock rather than cash for nearly all of his contributions.
“It’s not only tax-advantaged,” Chris notes, “it’s helped me develop an investment strategy where my bestperforming stocks become my giving tools.”
Both father and son appreciate how the Foundation’s flexibility and advice allow them to be responsive. Jack McKee agrees.
“I’m always interested in hearing the Foundation’s perspective,” he says. “I have my priorities but also listen to the Foundation’s guidance on where dollars can make the greatest impact. That combination has been really powerful for us.”
BUSINESS LESSONS, PHILANTHROPIC VISION
Running a major company has also shaped the McKees’ approach to philanthropy. “In business, we’re always trying to break negative cycles and implement permanent solutions—we call it continuous process improvement,” Chris explains. “If you can find a way to break cycles of poverty or address other systemic challenges, people will line up with their support.”
This mindset is reflected in their giving priorities. While Nathan has supported some international causes, both he and Chris emphasize local impact, particularly in the communities where McKee Foods employees live and work. “The family legacy of giving is a big reason why we still have a family business,” Chris says. “Philanthropy is one of our core values. Everyone in the family has different interests, but the commitment to give—and to give generously—is shared by all of us.”
TEACHING THE NEXT GENERATION
Perhaps the most meaningful outcome of the McKees’ philanthropy is how it inspires the next generation. Chris describes being moved when his father shared how he set giving goals by decade of life.
“Dad broke it down—what he aimed to give in his 40s, 50s, 60s,” he recalls. “I wrote it all down, and it motivated me to step up, too. That kind of transparency created a roadmap for the rest of us.”
Nathan, who has young children, is already finding ways to instill generosity. “I see generosity as a virtue to be taught,” he says. “My kids are still small, but I make sure they put something in the offering plate at church. As they get older, I want them to have hands-on experiences—packing backpacks for kids, volunteering at the food bank—so they can feel what giving back means.”
Chris adds, “My hope is that my kids and grandkids will see giving as something natural— when you see a need and you can help, you do.”
LOOKING AHEAD
For the McKees, philanthropy is not static; it evolves with each generation. They see the Community Foundation as a trusted partner for the future—both a practical tool and a source of wisdom.
Chris appreciates the ease of the Foundation’s online platform and the ability to schedule recurring gifts. But what excites him most is the Foundation’s growing role as a convener and thought leader. “They have a deep understanding of what’s happening in our community, and their board reflects that. It gives me confidence to lean on them for advice.”
Nathan looks forward to greater collaboration among donors. “If the Foundation can connect people who want to ‘spill over’ into the community, then we can build momentum and tackle bigger challenges together. That excites me.”
BUILDING A CULTURE OF GENEROSITY
The McKee story is about much more than financial contributions. It is about building a culture of generosity that strengthens families, businesses, and communities.
As Chris reflects, “One of the most important lessons we’ve learned is that giving is not just about resources— it’s about impact. When we share what we have, we’re not only helping today, but we’re also shaping the future for generations.”
It is about building a culture of generosity that strengthens families, businesses, and communities.
In that sense, the McKee legacy mirrors the heart of their company’s story: a hard-working beginning, nurtured by vision and innovation, growing into something that blesses millions.
“IT’S NOT JUST MONEY—IT’S GENERATIONAL IMPACT,” JACK MCKEE SAYS.
We Take the Complexity Out of Giving
YOUR PHILANTHROPIC PARTNER
For more than 60 years, we’ve been a trusted ally to estate planners, attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors. We simplify the giving process—handling everything from fund creation and tax optimization to legacy planning and grantmaking—so advisors can focus on what matters most: impact.
Our team understands the nuances of family dynamics and Chattanooga’s nonprofit landscape, helping donors make meaningful contributions to the causes they care about most.
OUR PROCESS IS SIMPLE
>> WE BEGIN BY LISTENING.
>> WE CREATE A PLAN WITH TAILORED OPTIONS
>> WE HELP DONORS OPEN A FUND
>> WE PROVIDE BEST-IN-CLASS SERVICES & SUPPORT
“The team at CFGC are donor-focused and extremely responsive and flexible. They work with new donors and cultivate long-lasting relationships. Whether it’s with setting up donor advised funds or navigating complex gifts of stock or real estate, Maeghan and her team find a way to say ‘yes,’ not excuses for ‘why not.’”
- DANA PERRY, CELA® - CHAMBLISS,
HOW WE SUPPORT:
>> CHARITABLE GIFT PLANNING
>> INVOLVING FAMILY IN CHARITABLE GIVING
>> COMMUNITY EXPERTISE
>> CAUSE AND NONPROFIT RESEARCH
>> SUCCESSION PLANNING
>> IMPACT UPDATES AND PERSONALIZE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
>> ACCESS TO PHILANTHROPIC, GRANTMAKING AND COMMUNITY-IMPACT EXPERTS
PA RECOGNITION
We collaborate closely with professional advisors to strengthen donor relationships and align their values with meaningful impact in our community. We’re grateful to the following advisors who referred their generous clients to us last year through our Professional Advisor Program:
