J. Randall Frost, Chair
Don Grimsley, Vice Chair
Kristi Griffin, Treasurer
Brian Steines, Secretary
Chad Black, Advisor
Andy Bangs
Scott Barloga
Mark Bell
Jeff Cohen
Carole Ann Daniel
Tom Johnston
Christina Jones
Rachel Marshall
James McCoy
Mary Helen McGruder
Steve Mickens
Kelly Miles
Tate O'Rouke
Hart Payne
Steven Smith
Martha Spence
John Vardeman
Jason Voyles
Trey Wood
Serving on the Board of the North Georgia Community Foundation (NGCF) for the past seven years—two of those as Chair—has been an honor. I am grateful for the dedicated board members who lead with wisdom and care, and for the exceptional NGCF team whose commitment brings our mission to life each day.
When I stepped into the role of Chair, NGCF held $119.5 million in charitable assets. By the close of 2025, that number had grown to $182.1 million. At the same time, $33.4 million was awarded through grants and scholarships—demonstrating that growth and generosity go hand in hand. These numbers—paired with the programs and resources NGCF provides—reflect meaningful investment in students and nonprofits, strengthening organizations to expand their impact, and building stronger relationships across the North Georgia region, including the growing engagement of the next generation of community leaders.
NGCF’s continued progress is the result of the generosity of our fundholders, strong partnerships, and thoughtful leadership—all grounded in a shared belief in the power of community—principles that have shaped the Foundation over the past 40 years, which we proudly celebrated in 2025.
Our NGCF fundholders commitment to making our community stronger is remarkable—whether through establishing funds, supporting scholarships, seeking out additional grants, or investing in programs and resources like the Community Room. They are truly inspiring. On behalf of our Board and Foundation leadership, I offer my sincere thanks for their trust and partnership, and for allowing NGCF to be part of their philanthropic journey.
NGCF’s strength has always been rooted in thoughtful leadership—past and present—guiding the Foundation forward with purpose and care. And I would be remiss if I did not recognize Michelle Prater, who celebrated her 10-year anniversary as President and CEO this year. Her leadership has been instrumental in continuing that legacy and shaping NGCF’s future.
With Michelle at the helm, alongside a strong board and dedicated staff, I am confident NGCF will continue to lead with intention, remain responsive to the needs of our community, and grow its reach and relevance in the years ahead—continuing to invest in the people and nonprofits who call our community home.
For Good. For Ever.
With gratitude, J. Randall Frost
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2025
REVENUES, GAINS AND
$59,713,375
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
$100,749,531
$145,538,303
We are committed to operating with the highest level of integrity to protect, steward, and grow charitable resources for the North Georgia region.
The NGCF Community Fund is the primary fund through which the North Georgia Community Foundation distributes grants to support nonprofit organizations and community initiatives across our region. In 2025, NGCF grant programs awarded $775,700 to help address local needs and strengthen the communities we serve.
North Georgia is always evolving, and so are its needs. The NGCF Community Fund was established as a permanent resource to serve our community year after year, responding to the most pressing issues facing our region today while preparing for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow.
In addition to Community Grants, NGCF fundholders also funded 15 ADDITIONAL ORGANIZATIONS FOR $76,500
$822,950 TOTAL AWARDS
327 scholarships 1,793 applications
73 colleges
17 states
From high school graduation through the college journey, scholarships reflect fundholders’ belief in the lasting impact of education.
While NGCF celebrated 40 years in 2025, its affiliate, the Forsyth County Community Foundation (FCCF), marked a milestone of its own—10 years of serving and strengthening Forsyth County. What began as a vision has grown into a powerful force for local philanthropy, connecting generosity with the nonprofits that serve the community and ensuring that giving remains rooted in Forsyth.
In this landmark year, FCCF received a transformational $2 million investment—made possible by a $1 million commitment from NGCF and a dollar-for-dollar match from longtime Forsyth County philanthropist, Tommy Bagwell. This extraordinary support strengthened the FCCF Community Grant Endowment Fund and paved the way for FCCF’s first-ever community grant cycle, exclusively for Forsyth County nonprofits, launching in 2026—an exciting new chapter of impact for Forsyth County.
NGCF has long prioritized the growth and success of our nonprofit community. GROW, the umbrella for all of NGCF’s nonprofit educational programming, was officially established in 2017 and has continued to expand ever since. Today, GROW offers intentional programming for nonprofit leaders, staff, and board members, helping them strengthen their skills, support their organizations, and better serve our region.
45 classes offered 136.5 hours of educational opportunities
158 organizations served from 25 counties
329 meetings serving 6715 attendees in savings for local nonprofits
$77,675
The Oak Society was created by the North Georgia Community Foundation (NGCF) to engage the next generation of Hall County in philanthropy. It brings together individuals who are passionate about giving back — combining their resources to make a greater collective impact. Together, members amplify their individual contributions to create larger, more meaningful grants that drive lasting change in our community.
FIRST-YEAR SUCCESS
73 MEMBERS
Including 25 founding members
4 FOUNDING SPONSORS
Bates Carter
Carpenter & Fowler Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors
Rushton
Turner, Wood & Smith Insurance
$10,000 + SHELTER DONATION DRIVE
Gainesville Police Mental Health Clinician Program
Inaugural grant recipient
As I reflect on 2025, I am filled with gratitude for the year behind us, for the people who have shaped the North Georgia Community Foundation, and for the remarkable community we are able to serve each day. As we celebrated 40 years of impact and service, this milestone year gave us the opportunity to reflect on where we have been, celebrate how far we have come, and look ahead with enthusiasm.
Over the past decade, I have had the privilege of being part of NGCF’s remarkable growth. Our assets under management have increased from $46.1 million to $182.1 million, reflecting the trust our fundholders place in us to steward their giving. Continued investment in the NGCF Community Fund has expanded NGCF grantmaking from $24,500 in 2015 to $775,700 in 2025 — each number representing lives touched and communities strengthened.
Beyond financial growth, I am proud of how NGCF has evolved as a resource and connector for our region. From nonprofit education and scholarships that open doors, to new initiatives like the Oak Society engaging the next generation of philanthropists, our work continues to grow. As our impact has expanded, so has our team — from four to ten — along with a new space to call home.
A special team member milestone also occurred in 2025 with the recognition of Lisa Warwick’s 25-year anniversary as our Executive Vice President of Finance. Her knowledge and deep commitment have helped guide NGCF through decades of growth. Even as NGCF expanded in reach and impact, Lisa ensured we remained grounded and responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us. Her legacy is woven into every milestone we celebrate.
That same spirit was on full display during our board retreat, where past, present, and future leaders gathered around a shared commitment to North Georgia. Seeing so many chapters of NGCF’s story represented — and remembering those no longer with us — was both humbling and inspiring.
Already in awe over a great year, we experienced another extraordinary moment with the fulfillment of the largest gift in NGCF’s history, made possible through the generosity and vision of Anne and George Thomas. Their gift was a compelling example of how thoughtful planning and partnership can turn philanthropic vision into lasting impact.
As we close this annual report, I return to what has always defined NGCF: people — those who built this foundation, those who serve today, and those who will carry this work forward. I am deeply grateful to be part of this story and excited for all that lies ahead.
