Good2Give Archives - Business RadioX ®

The State of Arts Funding in Georgia with Laura Hennighausen

August 20, 2025 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

The State of Arts Funding in Georgia with Laura Hennighausen

00:00 /

The State of Arts Funding in Georgia with Laura Hennighausen (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 17)

Laura Hennighausen, Director of Strategic Philanthropy at Purpose Possible, joins hosts Maria Walden and DePriest Waddy to discuss Arts Capital Atlanta, a collaborative campaign addressing the urgent need for arts funding in the region. Laura shares how the initiative grew from informal COVID-era Zoom meetings into a powerful coalition of 30+ arts nonprofits and funders working to stabilize and sustain the arts ecosystem across Atlanta’s 11-county metro area.

She outlines why Georgia ranks at the bottom nationally in public funding for the arts, the impact of this gap on local organizations, and how Arts Capital Atlanta is mobilizing resources to keep small and mid-size arts organizations alive and thriving. From tackling systemic inequities to building new pathways for sustainability, Laura explains why supporting the arts is critical not just for culture but also for community health, economic development, and Atlanta’s identity as a creative hub.

The Good2Give Podcast is presented by the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia. John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX® produce the show. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

Key Takeaways from this Episode

How Arts Capital Atlanta formed out of grassroots collaboration during COVID.
Why Georgia ranks 50th in the nation for public arts funding.
The two-pronged strategy: immediate stabilization funding plus long-term sustainability.
The vital role of small, community-based arts nonprofits and their funding challenges.
How the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia is partnering as fiscal agent.
The broader impact of arts organizations on mental health, economic growth, and community identity.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the Good2Give Podcast
00:39 Maria’s New Role and Continued Partnership
01:44 Introducing Laura Hennighausen and Arts Capital Atlanta
02:31 The Impact of COVID on Arts Organizations
05:12 Challenges in Arts Funding in Georgia
07:08 Stabilization and Sustainability Campaigns
11:35 The Importance of Community Support and Earned Income
18:16 Partnership with the Community Foundation
22:25 Challenges in Arts Leadership Succession
23:48 Emerging Best Practices in Nonprofits
25:28 Collaborations and Opportunities in Arts and Education
26:36 Role and Work of Purpose Possible
30:08 Successful Arts Funding Models in Other States
32:56 Engaging the Community and Future Plans
36:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Laura Hennighausen, Arts Capital Atlanta and Purpose Possible

Laura Hennighausen is the Director of Strategic Philanthropy at Purpose Possible and also serves as the leader of Arts Capital Atlanta, underscoring her commitment to fostering vibrant, creative communities. With a breadth of experience in philanthropic strategy, board management, nonprofit governance, and grant writing, Laura collaborates with a diverse range of funders—including corporate, private, individual, and intermediary organizations—to design and assess fair and effective charitable programs. She also curates “Dispatches from the Philanthrosphere,” a monthly roundup of trends and best practices in the nonprofit sector. Prior to joining Purpose Possible in 2020, Laura contributed her expertise to several nonprofits focused on public space, historic preservation, and visual art.

Laura holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Japanese Language and Literature and Art History, along with a Master of Arts in Arts Administration. Her leadership extends into community engagement as Co-Chair of the Equity in Grantmaking Task Force for the Georgia Grant Professionals Network and as a board member of Kinnara, MODA, and Soul Food Cypher. Proficient in a wide range of donor management systems, Laura has worked with renowned organizations such as Mailchimp, Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation, and Borealis Philanthropy.

Arts Capital Atlanta website | Laura Hennighausen on LinkedIn

The Good2Give Podcast celebrates the work of donors, nonprofits, and the causes they care about. DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden are the show’s hosts, and the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia is the presenting sponsor.

The Good2Give Podcast is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. You can also find the show on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many others.

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose: improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

On a fundamental level, they do that through managing funds held in trust, donated by individuals, organizations, and businesses. Most funds are donor-advised funds, similar to savings accounts. These funds are pooled for investment purposes, and their income is used to make grants for a wide variety of charitable purposes.

But the Foundation’s goals extend far beyond managing funds. They desire to strengthen the communities they serve in Gwinnett, Northeast Georgia, and beyond by providing leadership, addressing community needs, and assisting individuals and organizations with their charitable giving.

Connect with CFNEG:
Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Healthcare with Heart, with Shameka Allen, Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett

March 20, 2025 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Healthcare with Heart, with Shameka Allen, Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett

00:00 /

Healthcare with Heart, with Shameka Allen, Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 15)

In this episode of the Good2Give Podcast, hosts Maria Walden and DePriest Waddy from the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia interview Shameka Allen, the CEO of Good Samaritan Health Centers in Gwinnett. They discuss the history and operations of the clinics, which provide affordable healthcare services to uninsured and low-income individuals. The conversation explores the diverse demographics served, the unique cost model, and the various services offered, including medical, dental, and prescription assistance. They also highlight the clinic’s commitment to holistic, compassionate care, supported by their faith-based values, and their innovative workforce development initiative, Access Academy. Additionally, the episode covers the clinics’ adaptation to treat long COVID, the impact of immigration policies on patient care, and the upcoming spring fundraising campaign.

To learn more and to donate to Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett, follow this link.

The Good2Give Podcast is presented by the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

Shameka Allen, Executive Director, Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett

Shameka Allen is the Chief Executive Officer of Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett, a role she assumed in January 2024. With a strong background in healthcare management and non-profit organizations, Shameka brings extensive experience to her position.

Prior to becoming CEO, Shameka served as the Associate Director of Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett from September 2021 to December 2023. In this role, she collaborated with the Executive Director to manage staff and volunteers, maintain industry standards, and evaluate opportunities to improve operations.

Shameka’s career history includes positions such as Manager of Practice Management at Beltone and Regional Operations Director at DaVita Kidney Care, where she was responsible for multiple dialysis facilities and home dialysis units.

Shameka holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, a Master of Arts in International Relations and Affairs from the University of Indianapolis, and a Bachelor of Arts in French Studies from Emory University. Her diverse educational background complements her professional experience in healthcare management and non-profit leadership.

Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett

Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett is a non-profit medical clinic located in Norcross, Georgia, dedicated to providing low-cost healthcare services to uninsured and underinsured residents of Gwinnett County and surrounding areas. Founded in 2004, the organization offers a comprehensive range of services, including primary care, general dentistry, pediatric care, counseling, health education classes, and pharmacy assistance. This broad spectrum of services is designed to address the diverse health needs of the community, ensuring that individuals have access to quality care regardless of their financial situation.

The mission of Good Samaritan Health Center is rooted in demonstrating the love of Christ by providing quality, affordable, and accessible health and dental services to the poor and uninsured. The organization aims to reduce health disparities by offering consistent and reliable healthcare options. Additionally, it seeks to decrease the non-emergent use of emergency rooms by the uninsured, which can be both costly and inefficient. By providing a stable source of primary care, Good Samaritan Health Center helps to manage chronic conditions effectively and prevent unnecessary hospital visits.

Good Samaritan Health Center operates with a staff of about 30 and relies heavily on over 400 annual volunteers, including medical professionals and students. The organization sees approximately 2,500 patients per month, with appointment fees ranging from $25 to $75. In recent years, the center has provided an estimated $5.2 million worth of healthcare services through thousands of patient encounters. It has received several accolades, including GuideStar’s Platinum status and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce’s Healthcare Excellence Award, recognizing its commitment to quality care and community service.

Website | LinkedIn |Instagram | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome
00:38 Meet Shameka Allen, CEO of Good Samaritan Health
01:52 History and Mission of Good Samaritan Health Centers
03:55 Demographics and Services Offered
07:27 Innovative Healthcare Models and Payment Structures
12:36 Dental Services and Community Impact
16:51 Funding and Community Partnerships
18:14 Workforce Development and Access Academy
26:04 Faith-Based Approach and Patient Care
27:07 Challenges and Innovations in Healthcare
31:34 Conclusion and Call to Action

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose: improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

Connect with CFNEG:
Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Rachel Ewald, Foster Care Support Foundation

December 22, 2023 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Rachel Ewald, Foster Care Support Foundation

00:00 /

Rachel Ewald, Foster Care Support Foundation (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 7)

On this episode of Good2Give, Maria Walden-Sullivan and co-host DePriest Waddy, both from the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, discussed the critical work of the Foster Care Support Foundation with its founder, Rachel Ewald. The organization, operating out of Roswell, Georgia, provides essentials like clothing, toys, and infant equipment to foster care children and those who care for them, filling a significant gap in resources. Rachel shared the struggle of grandparents who unexpectedly become caregivers, the need for community involvement, the difficulties of fundraising, and volunteer opportunities. Maria and DePriest also touched on the wider role the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia plays in shaping philanthropic journeys.

The Good2Give Podcast is presented by the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia and is produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

Rachel Ewald, Foster Care Support Foundation

Rachel Ewald is the Founder and Executive Director for the Foster Care Support Foundation.

Foster Care Support Foundation serves a vital and growing need throughout Georgia by providing free clothing, infant equipment, and developmental toys to thousands of children in foster and relative care.

They serve basic-care (costs reimbursed $0 to base per diem) foster children residing in Georgia’s foster homes, administered by the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) and children housed by private agencies.

They also serve abandoned, court-placed, and DFCS-placed grandparents raising grandchildren and parents caring for relative’s children for a limited time. About 75% of the 4500 children served are now raised by grandparents without the biological parents’ involvement due to drugs, abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Most of the relative caregivers receive no stipend to help raise the children.

They partner with Georgia’s DFCS for child referral and verification, along with Kinship Care, school counselors, and faith-based organizations.

Foster Care Support Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit, public charity organization.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter) | YouTube

Topics Discussed in This Interview:

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Rachel Ewald

00:44 Introducing the Foster Care Support Foundation

01:54 The Challenges of Foster Care

03:27 The Impact of Foster Care on Children

04:17 The Role of Foster Parents and Relatives

06:12 The Financial Struggles of Foster Care

08:37 The Foster Care Support Foundation’s Christmas Initiative

17:28 The Foster Care Support Foundation’s Year-Round Program

18:37 The Challenges of Running the Foster Care Support Foundation

25:17 The Foster Care Support Foundation’s Resale Shop

The Good2Give Podcast celebrates the work of donors, nonprofits, and the causes they care about. DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden-Sullivan are the show’s hosts, and the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia is the presenting sponsor.

The Good2Give Podcast is produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. You can also find the show on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many others.

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose: improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

Connect with CFNEG:
Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Announcing the Good2Give Podcast, with DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden-Sullivan, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

June 30, 2023 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Announcing the Good2Give Podcast, with DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden-Sullivan, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

00:00 /

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 677)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden-Sullivan of the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia were returning guests with host John Ray to discuss the work of the Foundation. They discussed what a Community Foundation does and how it serves donors, nonprofits, and the community at large. They also announced the debut of a new podcast, the Good2Give Podcast, which will celebrate “the magic of giving,” donors and non-profit leaders, and the vital causes they care about.

North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose – improving our world through the power of philanthropy.

On a fundamental level, they do that through managing funds held in trust, donated by individuals, organizations, and businesses. Most funds are donor-advised funds, similar to savings accounts. These funds are pooled for investment purposes and their income is used to make grants for a wide variety of charitable purposes.

But the Foundation’s goals expand far beyond managing funds. They desire to strengthen the communities they serve in Gwinnett, Northeast Georgia, and beyond by providing leadership, addressing community needs, and assisting individuals and organizations with their charitable giving.

Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

**DePriest Waddy, President and CEO, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia**

DePriest has a long history of leadership in the nonprofit sector. He has served almost 30 years in leadership roles at various nonprofits and Fortune 500 companies, including the American Hospital Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, United Way of Greater Atlanta, Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity, and, most recently, Families First.

Before joining the Community Foundation in June 2022, DePriest was CEO of Families First, a 131-year-old nonprofit serving at-risk children and families throughout Georgia, the United States, and abroad.

DePriest received his bachelor’s degree in marketing from The University of Alabama and his MBA from Kennesaw State University. He is a Leadership Gwinnett Class of 2015 alumnus, as well as a Leadership Birmingham Class of 2019 alumnus and Leadership Atlanta Class of 2022. He has been named to the Atlanta 500 in 2021 and 2022, Atlanta Magazine’s annual list of the area’s most powerful leaders. He was also awarded the Georgia Titan 100 in 2022. He and his wife, Carol, have one married daughter and two granddaughters.

DePriest’s dream for the Community Foundation: “Continuing to help meet the increasing needs resulting from complex family problems.”

**Maria Walden-Sullivan, Director of Development, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia**

Caring for her community is at the heart of everything Maria does. She was born in the oldest city in America (St. Augustine) and has been a proud Atlantan for the past 25 years. Maria is passionate about making a difference in her own backyard and inspiring others to do the same.

As our Director of Development, Maria is leading the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia into a whole new territory. Through her role, we are now able to expand into and impact North Fulton and Forsyth. She has a passion for nonprofits and is highly skilled in donor relations, major gifts, volunteer management, grant writing, and capital campaign management.

Maria is a trainer and facilitator for leadership development, strategic planning, and capacity building. With almost a decade of experience at the world’s most trusted leadership company, Franklin Covey, Maria has been certified in over a dozen leadership courses. She has also served as an ad-hoc faculty member for the Georgia Center for Nonprofits since 2019.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

The work of the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia
Charitable Giving
DePriest’s journey to CFNEG
Understanding the needs of donors
The debut of the Good2Give Podcast

North Fulton Business Radio is hosted by John Ray and broadcast and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, TuneIn, and others.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Since 2000, Office Angels® has been restoring joy to the life of small business owners, enabling them to focus on what they do best. At the same time, we honor and support at-home experts who wish to continue working on an as-needed basis. Not a temp firm or a placement service, Office Angels matches a business owner’s support needs with Angels who have the talent and experience necessary to handle work that is essential to creating and maintaining a successful small business. Need help with administrative tasks, bookkeeping, marketing, presentations, workshops, speaking engagements, and more? Visit us at https://officeangels.us/.

The State of Arts Funding in Georgia with Laura Hennighausen