James L. Rhoden, Jr. Visionary Philanthropist Award Grant

James L. Rhoden, Jr. Visionary Philanthropist Award Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Cobb Community Foundation Inc
Last Updated: January 31, 2026

Summary

The James L. Rhoden, Jr. Visionary Philanthropist Award, established by Cobb Community Foundation in 2003, honors individuals who significantly contribute to the community. Founded by local leaders including Jim Rhoden, this award recognizes outstanding service and leadership within Cobb County. Nominees are selected based on their commitment to improving the quality of life for residents through their philanthropic efforts. The award reflects the foundation's mission to mobilize resources and enhance community well-being.

Overview

Our History In late 1993, a group of Cobb business leaders recognized the community’s need for a vehicle to invest in its future. The group was led by Jim Rhoden, owner of Futren Corporation (now Futren Hospitality) and included the late Otis Brumby Jr., Bobbi Burruss, Murray Homan, Judge Conley Ingram, Senator Johnny Isakson, Bob Prillaman, Bob Russell, the late Lanie Shipp Hoover, the late Roy Simmons, Deborah Wallace, the late John Williams, Jack Wilson and Diane Woods. Their solution was the creation of the Cobb Community Fund at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. Fourteen years later, we obtained our own 501(c)(3) designation. Now, we are Cobb Community Foundation. In 2017 alone, we made $1.4 million in grants, $900,000 of which were distributed to charitable organizations right here in Cobb County. Our Mission Be a catalyst for a thriving community—mobilizing people, ideas, and resources to improve quality of life in and around Cobb. James L. Rhoden, Jr. Visionary Philanthropist Award Jim Rhoden has been one of Cobb County’s most impactful Visionary Philanthropists for many years. With his belief in, and dedication to, the importance of “paying your civic rent,” Jim has worked tirelessly to establish and build support for Cobb Community Foundation, and he, his family, and his company, Futren Hospitality, have also been major donors and committed volunteers for a broad range of Cobb’s non-profit organizations. THE AWARD This award was created by the Board of Cobb Community Foundation in conjunction with its 10thanniversary in December 2003, to honor founder, Jim Rhoden. The award is voted on annually by the Board to recognize and honor a Cobb business and community leader who makes significant contributions to our community through their gifts of time, talent and treasure.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. ELIGIBILITY AND NOMINATION CRITERIA Nominees should be broadly recognized in Cobb County for their commitment to improving the quality of life for Cobb residents and meeting critical needs of the community as demonstrated by their leadership and/or service work for one or more of Cobb’s non-profit organizations, churches, temples, academic institutions, or community service organizations. Visionary leadership and influence in the business community are also key factors. Past board members are eligible for nomination.

Ineligibility

Current CCF board members are not eligible to be nominated during the years of their board service.