The Edit by SocialAtlanta

SocialAtlanta's team reports on the city's philanthropic news.

Patricia Heaton Supports the Jewish Future Promise

Patricia Heaton arriving at the 58th Annual Directors Guild of America Awards. Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel and Spa, Century City, CA 01-28-06

The Jewish Future Promise – an initiative dedicated to preserving and enriching the Jewish heritage and to supporting Jewish causes – has announced it has united over 100,000 people to sign and pledge to support its mission and has secured over $4.65 billion in commitments. In marking the milestone, founder, actress and activist, Patricia Heaton has become JFP’s 100,000 signer. Heaton has her own October 7th Coalition (O7C,) which is a network of Christians standing visibly and vocally against the rise of antisemitism in our country.

“As a Christian, my spiritual heritage exists in the Jewish people,” said Heaton. “The bond Jews and Christians share is deep and profound. Along with that, our shared Judeo-Christian values are the foundation for the free and thriving democracies we see in Israel, America, and around the world. The Jewish future is everyone’s future.”

Hadara Ishak, President of Jewish Future Promise, remarked “Each of these 100,000 promises represents a beacon of hope, not just for our generation, but for every generation to come. To reach 250,000, 500,000, promisers and beyond, we must continue to inspire, engage, and empower even more individuals, families, and foundations to participate in this critical mission. This milestone is a testament to our enduring commitment to Tzedakah, and a promise to future generations that we will continue to honor and uphold our Jewish heritage.”

The funds promised through JFP are earmarked to support a wide range of Jewish causes, including educational initiatives, community development, social services, and cultural preservation, both in local communities and the State of Israel. Notable foundations, such as the Charles & Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, the Marcus Foundation, and the deToledo Family Fund, have contributed significantly to this historic achievement, the organization said in a press release.

JFP was formed after a 2017 study found a mere 11 percent of donations from key Jewish benefactors were invested in Jewish causes, the organization wrote in a press release. The Jewish Future Promise does not receive any of the pledged funds directly. Instead, it serves as a catalyst for meaningful intergenerational dialogue, inspiring individuals to ensure that a significant portion of their estate or planned charitable giving supports the Jewish community and/or the State of Israel.

Home Depot Foundation Supports Non-Profit Hurricane Relief Efforts

Home Depot Foundation will be supporting the hurricane relief efforts of non-profits.

The Home Depot Foundation committed to invest more than $5.5 million to support nonprofit organizations helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters, bringing the Foundation’s support to $8.5 million so far for the 2025 disaster season.

“In 2024, our country experienced more than 27 natural disasters that incurred at least $1 billion each in losses,” said Erin Izen, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. “It’s important that we not only work with our partners to provide relief in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, but also to help these communities prepare before a storm hits by making them more disaster-resistant.”

The funds will support the efforts of organizations including the American Red Cross, Convoy of Hope, Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, World Central Kitchen and Habitat for Humanity International, including pre-positioning supplies, purchasing bulk food and delivering shelter as well as financial and emotional support for families impacted by natural disasters.

Delta Credit Union Awards Scholarships

Delta Community Credit Union – a financial non-profit with a mission to help people with products used to manage spending and saving money for its 510,000 members — has for the 24th year provided $5000 to five students based on academic accomplishments, community engagement and essay submissions. The credit union received more than 300 applications for the award that assists with tuition, books, housing and other college-related expenses. Winners are: Asfa Kareem, a sophomore at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) majoring in business administration;  Medha Krishna, a senior at Walton High School in Marietta, Georgia, planning to attend Georgia Tech and major in neuroscience; Caleb Miller, a senior at Creekview High School in Canton, Georgia, planning to attend Kennesaw State University to major in entrepreneurship; Jaden Newman, a senior at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School in Atlanta, planning to attend The College of Wooster to major in biochemistry or biology; and Kyle Ssendagire, a graduate of Brookwood High School in Snellville, Georgia, planning to attend the University of Georgia to major in chemistry and German, and minor in Russian.

Delta Community Credit Union announces its 2025 Scholarship Award recipients. (PRNewsfoto/DELTA COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION)

“Our scholarship program has supported many talented, civic-minded students over the past two decades who now contribute to the success and vitality of our local communities through their chosen professions,” said Hank Halter, Delta Community’s CEO. “I would like to congratulate this year’s award recipients and commend them for their dedication and career aspirations.”

Delta Community has a shared history with the airline and broke apart to serve the entire community in 2005.