We hope you enjoy this recent interview with Debbie about her time at the Community Foundation. Thank you, Debbie, for 25 years of dedication to the Community Foundation and the Greenville community!
25 years is a fantastic accomplishment! How do you feel when you reflect on 25 years working at the Community Foundation?
As I reflect on my 25-year tenure at the Community Foundation, I am filled with profound gratitude for the individuals who have supported, challenged, and enriched my journey. It has been an honor to learn, grow, and contribute alongside such a talented team. A pivotal aspect of my experience has been the enduring relationships I’ve built with colleagues, fundholders, donors, and a diverse network of philanthropic, nonprofit, and community leaders. These connections have not only shaped my career but have also fostered a deeper understanding of the power of collaborative philanthropy.
How has your role changed over the years?
Being part of a small team certainly has its challenges—there’s often more work than there are hands to handle it. Yet, the benefits of working in this kind of environment are truly priceless. It has allowed me to develop a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s inner workings, enabling each team member, including myself, to step up when needed and ensure the organization’s goals are met. Throughout my time at the Foundation, I’ve embraced a variety of roles, but my commitment to good stewardship, integrity, our donors, and the community has always remained steadfast.
As the Director of Community Impact, you have seen a lot of grants and funding go out into the Greenville community. Are there any that stand out to you?
As I reflect on Greenville’s transformation since my childhood, I am struck by the profound changes that have taken place. I am proud to have contributed to the impact the Foundation has had on our community. The Foundation is recognized as a community leader, engaging in numerous collaborative initiatives that address the evolving needs of Greenville. Notable past projects include Falls Park, Unity Park, the Kroc Center, Conestee Nature Preserve, and the South Carolina Children’s Theatre. Through its diverse grant programs, the Foundation continues to support vital projects across the arts, education, environment, health, and human services.
What motivates you to keep working at the Community Foundation?
I am consistently motivated and inspired by the passionate individuals in the Greenville community who are dedicated to creating positive change. Working at the Foundation provides me with a unique opportunity to stay connected to the community’s heartbeat and leverage my skills and experiences to help propel their enthusiasm for helping others forward. I am excited about what lies ahead and the opportunities to help great things happen in Greenville.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love spending time with family, spoiling my grandchildren and my little dog, Bentley.
Debbie Cooper is the Director of Community Impact – Grants & Scholarships at the Community Foundation. Debbie received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Limestone College and a Masters of Human Resource Development from Clemson University. Her career and experiences have included a wide range of positions in the philanthropic, nonprofit, and corporate sectors.