The First Foundation, Inc.
of
First Baptist Church Dalton

The idea for establishing a Trust for First Baptist Church Dalton began to take shape when the Trust Committee held its first meeting in February 1996. This dedicated group set out to create the necessary bylaws, develop the Articles of Incorporation, and obtain a 501-C-3 status.

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By June, the Bylaws of the First Foundation, Inc. were presented to the deacons and the congregation of First Baptist Church Dalton. After an extensive discussion, all parties unanimously agreed that the primary aim of First Foundation was to support the Church's initiatives. The outlined purposes included those mentioned in the “About Us” section.

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In its initial year, 1996, the First Foundation experienced a deficit, but its fortunes swiftly turned around in 1997. Generous donations poured in, with two particularly significant ones: $100,000 from the Treadwell Estate and $110,000 from the Dixie Davis Estate. These donations were transformative, propelling the First Foundation from its modest beginnings to fulfilling its mission of furthering God's Kingdom.

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The impact of the First Foundation continued to grow over the years. In its early stages, the Foundation received a remarkable contribution exceeding $800,000 from the charitable remainder trust of Evelyn Nesmith, significantly enhancing the Trust's capacity to make a meaningful difference. Subsequent years witnessed considerable growth from ongoing donations of various dollar amounts. The Foundation has benefited from consistent small donations to unexpected noteworthy gifts such as the anonymous contribution of $1,000,000 made in memory of Lamar Hennon in 2018.

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Since the creation of the First Foundation, many members of First Baptist Church Dalton have served on the Board of Trustees, diligently working to expand the First Foundation and, consequently, increase the funds distributed through grants.

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Currently, the First Foundation's assets have reached a fair market value of just under $4,000,000. Since its inception, the total endowed contributions to the First Foundation have exceeded $3,200,000. From those contributions, the Foundation has issued grants totaling just over $1,200,000, with a significant majority of these grants dedicated to supporting mission endeavors.

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The First Foundation is dedicated to bettering countless lives, both locally and globally. Grants from the First Foundation help support the Church's outreach to needy communities and fund the Church's mission teams and partnerships. As the Church journeys ahead, the Kingdom of God grows.

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Because of the Foundation’s backing, the Church has sent many enthusiastic individuals on numerous mission trips. These opportunities influence the perspectives of the volunteers, instilling in them a deep sense of humility, empathy, and purpose. They return with hearts full of gratitude and a newfound commitment to spreading love and kindness.

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One of the Foundation's most challenging mission trips sent several FBCD volunteers to Puerto Rico. In the aftermath of a devastating hurricane, the region struggled to recover, and the Church's mission team, supported by the First Foundation, set out to make a lasting difference. Through their efforts, they provided aid, rebuilt homes, and restored hope to the hearts of those facing adversity. The ripple effect of compassion cannot be measured, but the recipients of this kindness were forever touched by the love and support they received.

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Today, the First Foundation continues to be a driving force behind First Baptist Church Dalton's compassionate mission. By empowering the Church's initiatives, the Foundation serves as the catalyst to the betterment of countless lives. The Foundation's story is one of unity, hope, and the incredible power of collective giving.

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As the story of First Foundation and First Baptist Church Dalton unfolds, we invite you to join us on this remarkable journey. Your contribution, whether large or small, holds the potential to ignite a spark of hope and create lasting change. Together, we can be a force of compassion, bringing light to the darkest corners of the world.