At Free 2 Fly, we believe that lasting change takes time, stability, and a strong foundation. As we continue to support, nurture, and empower women in our community, we are also thinking about the future — and how this mission can continue for generations to come.

We are thrilled to share an important milestone in the life of our organization:

In January 2025, the Free 2 Fly Endowment Fund was established at the Community Foundation of Ocoee Region through a generous gift from Drs. Janet and Rob Coombs, longtime Bradley County residents and faithful supporters of Free 2 Fly.

This endowment was created to provide long-term financial stability for Free 2 Fly, ensuring that the women we serve today — and the women who will come after them — continue to have access to meaningful work, mentoring, community, and hope.

Honoring the generosity that launched it

The Free 2 Fly Endowment Fund was seeded through the extraordinary generosity of Drs. Janet and Rob Coombs. Their belief in the life-changing impact of this mission led them to establish a gift that will outlive all of us.

At Fly Night in April, we shared this milestone publicly for the first time. The Coombs encouraged guests:

“Give to the endowment now or in the future—above and beyond what you donate to the operating budget. By becoming donors to the Free 2 Fly Endowment, our support for this ministry will continue well beyond our lifetimes.”

Our Partnership with the Community Foundation of Ocoee Region

We are deeply grateful to the Community Foundation of Ocoee Region for partnering with us to establish and steward the Free 2 Fly Endowment Fund. Their leadership, guidance, and commitment to strengthening local nonprofits make it possible for organizations like ours to plan for the future with confidence.

Because the Endowment Fund is held and managed entirely through the Community Foundation, all contributions to the Free 2 Fly Endowment must be made directly through them. This ensures that your gift is invested, managed, and stewarded according to the Foundation’s established policies and best practices.

Make a gift to the Endowment through the Community Foundation here:
https://cfocoeeregion.com/giving/current-funds-we-manage/free-2-fly-endowment-fund/

Your donation through the Community Foundation goes directly to the Free 2 Fly Endowment Fund and helps secure the future of this mission for generations to come.

Introducing the Founder’s Circle

As part of this exciting new chapter, we are also introducing the Founder’s Circle.

The Founder’s Circle recognizes donors who contribute $10,000 or more to the Free 2 Fly Endowment Fund before April 2026. Anyone who makes a qualifying gift during this period will be honored as part of this inaugural group.

While the Founder’s Circle window closes in April 2026, giving to the Endowment Fund will remain open indefinitely. Gifts made after this date will continue to strengthen the endowment and support the long-term future of Free 2 Fly.

Endowment giving is often described as legacy giving — because its impact does not end with one year or one budget cycle.

An endowment:

• strengthens long-term financial stability

• supports growth and innovation

• sustains programming for future generations

• creates a lasting impact beyond a donor’s lifetime

For Free 2 Fly, it means that women will continue to find community, purpose, and opportunity here — now and in the future.

Want to talk more about legacy giving and the Endowment Fund?

If you would like to learn more about:

• the Free 2 Fly Endowment Fund

• the Founder’s Circle

• how this endowment strengthens the future of our mission

• or how legacy giving connects to the work we do every day

our CEO, Hailey Johnston, would love to talk with you. These conversations are an opportunity to learn more about our organization, our long-term vision, and how endowment and legacy gifts make a generational impact.

While Hailey is happy to answer questions, all gifts to the Endowment Fund are made directly through the Community Foundation of Ocoee Region.

hailey@projectfree2fly.com
423-458-1614

Ready to give now? Make your gift through the Community Foundation here:
https://cfocoeeregion.com/giving/current-funds-we-manage/free-2-fly-endowment-fund/

Thank you for believing in this mission

Your generosity, encouragement, and prayers are what keep Free 2 Fly moving forward. With the creation of the Endowment Fund, we are not only serving women today — we are preparing to serve women for decades to come.

Together, we are building something that lasts.

 A message from our CEO

To hear more about why this fund matters and how it will shape the future of Free 2 Fly, we invite you to watch a short message from our CEO, Hailey Johnston.

Click the video on this page to watch Hailey share the announcement and vision for the Endowment Fund