Cox Communications employees awarded $30,000 in grants to three local nonprofits, through Cox Charities Community Investment Grants at a ceremony this morning. The program provides $10,000 employee funded grants to support programs benefiting local residents. Nonprofits submitted applications earlier this year, and Cox employees voted on the winning organizations.

In addition to the three $10,000 Cox Charities grants, Crisis Line & Safe House in Macon was honored with a special $20,000 Employee’s Choice grant during a surprise visit to their facility yesterday. Chosen by Cox employees across the East Region, Crisis Line stood out among a pool of top-ranked applicants to receive this distinguished award.

This year’s recipients of the Cox Charities Grants are:

• Crisis Line & Safe House of Central Georgia ($20,000) – The $20,000 Cox Charities grant will support the launch of the Camp HOPE Workforce Pathways Initiative, expanding access to no-cost career exploration opportunities for youth ages 12–17 who have experienced trauma and face barriers such as poverty and limited exposure to professional environments. Each cohort of 15–20 participants will engage in hands-on learning across areas including marketing, budgeting, and event operations, beginning with a Creative Industries project and advancing to pathways like Sports Operations. The program is designed to build leadership and career-readiness skills while connecting participants to future internships and employment opportunities.
• Next Level Community Development Center Inc. ($10,000) - Next Level Community Development Center will use its Cox Charities grant to strengthen and expand its STEAM initiative for youth living at or below 150% of the poverty level. Funding will increase program capacity, reduce waitlists and enhance program quality through updated technology, robotics and coding platforms, lab supplies, and hands-on project materials. The investment will also expand career exploration opportunities through guest speakers, mentorship, site visits and partnerships with high-demand industries.
• Otis Redding Foundation ($10,000) - The Otis Redding Foundation will launch a 3D-Printed Youth Orchestra that blends music education with hands-on STEAM learning. Funding will support a program where students design, 3D print, assemble and perform with their own instruments, integrating engineering, design, acoustics and creative collaboration. This interdisciplinary approach will help students build both technical and artistic skills while expanding access to innovative learning experiences.
• Shaome Cooperative Incorporated ($10,000) - Shaome Cooperative will strengthen and expand its GROW Elementary Program across four Bibb County schools by supporting the creation of garden and food forest classrooms. Funding will help close a budget gap and support curriculum development, teacher training and essential materials, transforming underused spaces into safe, sustainable outdoor learning environments that deliver hands-on STEAM education through environmental restoration.

“Being selected for the 2026 Employee Choice Cox Charities grant reflects the power of community partnership and will have a direct, meaningful impact on the lives of survivors in our community,” said Jamie Bormann, executive director of Crisis Line & Safe House of Central Georgia. “By investing in our work, Cox Charities is helping ensure that more individuals and families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking can access the advocacy, resources, and support they need to find safety, healing, and hope for the future.”

Cox Charities, a charitable initiative of Cox Communications, is fully funded by Cox employees and business partners. The funds raised are invested annually as Cox Charities Community Investment Grants to organizations that align with our focus areas of youth innovation with programs focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM); conservation and sustainability initiatives; and equal opportunity. 

“We extend our sincere appreciation to Cox Communications for their generous investment in our organization and, most importantly, in the youth we serve. This grant will significantly enhance our ability to deliver high-quality STEAM programming through our afterschool and summer initiatives, providing students with critical exposure to science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. Through this partnership, we are not only expanding access to innovative learning opportunities but also equipping our scholars with the skills, confidence, and experiences necessary to thrive academically and professionally. We are honored to partner with Cox Communications to create opportunities that will have a lasting impact on our youth and the future of our community,” said Lakesia Toomer, executive director of Next Level Community Development Center.

A total of $600,000 is being awarded to 56 grant recipients throughout Cox’s East Region.

“Giving back isn’t just something we do at Cox, it defines who we are. From funding local nonprofit grants to volunteering our time, we show up with heart, purpose and a true commitment to the Middle Georgia community,” said Caryn Frey, market vice president of Cox Middle Georgia. “I’m incredibly proud of the difference our team continues to make.”

For more information about Cox Charities, visit www.CoxCharitiesEast.org.