Imlay Foundation: People are the Key
The Imlay Foundation actively supports the people who help people. The goal of the Imlay Foundation is to make a positive impact on our community.
Much has been written about Atlanta technology titan John Imlay and his impact on the local startup community. Locals know all about Management Science America Inc. (MSA), one of the most successful software companies this city and the company that Imlay founded. It was ultimately sold to Dun & Bradstreet Corp. for nearly $400 million. We also know about Imlay Investments and the financial impact it had on the startup community. But of the works of his eponymous foundation, there is scant information.
John Imlay started the Imlay Foundation in 1990 to give back to a city near to his heart. John and his wife, Mary Ellen, who is the foundation’s president and executive director, wanted to share the joy of giving with their own family, so the majority of the board is made up of family members.
Melanie Leeth, who currently serves as director at the foundation and has been a board member since 1998, says that “visiting an organization can sometimes really touch you emotionally and put your own work and life in a totally different perspective. It’s truly a privilege to serve on the board of the Imlay Foundation and to get to learn so much from others.”
The Imlay Foundation is dedicated to improving local communities they call home. The foundation’s mission is to help those communities thrive economically, ecologically, educationally and culturally.
Leeth goes on to say that “getting to visit with these organizations is the most rewarding part. It’s inspiring to meet so many people that work tirelessly to help others.”
The Imlay Foundation supports organizations like the Atlanta Ballet, Atlanta Zoo and Woodruff Arts that contribute to the quality of life in Atlanta. It also supports organizations like Camp Twin Lakes, Canine Assistants and Children’s Healthcare that improve the quality of life for those citizens in need.
Recently the Imlay Foundation was a major supporter of “Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger than Life” at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. This remarkable exhibit featured 19 huge sculptures with living plants completely integrated into the sculptures boasting color, beauty and texture. The Atlanta Botanical Gardens is the first U.S. botanical garden to host an exhibition by International Mosaiculture of Montreal.
Other recent grant recipients include Drew Charter High School and the Ron Clark Academy. Both of these organizations are committed to improving education in the lives of children. Drew Charter has proven successful at the elementary and middle school levels and is currently working on building a high school to enable their students to get through graduation. Ron Clark Academy is a great school and offers engaging training for educators and administrators alike. Partnerships are in place to help garner a positive impact onto other public schools in the Atlanta area.
The Imlay Foundation recognizes that everything starts with people, their empathy and willingness to make a better community.
Leeth is “continually amazed to see how much many of these organizations accomplish with relatively small budgets – but full of people who are passionate about their work – whether paid or not.”
It was no accident that John Imlay chose the symbol of a key to represent his company values. The Imlay Foundation believes that ‘People are the Key’ and openly acknowledges that people ARE the key to creating better communities. The Imlay family believes that better communities are built by people and their empathy, passion and hard work.
John Imlay was inducted into the Technology Hall of Fame for Georgia in 1994, received the Entrepreneur of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and together with Sig Mosley, was bestowed the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Entrepreneurship Award by TiE Atlanta. He holds a BA in Industrial Management from Georgia Tech.
The Imlay Foundation provides financial support to local organizations doing great work. To apply for a grant, or to learn more, visit theimlayfoundation.org.
Originally published on Venture Atlanta.