LRF History
The Lake Rabun Foundation began in 1986 after a zoning controversy over a proposed commercial development on Lake Rabun. The public meetings highlighted the need for lake residents to build better relationships with Rabun County residents.
To be better Rabun County citizens and contribute to the community, LRA President Pete Halter and the LRA Board created a charitable fund to become the Lake Rabun Foundation.
From the start, the primary focus has been on providing college scholarship assistance. In 1987, Melanie Dietz was selected to receive the first LRA scholarship—a grant of $1,000 per year for four years of college.
In 1987 Buz Stone was elected Executive Director of the newly established Lake Rabun Foundation. Buz would provide leadership and inspiration for the Foundation for 25 years.
In 2006, the Lake Rabun Foundation became a donor-advised Field of Interest Fund of the North Georgia Community Foundation, Inc. The Lake Rabun Foundation’s funds continue to be administered and managed under NGCF’s 501(c)(3) umbrella. NGCF also provides administrative support to the Foundation’s scholarship program and community grant outreach.
Lake Rabun Association Scholarships are generally considered the most meaningful and respected scholarships awarded in Rabun County. In addition to financial aid, LRA scholars benefit from the LRA Connections Program, which links scholarship students with LRA members.
Over the years, the Foundation expanded its focus with community outreach grants to Rabun charitable organizations involved in education, child and family welfare, food ministries, environmental programs, and community development. In addition to financial aid, many LRA members have become active volunteers and leaders with various Rabun charitable organizations.
In 2012, the LRA Board reorganized and expanded the Foundation’s leadership. The Foundation established its independent Board of Trustees, and working committees were created to assist with development, scholarships, and community grants. Steve Raeber was named Executive Director, and Ron Hinson became Associate Director.
After 25 years of dedicated service and leadership to the Foundation, Buz Stone was honored with the creation of the Buz Stone “Lake Rabun Cares” Award. The award is made each year, in honor of Buz, to an LRA member who has excelled in serving the needs of Rabun County citizens. The Foundation awards a $5,000 “Lake Rabun Cares” grant to a Rabun County charitable organization of the recipient’s choosing.
In 2018, the North Georgia Community Foundation recognized the Lake Rabun Foundation with its Leadership in Philanthropy Award.
The Foundation is supported by Annual Fund contributions from LRA members and LRA fund-raising events, including the Rabun Ramble Road Race, a Tour of Homes, the Smoke on the Mountain BBQ cookoff, and the LocAL Artists on the Lake event.
The Foundation also benefits from generous LRA members who have funded over 30 Named Scholarships. Members also support the Foundation through the “1915 Society” planned giving program.
In 2024, the Foundation provided $230,000 in scholarship aid. Twenty new scholarships were announced. Students attending college will receive $3,500 a year for four years. Students attending technical programs will receive $1,000 a year with the option to transfer to a college program and receive additional funding. Students embarking on a graduate school program are eligible to receive a one-time $5,000 scholarship grant. The Foundation has also established a fund at North Georgia Technical College in Clarkesville to assist Rabun County students.
Through 2024, the Foundation has awarded nearly $2 million in scholarship aid to 259 students and over $1 million in community grants for over $3 million in support of Rabun County families.
