Fostering Success Act, Inc., a non-profit that raises tax credit funds to assist young adults transitioning out of the state’s foster care system, announced today that it has named Aaron James as its new Executive Vice President of Donor Development.

James is a veteran of the philanthropic community having made a significant impact in North Georgia with fundraising for non-profits during the past 12 years including the Georgia Aquarium, the East Lake Foundation, the Mount Vernon School and most recently St. Mary’s Healthcare in Northeast Georgia.

James is charged with raising awareness of the new $20 million Georgia foster care tax credit that allows individuals and companies to donate to FSA which grants funds to young adults who age out of the state’s foster care system. Those funds are then utilized to aid these young people in attending a college, technical or trade school and paying for items they cannot afford including rent, computers, car repairs, food, medical bills and other items so they can concentrate on their studies.

“We are so honored to have Aaron join our team,” said Heidi Carr, FSA’s executive director. “His knowledge in tapping philanthropic donors for such great causes as this will make a world of difference in helping us transform the lives of youth who have aged out of foster care and are trying to get started in the world.”

Studies show that youth who age out of foster care are at higher risk for homelessness, poverty, addiction and crime because they don’t have family to help them get started in life. 

“What an incredible way for Georgians to see their tax dollars in action, make an impact and change the trajectory for the next generation,” James said. “If you are someone who cares about Georgia, its future and those who will be charged with leading and sustaining it and would like to create an equal playing field for the next generation to thrive and prosper no matter what their circumstances, then this program is for you.”

Georgians can obtain a dollar-for -dollar tax credit when donating to FSA to aid these youth aging out of foster care.