A Legacy Reimagined as Lincoln Financial Invests in the Future of Cobbs Creek
Lincoln Financial Group is helping rewrite history in West Philadelphia with a $2.5 million investment in the Cobbs Creek Foundation, restoring a legendary golf course and creating new opportunities for underserved youth.
When history, community, and purpose intersect, the result is something bigger than philanthropy—it’s restoration. That’s exactly what’s unfolding at Cobbs Creek in West Philadelphia, where Lincoln Financial Group has stepped forward as a Founding Partner of the Cobbs Creek Foundation, pledging $2.5 million to breathe new life into one of the city’s most storied landscapes.
To the untrained eye, Cobbs Creek Golf Course is just grass and greens. But to generations of Black golfers, it's sacred ground. It was one of the first courses in the country where African Americans could compete freely, where trailblazers like Charlie Sifford and John Shippen broke barriers long before golf embraced diversity. Now, Lincoln Financial is helping to ensure that legacy doesn’t fade—it flourishes.
Their support will help transform Cobbs Creek into more than just a golf course. Think youth programs, education centers, and a new state-of-the-art campus that blends athletics with academics. It’s part of the Foundation’s $100 million revitalization project—ambitious, yes, but rooted in the kind of generational impact Philadelphia needs.
“Our partnership with the Cobbs Creek Foundation reflects our belief in creating long-term opportunities for underserved communities,” said Elena French, senior vice president of corporate marketing, communications, and brand at Lincoln Financial. “This is about investing in people, potential, and pride.”
The first phase of redevelopment includes restoring the historic course and building the William T. Coleman, Jr. Center for Inclusion. Coleman, a West Philadelphia native, was not just a civil rights trailblazer—he was one of the first African Americans to serve as a U.S. Cabinet Secretary. His name on the center is a reminder that greatness often starts in overlooked places.
Lincoln Financial’s move isn’t just corporate social responsibility—it’s corporate social legacy. Their commitment stands as both an economic boost and a cultural restoration. It’s also a signal to other major institutions: don’t just fund progress. Be part of the story that makes it possible.
About Lincoln Financial Group
Lincoln Financial Group is a leading financial services organization that provides a wide range of solutions to individuals and businesses, including life insurance, annuities, retirement planning, and employee benefits. Founded in 1905, Lincoln Financial has built a legacy of helping people plan for the future, with a deep commitment to fostering long-term financial wellness. The company serves customers through a vast network of advisors, agents, and partnerships, delivering personalized financial strategies and solutions. Lincoln Financial’s corporate responsibility efforts focus on making a meaningful impact in communities, with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as educational and financial empowerment. To learn more about Lincoln Financial Group, visit www.lincolnfinancial.com.