Community Foundation Grants More than $2.5 million to Atlanta Non-Profits

From Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta:

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta announced $2.5 million in competitive grant awards to 52 local nonprofit organizations today. In addition to these competitive grants, as of September 30 the Community Foundation has also awarded more than $65.9 million in grants to nonprofits mostly through donor-advised funds from members of the Foundation’s philanthropic family.

The Foundation’s competitive grants are awarded following a challenging application and review process which includes site visits with nonprofits during the decision-making process. The Foundation’s due diligence ensures that those nonprofits receiving grants conform to best practices and strong operating procedures. Grant reviewers delve into full operations, from financial statements to strategic plans and programmatic impact to board member engagement. Grantees are located throughout the Foundation’s 23-county region.

“These nonprofits receiving grants represent those doing strong work to address critical needs in our region,” said Alicia Philipp, president, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. “And still, the grants we were able to award do not address the full need from nonprofits as represented by the complete scope of applications we received. This is where our donor-advised fund grants are essential – they address broader need and amplify the impact we can have through our competitive grantmaking.”

The competitive grants awarded support the Community Foundation’s impact areas: arts, community development, education and well-being. In addition, grants were made as the result of local fundraising efforts in Clayton and Morgan counties. Grants were made for both one- and two-year periods and most go to general operating support, allowing nonprofits to direct funds to where they are needed most. Some grants are earmarked for specific needs as identified by nonprofits to address a particular program area, target population or limited geographic area.

A breakdown of competitive grants follows:

Grants supporting the arts

• Atlanta Celebrates Photography: $70,000
• Atlanta Contemporary Art Center: $120,000
• Callanwolde Foundation: $90,000
• Dad's Garage: $120,000
• Georgia Ensemble Theatre Company: $115,000
• gloATL: $42,000
• Horizon Theatre Company: $100,000
• Out of Hand Theater: $40,000
• Several Dancers CORE: $40,000
• The Atlanta Music Project: $93,000
• The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia: $50,000
• True Colors Theatre Company: $120,000

Grants supporting community development

• Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation: $40,000
• Georgia Watch: $35,000
• Metro Atlanta Speaks: $10,000
• Neighborhood Nexus: $50,000
• Park Pride Atlanta: $65,000
• Partnership for Southern Equity: $90,000

Grants supporting education

• Easter Seals North Georgia: $65,000
• North Fulton Child Development Association: $70,000
• Quality Care for Children: $75,000
• Scottdale Early Learning: $35,000
• Grants supporting well-being:
• Community Friendship: $50,000
• Georgia Avenue Community Ministry: $25,000
• Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential (G-CAPP): $70,000
• Georgians for a Healthy Future: $60,000
• Healing Community Center: $45,000
• Planned Parenthood Southeast: $60,000
• The Vi and Milton Weinstein Hospice: $75,000
• Wholesome Wave Georgia: $35,000

Grants supporting Clayton County nonprofits

These grants were part of a one-time grantmaking opportunity for nonprofits based in Clayton County working to identify and collaborate on innovative solutions that address the critical need for better access and outcomes regarding healthcare in the county. Kaiser Permanente of Georgia was a funding partner for these grants.

• Clayton State University Public Health Clinic, Resurgia, Clayton County Board of Health & Southern Regional Medical Center: $22,000
• Family Health Centers of Georgia & Clayton County Public Schools: $48,000

Grants supporting Morgan County nonprofits

Funding for grants in Morgan County comes from both local fundraising and matching funds from the Community Foundation.

• Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy: $5,000
• Humane Society of Morgan County: $5,000
• Madison-Morgan Conservancy: $5,000
• Morgan County African American Museum: $5,000

Grants to Green

Grants to Green gives local nonprofits the opportunity to renovate or build healthier work places that are energy and water efficient and more environmentally sustainable. The ultimate goal is to improve a nonprofit’s building structure to not only have less environmental impact but also to increase the cost-efficiency of operations, ultimately directing more funding to providing more services. The first step is an environmental assessment, provided by Southface that results in recommendations to improve efficiencies. Following the assessment, nonprofits can apply for matching grants to implement specific recommendations. Grants to Green is funded by The Kendeda Fund.

Grants to Green assessments were awarded to:

• Amana Academy
• Atlanta Mission
• Atlanta University Center Consortium
• Bald Ridge Lodge
• Chattahoochee Nature Center
• Decatur Church of Christ Senior Housing
• Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta
• Kennesaw State University
• Tapestry Public Charter School

Grants to Green implementation matching-fund grants were awarded to:

• Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School: $142,198
• Ballethnic Dance Company: $38,892
• Camp Twin Lakes: $133,722
• Humane Society of Morgan County: $15,057
• International Community School: $15,704
• Jewish Family and Career Services: $67,915
• Oglethorpe University: $44,982

The Community Foundation’s investments in the region, by way of both competitive grantmaking and donor-advised fund grants, support robust, sustainable nonprofits as well as those that are innovative and hold great promise. Nonprofits interested in applying for grants should visit the foundation website to create an organizational profile and learn more about upcoming grant opportunities, or call (404) 688-5525 for more information.

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