Search Through Community Development Grants in Atlanta, Georgia in the U.S.

Our Roots

The foundation has historically invested in education, parks and green space, youth development, and community redevelopment, and leads giving programs for each of the Blank Family of Businesses, including the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, West Creek Ranch, and Paradise Valley Ranch.Arthur M. Blank, chairman of the foundation, co-founded The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, in 1978 and retired from the company as co-chairman in 2001. Through the foundation and his family’s personal giving, Blank has granted more than $1 billion to various charitable organizations, primarily in Georgia and Montana.

Areas of Giving

The foundation is currently on a journey of deeper learning and strategy setting for its new priority areas: Atlanta’s Westside, Democracy, Environment, Mental Health & Well-Being, Youth Development and Founder Initiatives. Geographically, much of the work will continue to prioritize Georgia (with a focus on Atlanta) and Montana, while also considering the potential for greater national impact and influence.

• Atlanta's Westside - Atlanta’s Westside is a vibrant community, with considerable change taking place. We support long-term residents to be more economically stable and benefit from the improvements in the community they’ve called home for years. Our grantmaking supports residents in their ability to choose to stay in the thriving historic neighborhoods of English Avenue and Vine City.
• Democracy - The challenges facing the country’s democratic norms, practices and institutions present many opportunities for philanthropy. Ensuring our democracy works for everyone who calls America home is at the heart of this collective giving area. Strategies are under development and grantmaking will have an emphasis in Georgia and Montana.
• Environment - Our new energy strategy will invest in solutions that accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and its positive impact on people’s lives. We will focus initially on expanding access to clean energy in regional energy markets in the Intermountain West and Southeast.
• Mental Health & Well-Being - We have a multiyear, long-term commitment to addressing the growing mental health crisis in America. We care about the well-being of individuals, families and our collective society, and we feel that everyone deserves a life where they can flourish and thrive.
• Youth Development -  All young people deserve to live purposeful lives that allow them to realize their goals through workforce opportunities that support their mobility and well-being. Young people living in high-poverty communities often face high barriers to finding career pathways. The connection between education, employment and advancement can be especially weak for young people. Strategies are under development, and our work will focus on rural areas of Georgia and Montana.

Founder Initiatives In addition to our primary areas of giving, our foundation administers grantmaking aligned with the interests of our founder, Arthur M. Blank. We oversee a large portfolio of grants including support of essential Atlanta and Montana nonprofit institutions and enduring initiatives.

• Associate-Led Giving - Operating across the Blank Family of Businesses, associate committees closest to their respective issues have influence and decision-making in our philanthropy.
  • AMB West Community Fund - The mission of the AMB West Community Fund is to enhance the quality of life for residents of Montana, particularly in Park and Gallatin counties and indigenous communities across the state.
  • Atlanta Falcons Youth Fund - The purpose of the Atlanta Falcons Youth Fund is to increase the time kids spend in physical activity – especially those approaches that change the lives of children who are most likely to miss out on or opt out of physical activity – and to give more children access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Atlanta United Community Fund - The purpose of the Atlanta United Community Fund (AUCF) is to make the game of soccer accessible and inclusive for individuals across Georgia and Montana. AUCF grant programs stress the importance of physical fitness while building a supportive culture of play and sportsmanship.
  • BFOB Diversity and Inclusion Fund - The purpose of the BFOB Diversity and Inclusion Fund is to further racial justice and DEI efforts within the Blank Family of Businesses and the communities in which they reside.
  • DreAMBoat Community Fund - The purpose of the DreAMBoat Community Fund is to connect the DreAMBoat crew’s various backgrounds and cultures to better the world’s oceans and communities for future generations.
  • Veterans Community Fund - The mission of the Veterans Community Fund is to help Georgia and Montana veterans realize their full potential, especially those who bear the toll of the visible and invisible wounds of war.
• Founder Interests - Aligning with the interests of our founder, Arthur M. Blank, we oversee a large portfolio of grants including support of essential Atlanta and Montana nonprofit institutions and enduring initiatives.
  • The foundation has an enduring commitment to the issues, relationships and institutions that our chairman cares deeply about, including the support of Atlanta and Montana nonprofit institutions, veterans and the military, and stuttering, among others.
• Molly Blank Fund - Focusing on programs addressing the interests Molly Blank supported in her lifetime, including at-risk youth, arts and culture, and Jewish causes.
  • Molly Blank Fund invests in programs that address the interests of our chairman’s beloved mother, Molly Blank, such as at-risk youth, arts and culture, and Jewish causes emphasizing social justice and interfaith coalitions.
• Montana Initiatives - Supported and leveraged by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to advance foundation priorities, initiatives and areas of giving in Montana
  • AMB West Basecamp -  AMB West Basecamp offers lodging and facilities for nonprofits and community organizations to utilize at no cost. 
  • AMB West Challenge Course - Foundation grantees, nonprofits and community groups are invited to access the AMB West Challenge Course, located on Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, for programming and team building.
  • AMB West Hunting - Supported by the foundation, AMB West Hunting provides public access to private land, inviting community members on a guided elk hunt at no cost to them.
  • West Creek Ranch - The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation hosts invitation-only convenings of nonprofits and community organizations addressing social issues supported by the foundation

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation

We believe every person deserves equitable care and education.

In 2020 Labcorp established a private charitable 501(c)(3) foundation to advance our desire to bring quality healthcare access to all by supporting education and our local communities. 

Common grant opportunities include:

• Supporting food pantries and meal programs
• Providing healthcare and patient services for underserved populations
• Encouraging STEM programming
• Advocating for healthy lifestyles through ongoing medical research and screening

Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Grants

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation only accepts unsolicited proposals for specific areas within the education, family economic stability and childhood health sectors in select countries where we work, namely the United States, India and South Africa.

As a guideline, the foundation does not fund more than 25% of a project’s budget or more than 10% of an organization’s total annual operating expenses.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation has always recognized the power of providing grants to partner organizations that we knew were already working hard to improve the lives of urban children living in poverty. By aligning with organizations that are already making a difference, we continue to make an immediate impact on the lives of thousands of children.

Foundation priorities:

We fund social enterprises that directly serve or impact children or youth from urban low-income communities in the areas of education, health, and family economic stability (including livelihoods and financial inclusion). These social enterprises may be structured as for-profit or nonprofit entities.

Partnerships

We collaborate with a range of organizations focused on creating opportunities for children and families living in urban poverty, with a deep emphasis on measuring impact. Our funding advances projects already making an impact in education, health, and family economic stability. Through these enduring and long-standing partnerships, we create lasting change together.

Our MissionAdvancing Southern vitality through the arts.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, South Arts is a nonprofit regional arts organization empowering artists, organizations, and communities, and increasing access to arts and culture.

In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the State Arts Agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee — with additional funding from other public and private donors such as the Doris Duke Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and Mellon Foundation — South Arts supports artists and organizations through a rich and responsive portfolio of grants, fellowships, and programs.

Why? Because South Arts believes that the arts elevate the region, increasing connectedness and inspiring meaningful change in the process. 

Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations

Program Description

South Arts strongly believes that skill and knowledge building for arts organizations are integral to success and sustainability. These grants are designed to support the professional development needs of Southern arts organizations for increasing organizational capacity to achieve long-term sustainability, growth, and/or operational stability. This grant program is open to film, visual arts, performing arts, traditional arts, literary arts, and multidisciplinary arts organizations.

Funding can support staff or board participation at conferences, workshops, and other professional development opportunities and events. In addition, these grants can support expenses for in-person and virtual professional development for organization-wide staff learning and training. Funds support travel expenses (for example, lodging and air/ground transportation), admission/registration fees, or other related expenses (for example, consultant/service fees for staff learning/training sessions). 

Our Vision

Families across Georgia thrive with equitable access to high-quality education and comprehensive mental health support.

Our Mission

Support organizations committed to enhancing quality education and mental health access for families with low incomes – particularly those strengthening talent pipelines, championing systemic solutions, and promoting collaboration.

Our Renewed Strategic Direction

The Betty and Davis Fitzgerald Foundation is now poised to support organizations committed to enhancing quality education and mental health access for families experiencing low income, particularly those strengthening talent pipelines, championing systemic solutions, and promoting collaboration.

While we recognize the needs are across the state, the Foundation has limited resources. To increase our effectiveness and understanding of local systems, the Foundation’s funding efforts will be concentrated on organizations serving the 21-county Metro Atlanta area.

Specifically, the Foundation’s new priorities are to:

• Support high-quality, culturally relevant talent development, training, and placement for educators and mental health workforce to better serve families with low income in areas with shortages.
• Champion advocacy and policy agendas that strengthen and support the current workforce and broaden access for families with low income.
• Promote strategic partnerships and coordinated approaches to enhance access for families with low income.

The Foundation’s commitment to equity and limited capacity compel it to prioritize opportunities that focus on supporting families with low-income in historically marginalized or underserved communities. To increase our effectiveness and understanding of local systems, the Foundation’s funding efforts will be concentrated on organizations serving the 21-county Metro Atlanta area.

About the Foundation

The Lettie Pate Evans Foundation is an independent private foundation that invests primarily in education and arts and culture. Most grants are made to institutions in Georgia. Occasional grants are made to institutions in Virginia that were supported by Mrs. Evans during her life.

Our Approach

We pursue our mission by responding to community needs, typically making grants to institutions and projects with strong leadership and a broad base of support. The Foundation seeks to help organizations with a proven track record of success stretch further to seize new opportunities or to meet extraordinary needs. Generally, the Foundation prefers not to be the only funder for a project, but to participate with the community in supporting initiatives led by others. The Foundation will occasionally make leading grants when the need is great and the initiative is compelling.

Our Work

The Foundation makes grants in the program areas of education and arts and culture. Education grants support health education, higher education and select independent schools, while arts and culture grants primarily support historic preservation, museums and performing arts organizations.

The Foundation typically makes grants to well-established institutions and projects with strong leadership and a broad base of support. We seek to help organizations with a proven track record of success stretch further to seize new opportunities or to meet extraordinary needs. Generally, the Foundation prefers not to be the only funder for a project, but to participate with the community in supporting initiatives led by others. The Foundation will occasionally make leading grants when the need is great and the initiative is compelling. 

What We Fund

The Foundation makes grants to qualified nonprofit organizations. Grants are typically awarded for capital needs or other initiatives of well-established charitable organizations in the following program areas:

Education

Arts & Culture

About

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation is an independent private foundation that seeks to improve the quality of life in Georgia by investing in health, education, economic opportunity and community vitality.

Our Approach

We pursue our mission by responding to community needs, typically making grants to institutions and projects with strong leadership and a broad base of support. The Foundation seeks to help organizations with a proven track record of success stretch further to seize new opportunities or to meet extraordinary needs.

Generally, the Foundation prefers not to be the only funder for a project, but to participate with the community in supporting initiatives led by others. The Foundation will occasionally make leading grants when the need is great and the initiative is compelling.

Arts & Culture

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation recognizes the importance of arts and cultural institutions to creating a vibrant community and attracting economic development. While Mr. Woodruff was not an arts enthusiast himself, he understood the arts are a vital part of a thriving city.

The Foundation’s investments in arts and culture make up a small part of our average grants portfolio (see graph). In general, the Foundation makes capital and capacity-building grants to arts and cultural organizations with significant audiences, strong leadership and sound financial operations.

Priorities

• Development of major Atlanta arts and cultural institutions
• Capital projects of arts and cultural institutions outside of Atlanta that promote community development in Georgia’s cities

About

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation is an independent private foundation that seeks to improve the quality of life in Georgia by investing in health, education, economic opportunity and community vitality.

Our Approach

We pursue our mission by responding to community needs, typically making grants to institutions and projects with strong leadership and a broad base of support. The Foundation seeks to help organizations with a proven track record of success stretch further to seize new opportunities or to meet extraordinary needs.

Generally, the Foundation prefers not to be the only funder for a project, but to participate with the community in supporting initiatives led by others. The Foundation will occasionally make leading grants when the need is great and the initiative is compelling.    

Community Development

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation supports community development and the work of the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors to improve the quality of life in our city and region. 

Mr. Woodruff believed Atlanta should be a first-class city in which to conduct business, and he understood that businesses could only thrive in a community that offers a high quality of life for its residents.

The Foundation’s investments in community development make up a small part of our average grants portfolio (see graph). In general, the Foundation participates in community-led projects focused on improving metro Atlanta. It also supports organizations that work to strengthen the nonprofit sector in Georgia.

Priorities

• Projects that contribute to the vitality of downtown Atlanta
• Initiatives that promote regional cooperation within metro Atlanta
• Large-scale community improvement plans backed by major local support
• Organizations that support the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors in Georgia

Robert Winship Woodruff

Robert Winship Woodruff was a remarkable businessman and philanthropist. He became president of The Coca-Cola Company in 1923 and guided it until his death in 1985, helping to shape the company from a local soft drink business into the world’s best-known brand.

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation is an independent private foundation that seeks to improve the quality of life in Georgia by investing in health, education, economic opportunity and community vitality.

Our Approach

We pursue our mission by responding to community needs, typically making grants to institutions and projects with strong leadership and a broad base of support. The Foundation seeks to help organizations with a proven track record of success stretch further to seize new opportunities or to meet extraordinary needs.

Generally, the Foundation prefers not to be the only funder for a project, but to participate with the community in supporting initiatives led by others. The Foundation will occasionally make leading grants when the need is great and the initiative is compelling.

Education

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation believes education is vital to the quality of life in our region. It drives economic development and can end generational poverty. Although Mr. Woodruff did not attain a college degree himself, he recognized the value of education and made generous gifts to Atlanta’s academic institutions during his lifetime.

The Foundation’s investments in education make up a significant part of our average grants portfolio (see graph). The Foundation maintains a particular focus on higher education and invests in institutional priorities of the state’s private colleges and public research universities. The Foundation occasionally makes grants for public K-12 education and for select independent schools in metro Atlanta.

Priorities

• Development of Georgia’s public research universities
• Institutional priorities of Georgia’s private colleges and universities
• K-12 education at the state level and within Atlanta Public Schools, with an emphasis on improving educational standards, teacher quality and school leadership development

About

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation is an independent private foundation that seeks to improve the quality of life in Georgia by investing in health, education, economic opportunity and community vitality.

Our Approach

We pursue our mission by responding to community needs, typically making grants to institutions and projects with strong leadership and a broad base of support. The Foundation seeks to help organizations with a proven track record of success stretch further to seize new opportunities or to meet extraordinary needs.

Generally, the Foundation prefers not to be the only funder for a project, but to participate with the community in supporting initiatives led by others. The Foundation will occasionally make leading grants when the need is great and the initiative is compelling.

Environment

The centerpiece of the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation’s environmental grantmaking is the Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center. The Jones Center is a legacy of Mr. Woodruff’s lifelong love for the outdoors. It focuses on the science of natural resource management through programs in conservation, research and education.

The Foundation’s investments in the environment make up a modest part of our average grants portfolio (see graph). The Foundation provides annual support to the Jones Center and makes other grants for natural areas preservation, Atlanta parks and greenspaces, and environmental education.

Priorities

• Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center
• Large-scale conservation projects
• Significant public/private efforts to promote good stewardship of Georgia’s natural resources
• Support of the Park Pride Legacy Grants program for public parks and greenspaces in Atlanta

About

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation is an independent private foundation that seeks to improve the quality of life in Georgia by investing in health, education, economic opportunity and community vitality.

Our Approach

We pursue our mission by responding to community needs, typically making grants to institutions and projects with strong leadership and a broad base of support. The Foundation seeks to help organizations with a proven track record of success stretch further to seize new opportunities or to meet extraordinary needs.

Generally, the Foundation prefers not to be the only funder for a project, but to participate with the community in supporting initiatives led by others. The Foundation will occasionally make leading grants when the need is great and the initiative is compelling.

Health 

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation seeks to strengthen health systems in Georgia, with a focus on improving access and quality. Mr. Woodruff helped establish some of Atlanta’s premier health institutions during his lifetime, and the Foundation maintains his commitment to supporting the health of our community.

The Foundation’s investments in health make up a large part of our average grants portfolio (see graph). We typically make grants for capital projects or to build the capacity of Atlanta-based organizations that align with the Foundation’s interests in health.

Funding Priorities

• Development of Atlanta as a destination for quality patient care through investments in leading healthcare institutions.
• Cutting-edge academic research at Emory University’s Woodruff Health Sciences Center.
• Access to affordable healthcare for underserved populations in Atlanta.

About

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation is an independent private foundation that seeks to improve the quality of life in Georgia by investing in health, education, economic opportunity and community vitality.

Human Services

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation supports well-established human services organizations that work to improve the quality of life for children and adults in need. Mr. Woodruff was dedicated to the welfare of others and gave generously throughout his life.

The Foundation’s investments in human services make up a small part of our average grants portfolio. We work with the State of Georgia to address challenges in child welfare, and we support the capital and capacity-building needs of well-established Atlanta organizations serving children, youth, adults and families. Applications for human services grants will also be considered by the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation, which is dedicated to helping people in need in metro Atlanta, particularly children.

Priorities

• Improvements in child welfare at the state level, with an emphasis on prevention and intervention strategies
• Youth development and academic enrichment programs for underserved youth in metro Atlanta that operate at scale with strong outcomes, community support and school- or district-level partnerships
• Capital and capacity-building priorities of organizations serving vulnerable populations, including the homeless, elderly and disabled

Values

We seek meaningful relationships with organizations that provide young people with experiences, relationships and inspiration to achieve their personal goals and positively influence their communities.

We are rooted in the values of our founder, Sartain Lanier.

Opportunity

Expanding access to foundational reading skills and enriching education.

Humility

Listening and learning from those on the frontlines of service delivery.

Impact

Strengthening partnerships that lead to meaningful long-term outcomes.

Funding Priorities

We generally award funding in three categories: literacy instruction, afterschool and summer programs, and college and career readiness. We prioritize initiatives that are highly collaborative and grounded in evidence-informed solutions.

Literacy Instruction

Why It Matters

Our brains are wired for communication and language but not for reading. Reading must be explicitly taught if children are to become deep readers (Cox Campus). Students who do not read at grade level by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school than proficient readers (AECF). 

High-quality literacy programs improve learning outcomes and transform the trajectory of students’ lives.

The Foundation prioritizes funding for programs and organizations that:

• Utilize evidence and scientific methodologies proven to improve student literacy mastery
• Include rigorous evaluation to support continuous growth
• Represent collaboration among partners, service providers and families

Afterschool & Summer Programs

Why It Matters

Students who participate in afterschool and summer learning programs have fewer absences from school and achieve higher scores in core subjects. Summer programs help students retain skills and routines—a critical function given that research shows most students lose two months of math skills and low-income students lose an additional 2-3 months of reading skills over the summer. (Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network) 

Well-designed and well-implemented out of school time programs equip students with the foundational skills they need for success in school and life.

The Foundation prioritizes funding for programs and organizations that:

• Provide young people with meaningful connections with trained and caring adults
• Emphasize opportunities for learning and development to cultivate new interests
• Deliver enriching and engaging experiences that support social, emotional and academic development, especially in the areas of arts, nature, reading and writing, entrepreneurship and career exploration
• Intentionally partner with families and schools
• Create and sustain strong adult-student relationships
• Offer programs at low to no cost for families

College & Career Readiness

Why It Matters

By the year 2025, more than 60 percent of jobs will require some form of post-secondary education. It is critical to ensure students have access to post-secondary program options and financial aid information. (Learn4Life) 

Programs and organizations that help students discover and access different paths to a future of prosperity and fulfillment enable them to live the choice-filled lives they deserve.

The Foundation prioritizes funding for programs that:

• Inspire students to explore diverse careers and the chance to discover options that match their interests, talents and abilities
• Offer support for navigating the financial aid and postsecondary enrollment process
• Prepare and equip students in advance to overcome obstacles that prevent postsecondary persistence and completion
• Provide exposure and access for middle and high school students to work-based pathways and career and technical education

The Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation is an independent private foundation that seeks to help people in need in metro Atlanta, particularly children, by investing in education, health and economic opportunity.

Our Approach

We pursure our mission by responding to community needs, typically making grants to organizations with strong leadership and a broad base of support. The Foundation seeks to help organizations with the proven ability to meet ongoing needs stretch further than they could otherwise. Generally, the Foundation prefers not to be the principal funder for a project, but to participate with the community in supporting initiatives led by others. The Foundation will occasionally make leading grants when the need is great and the initiative is compelling.

Program Areas

The Foundation makes grant to qualified nonprofit organizations. Grants are typically awarded for capital needs, programs or other initiatives of well-established charitable organizations in the following program areas:

Early Childhood Education 

The Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation believes that quality early childhood education helps lay the foundation for children’s future success. It primarily invests in early learning through Smart Start at the United Way of Greater Atlanta, which works to improve the quality of care and education for all children ages birth through five.

The Foundation’s investments in early childhood education make up a significant part of our average grants portfolio (see graph). The Foundation provides annual support to Smart Start and occasionally considers grants to other organizations working to improve early childhood education in metro Atlanta.

K-12 Education

The Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation seeks to improve K-12 education at the state level and within Atlanta Public Schools. The Foundation believes that education is key to creating opportunity and ending generational poverty for children in our community.

The Foundation’s investments in K-12 education make up a significant part of our average grants portfolio (see graph). The Foundation supports organizations working to positively impact the academic success of students and to close the achievement gap.

Children & Youth

The Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation maintains a special focus on helping children and youth in need in Metro Atlanta. The Foundation works to strengthen child welfare in Georgia and to support the development of Atlanta’s youth into healthy, responsible and productive citizens.

The Foundation’s investments in children and youth make up a significant part of our average grants portfolio (see graph). We work with the State of Georgia to address challenges in child welfare, and we support the capital and capacity-building needs of youth development organizations in metro Atlanta.

Human Services 

The Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation supports well-established human services organizations that work to improve the quality of life for people in need in Metro Atlanta. The Foundation seeks to fund proven solutions to meet the needs of the region’s most vulnerable populations.

The Foundation’s investments in human services make up a significant part of our average grants portfolio (see graph). We support the capital and capacity-building needs of well-established, Atlanta-based human service organizations serving homeless and low-income individuals.

Health

The Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation seeks to strengthen the health safety net in Metro Atlanta. We place particular emphasis on improving health outcomes for children. The Foundation’s investments in health make up a significant part of our average grants portfolio (see graph). We typically make grants for capital projects or to build the capacity of Atlanta-based health organizations that effectively serve low-income families and underserved populations.

Mission

Scott Hudgens, a World War II veteran who lived and worked in Gwinnett County, Georgia, supported many local charities during his lifetime. It was his wish that this support continue after his death through a foundation that would focus its efforts primarily on the continuing and evolving needs of the Gwinnett County community, and secondarily on the metropolitan Atlanta community and the state of Georgia.

Though Mr. Hudgens supported numerous worthy causes during his lifetime, some community needs were especially important to him. To that end, the Scott Hudgens Family Foundation will seek to fund worthy public charities within its geographic focus with missions related to:

Improving the lives of individuals who through physical, mental or socio-economic disadvantages are unable to help themselves, including:

• Services for the developmentally handicapped
• Services for homeless individuals and families
• Services for veterans
• Hospice care and services for the elderly
• Alcoholism and substance abuse

Promoting self-sufficiency through:

• Educational programs and projects, including technical training programs 

Community development projects impacting the areas of:

• Education 
• Health Care
• The Arts

Whenever practical, the foundation will consider capital campaign contributions in order to enhance the long-term impact of grant making. 

EREF’s Scholarship Program

Scholarships are awarded by EREF to recognize excellence in master’s and doctoral waste management research and education. Applications from students outside the United States or studying abroad will receive equal consideration.

Carl J. Apicella Scholarship

Carl is a strong supporter of EREF, having played an important role in the EREF Fall Classic & Networking Event and Annual Charitable Auction for several years. “EREF is the one organization that really focuses on giving back to the environmental industry,” Carl expressed during his announcement of the scholarship during the EREF Annual Charitable Auction, held on April 30 during WasteExpo 2014. “I’ve been blessed to have worked with so many great people and companies over the last 25 years; I wanted to give back to the solid waste industry and supporting EREF is a perfect way to accomplish that.”

Detachable Container Association Scholarship

The Detachable Container Association (DCA) was founded in 1954. The first meeting consisted of a group of six men in the waste hauling industry who began discussing the idea of forming an association to improve techniques in waste collection, in particular, by using detachable containers. DCA’s primary mission is to promote education and establish ways to improve the waste industry and the productivity of its members. DCA is noted for advancing modern containerized collection and helping to facilitate numerous innovations and developments in the waste industry.

Many of the members of DCA have served on the EREF Board of Directors and in many capacities within the National Waste & Recycling Association, providing leadership and valuable experience to the waste industry. The membership of DCA in establishing this scholarship desires to fulfill a portion of its mission by furthering opportunities and research in the waste industry.

Evergreen Surety Bond Scholarship

Founded specifically to serve the needs of the waste industry and contractors who need payment and performance bonds, Evergreen National Indemnity Company (Evergreen) has become an industry leader in surety bonds. Evergreen was one of the first firms to tackle the requirements of Subtitle D and is frequently called upon to give recommendations to regulators and rating agencies on surety issues.

Fiessinger Doctoral Scholarship

Francois Fiessinger dedicated his professional life to furthering international research and technology development efforts in the areas of waste and water management. Francois was one of the founders of EREF in 1994. He served on the Board of Directors from its inception until he passed away in 1997. Francois was a visionary who believed in science and engineering as vehicles for improving the quality of our environment and our lives. In 1997, based on a contribution from Lyonnaise des Eaux, the Francois Fiessinger Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to recognize excellence in Ph.D. or postdoctoral environmental research and education.

GMI Scholarship

The Garbageman’s Invitational was founded in 2010 by Kerry Holmes (Vice President of Sales, Consolidated Fabricators), Mike Melideo (Owner, Consolidated Fabricators) and Ray Burke (Vice President, Clean Energy). These three men set out to create a unique annual networking event for their customers and prospects in the solid waste and recycling industry throughout the United States and Canada.

The sponsors of the Garbageman’s Invitational felt strongly that there should be an element of “giving back” to the industry. “As the leader in solid waste research and education, EREF was an easy choice as the charity to benefit from the event,” said Kerry Holmes. “EREF, with its presence throughout North America, is well aligned with the Garbageman’s Invitational’s goal to attract more industry leaders throughout the United States and Canada.”

100% of any donations made to EREF through the Garbageman’s Invitational will fund graduate students pursuing excellence in solid waste management research and education.

Reinhart Master’s Scholarship

Debbie Reinhart, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE is a Pegasus Professor and Assistant Vice President for Research and Commercialization at the University of Central Florida. From 2011-2013 she served as the Environmental Engineering Program Manager at the National Science Foundation in Washington, D.C. She received her graduate degrees in Environmental Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Prior to joining UCF, she served as a consulting engineer for companies in Atlanta and was chief of the research & development division of the Bureau of Pollution Control in that city. She is currently a member of EREF’s Board of Directors and Research Council.

Debbie has contributed to the advancement of environmental engineering and science professions through her service to professional organizations, higher education, and mentorship. She has been particularly effective at mentoring under-represented engineering scholars. Debbie is most known for her work with bioreactor landfills which produced operational, monitoring, and design information, as well as the first text on the topic. The Reinhart Master’s Scholarship is aimed at funding female environmental engineering students.

Robert J. Riethmiller/PTR Baler and Compactor Scholarship

Robert J. Riethmiller, Chairman of PTR Baler and Compactor, served on the EREF Board as the Chairman of the Scholarship Committee. Riethmiller’s grandfather, also Bob Riethmiller, began working for PTR in 1911, and purchased it in 1929; since then it has been a family-run business. PTR is a fourth generation, family-owned company that manufactures, installs and services balers and compactors in all 50 states and sells internationally. Now retired, Riethmiller worked in the waste industry for over 50 years.

Robert P. Stearns/SCS Engineers Master’s Scholarship

Robert P. Stearns, Chairman and CoFounder of SCS Engineers, joined the EREF Board of Directors in 1999 and served as Chairman from 2004–2005. At SCS, he directed or served in a review capacity on many of the firm’s solid waste management-related projects. Under his leadership SCS grew to more than 500 employees located in 9 regional offices throughout the United States.

Following his retirement in 2006, Bob continued as SCS Chairman of the Board focusing on strategic planning and acquisitions. In 2007 EREF awarded the first Robert P. Stearns/SCS Engineers Master’s Scholarship, which was established to expand EREF’s successful doctoral-level scholarship program.

Tom J. Fatjo Jr. Scholarship

Tom Joseph Fatjo, Jr. was a true visionary. He was the ultimate optimist and believed there was nothing that could not be accomplished. His charismatic personality and positive attitude became a foundation for his ability to attract, develop and lead his business partners. His honesty and integrity were hallmarks of who he was. Early in his career, he came across a challenge to improve waste collection in his neighborhood. Tom embraced this challenge which led to the creation of Browning-Ferris Industries. After exploring other fields, Tom returned to his roots in the waste business in 1990 and over the next 10 years founded Republic Waste, TransAmerican Waste and Waste Corporation of America. Tom is a true “pioneer and founder of the modern-day solid waste industry.” An EREF scholarship honoring Tom Fatjo has been established.

Waste Industries Scholarship Honoring Lonnie C. Poole Jr.

Lonnie C. Poole, Jr., one of EREF’s founders and currently a Director Emeritus, is the founder of Raleigh-based Waste Industries USA, Inc. Lonnie, who grew up on a farm in North Carolina, was the first in his family to attend college. After graduating with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University, he served as a pilot in the U.S. Army for three years, and then returned home to earn his MBA at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He then found success in the business world, excelling as both a sales manager and an engineer. In 1970 Lonnie founded Waste Industries, a non-hazardous solid waste services company, which now serves more than 1.25 million customers across five states.

EREF Scholarship

As part of its mission, EREF furthers education in the solid waste management industry. In the past, multiple outstanding candidates have applied for the Fiessinger award in the same year, prompting EREF to periodically utilize foundation funds to award additional scholarships. EREF now regularly awards Master’s and Ph.D. scholarships to notable candidates, expanding the scholarship program.

About the Foundation

Jesse W. Couch lived a life of zeal, honor, and dedication to the betterment of his community. The Couch family now humbly stewards the foundation he created to carry on his legacy of service for future generations. We believe that impact is best accomplished through partnerships with local organizations that know the people and communities they serve. We invest in and support efforts to protect the environment, further conservation and preservation initiatives, and save historical architecture that preserves community heritage. We also support initiatives that promote wellness and mental health and organizations seeking to provide and further education for all communities.

Annual Grant Focus

Each year, we seek to partner with and support non-profit organizations making an impact in the focus areas listed here.  The focus areas for 2025 are:

• Animal Wellbeing: We are dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations that nurture compassion and respect for all living animals. We must have animal-focused organizations that advocate for animal rights and provide humane treatment across all spectrums.
• Early Childhood Education: We are looking for schools that are providing young children with a creative and balanced approach to education. Things we love in early childhood curriculums:
  • Life Skills
  • Collaboration With Their Peers and Teachers   
  • Having Fun   
  • Montessori Teachings   
  • Project Based Teachings   
  • Diversity   
  • More Time Outside   
  • Less Screen Time
• Teachers: Teachers are essential to providing children with the best possible education. We must invest in their future and are always looking for teams that help them succeed in educating future generations.
• Get Outside: Being outside can improve memory, fight depression, lower blood pressure, and more! We support organizations that facilitate and encourage more outdoor activities that help create healthier communities. 

Trusteed Foundations

In their concern for community wellbeing, the benefactors who established these foundations directed that available proceeds should be judiciously distributed to non-profit, tax-exempt organizations with demonstrable records of superior service in the fields of Leadership Development, Economic Mobility, Thriving Communities and Education.

Truist Bank provides trustee services to private and family foundations, including the six foundations detailed on this website. As stewards to the Truist Trusteed Foundations, we are happy to provide information about their grant guidelines and the application process in the Atlanta area.

Each proposal submitted is automatically considered for funding by the English, Marshall, Rich, Woolford, Elkin, and Greene-Sawtell foundations. Only one application form is needed to apply to all six foundations.

Florence C. and Harry L. English Memorial Fund

Harry L. English was the son of Capt. James Warren English, Mayor of Atlanta from 1882-1884. Capt. English gained prominence in Atlanta through the real estate business. Harry and his wife Florence built a house on West Paces Ferry Road across from the Governor's Mansion. The house still stands today. Harry died in 1937, and in 1964, The Florence C. and Harry L. English Memorial Fund was established to honor Harry and Florence.

Harriet McDaniel Marshall Trust

Mrs. Harriett McDaniel Marshall created this Trust in 1962 to honor her father, Sanders McDaniel, a Monroe, GA native and an Atlanta attorney. Mr. McDaniel was the son of former Governor Henry D. McDaniel (1883-1888), under whose administration the State Capitol Building in Atlanta was completed. Harriett married Rembert Marshall, one of her father's law partners.

Walter H. and Marjory M. Rich Memorial Fund

Walter H. Rich was the second president of Rich's department store (1926-1947), succeeding his uncle, Morris Rich, who founded the company as M. Rich & Bros. in 1867. Morris Rich changed the name to Rich's when a new store was built on the corner of Broad and Alabama Streets in downtown Atlanta in 1924. Both Morris and Walter as well as Daniel Rich, Morris' brother and Walter's father, are buried in Atlanta's historic Oakland Cemetery. The Walter H. and Marjory M. Rich Memorial Fund was established in 1959.

This Memorial Fund was established to make gifts to institutions which are members of a community fund, nonprofit hospitals, or are an institution which places emphasis upon the education and training of individuals and scholarship funds.

Thomas Guy Woolford Charitable Trust

This Trust was created under the will of Thomas Guy Woolford, a member of the family who founded Retail Credit Company (1899) which ultimately became Equifax Inc. This Trust was established to make gifts to institutions that are organized and operated exclusively for charitable, religious, educational or scientific purposes. Because of the family's ties to the Atlanta area, the Distribution Committee will give priority to charitable, religious, educational or scientific organizations in the metropolitan Atlanta area.

Nell Warren Elkin and William Simpson Elkin Foundation

The Nell Warren Elkin and William Simpson Elkin Foundation was created as a memorial by Miss Margaret R. Warren, Miss Charlotte L. Warren and Mrs. Josephine Warren Asbury, sisters of Nell Warren Elkin. The following charitable institutions were suggested by the Foundation's founders as worthy and valuable organizations. However, the Foundation's trustee is not required to make grants to these organizations and will entertain proposals from other organizations.

• Robert Winship Cancer Clinic, Atlanta, GA
• A.G. Rhodes, Inc., Atlanta, GA
• Georgia Heart Association, Inc., Atlanta, GA
• Bible Study Hour, Philadelphia, PA
• American Bible Society, New York, NY
• Emory University, Atlanta, GA

Greene-Sawtell Foundation

The Greene-Sawtell Foundation was established by Mr. Forest Greene and Mrs. Alice Greene Sawtell, who served as the first Advisory Committee. Under the terms of the document which established the Foundation, the advisory committee was created to select the charitable organizations which the Foundation would support. Truist Bank, as Trustee, now determines which charitable, religious and educational organizations will receive support from the Foundation. The Trustee considers organizations which the Foundation has supported in the past, those in which Mrs. Sawtell had a personal interest, and those which are of a similar nature to the organizations in which Mrs. Sawtell had an interest.

Charities Suggested in the Document Establishing the Foundation:

• Various Protestant Charities in Georgia
• Young Harris College
• LaGrange College
• Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
• Reinhardt College
• Methodist Children's Home, Decatur, Georgia
• Hillside Cottages, Atlanta, Georgia
• Thornwell Orphanage, Clinton, South Carolina
• Henrietta Egleston Hospital for Children, Decatur, Georgia

Charities Supported by Mrs. Sawtell during her lifetime:

• First Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, Georgia
• St. Jude's Recovery Center, Inc.
• Atlanta Union Mission
• Center for the Visually Impaired
• Sheltering Arms Day Care Center
• The Salvation Army

We are Stronger Together

2020 was a year like no other. It offered us a unique opportunity to demonstrate the strength of H.B. Fuller’s values, particularly the power of collaboration and courage. Our focus on taking care of employees, solving customers’ challenges in new ways, and supporting our communities when they need us most never faltered.

Our commitment to STEM education and youth leadership development did not waver, and we created a new funding focus to address racial inequities in the areas of employment, education and safety. Additionally, employees around the world took part in company-sponsored matching programs and a variety of virtual or socially-distanced volunteer opportunities to amplify their impact on issues they care about.

Overall, the gifts of time, talent and financial resources provided by H.B. Fuller and its employees in 2020 had an immeasurable effect on communities around the world.

STEM and Youth Leadership Grant

H.B. Fuller’s philanthropic vision is to help young people grow into productive, successful adults.

H.B. Fuller Company Foundation grants are strategically focused in two areas:

• STEM education – youth education initiatives in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)
• Leadership development for youth – organizations and programs that help young people become successful, productive adults

South Arts Inc

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, South Arts is a nonprofit regional arts organization empowering artists, organizations, and communities, and increasing access to arts and culture.

In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the State Arts Agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee — with additional funding from other public and private donors such as the Doris Duke Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and Mellon Foundation — South Arts supports artists and organizations through a rich and responsive portfolio of grants, fellowships, and programs. Why? Because South Arts believes that the arts elevate the region, increasing connectedness and inspiring meaningful change in the process.

Our mission: Advancing Southern vitality through the arts.

Artist Creative Practice

South Arts recognizes the importance of professional development in building artists’ careers. Even with stipends or payments, overall expenses can make participating in these opportunities inaccessible. South Arts offers Artist Creative Practice Grants (formerly Individual Artist Career Opportunity Grants) to ensure that artists from our region can take advantage of a variety of career enhancing opportunities.

The Artist Creative Practice Grant supports a variety of professional development opportunities including milestone activities in an artist's career that will likely lead to substantial career growth.

Awards

Artist Creative Practice Grants will pay up to 2/3 of the total cost of the opportunity, with a $500 minimum award and a $3,000 maximum award. 

Centene Charitable Foundation

Successful corporate citizenship happens when companies invest in the local organizations that know their communities best. The Centene Foundation works with our local partners on initiatives that focus on inclusion, the whole person and community development.

Vision

Centene’s purpose is transforming the health of the community, one person at a time. The Centene Foundation is an essential part of how we pursue this purpose. We achieve measurable impact for the communities we serve through partnerships and philanthropy efforts that invest in initiatives with holistic approaches to dismantling barriers to health.

Areas of Focus

Reflecting Centene’s commitment to the needs of those who rely on government-sponsored health care and to addressing social determinants of health and health equity, preference will be given to initiatives in three distinct areas of focus.

• Healthcare Access
• Social Services
• Education

The mission of the Georgia Municipal Association is to anticipate and influence the forces shaping Georgia’s cities and to provide leadership, tools and services that assist municipal governments in becoming more innovative, effective and responsive.

Created in 1933, the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) is the only state organization that represents municipal governments in Georgia. Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and technical consulting services to its members. GMA currently represents 537 cities in Georgia. A 62-member Board of Directors, composed of city officials, governs GMA.

Georgia Energy Grant Program

The Georgia Energy Grant Program will fund projects in the areas of energy planning, energy efficiency, workforce development, and Energy Resiliency. The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $566,286 to GEFA to support this concept for the current program year. 

Purpose: This program will provide funding for communities to initiate and accelerate energy projects focused on energy planning, energy efficiency, and energy resilience.

Available Funding: Requests for funding can range from $50,000 to $150,000. A minimum 10 percent cost match is required, but additional leveraging of funds is encouraged to maximize the energy-related benefits of a project. Please note that, due to limited funding, the grants are highly competitive and only a small number of projects may receive a grant award.

Timeline: Projects must be completed by September 30, 2026. Projects must begin within 30 days of execution of the grant agreements and monthly status reports may be requested but not required.

United Way of Greater Atlanta

United Way of Greater Atlanta has been serving the community for almost 120 years. We are one of the largest chapters within the United Way Worldwide network of more than 1,700 independent local chapters serving communities across the world.

Our Mission: Engage and bring together people and resources to drive sustainable and equitable improvements in the well-being of children, families, and individuals in the community. 

OUT Georgia Impact Fund

The OUT Georgia Impact Fund launched in 2021 with a mission to amplify and invest in nonprofit organizations that deliver meaningful, distinct, and measurable impact in the lives of Georgia’s growing LGBTQIA+ community.

Powered by United Way of Greater Atlanta in collaboration with OUT Georgia Business Alliance, Georgia’s LGBTQIA+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce, the Impact Fund is guided by an advisory council to award grants to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that demonstrate excellence, intentionality, consistency, and effectiveness directly impacting LGBTQIA+ individuals, families, or communities across the State of Georgia.

The OUT Georgia Impact Fund aligns with United Way of Greater Atlanta’s Child Well-Being Agenda by focusing on equity to ensure all individuals, families, and communities have opportunities to thrive.

Impact Fund Investment Priorities

Economic Stability: Help LGBTQIA+ families and individuals build prosperity through housing stability, food security, health equity, emergency savings, and employment pathways.

Small Business Support: Support and develop LGBTQIA+ owned small businesses or entrepreneurs or incorporate these underrepresented businesses into how the organization delivers its mission, programs, or services.

First Horizon Foundation

Through the First Horizon Foundation we are constantly investing in organizations across our footprint that do important work every day to make the places we serve better and stronger.

Contributions from the Foundation include the following areas:

• Arts and Culture
• Education & Leadership
• Environment
• Financial Literacy
• Health & Human Services

Our contributions are targeted to strengthen these pillars of the communities we serve:

• Improving the well-being of our communities
• Investing in the financial future
• Educating and developing the next generation of leaders
• Promoting excellence and enrichment in the arts
• A more sustainable tomorrow and future

South Arts Inc

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, South Arts is a nonprofit regional arts organization empowering artists, organizations, and communities, and increasing access to arts and culture.

In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the State Arts Agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee — with additional funding from other public and private donors such as the Doris Duke Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and Mellon Foundation — South Arts supports artists and organizations through a rich and responsive portfolio of grants, fellowships, and programs. Why? Because South Arts believes that the arts elevate the region, increasing connectedness and inspiring meaningful change in the process.

Our mission: Advancing Southern vitality through the arts.

Emerging Traditional Artists Program

South Arts is pleased to announce the FY26 Emerging Traditional Artists Program (ETAP), a component of the In These Mountains, Central Appalachian Folk Arts and Culture initiative. This program recognizes and supports a new generation of traditional artists that have demonstrated a high level of skill in, commitment to, and leadership in their traditional art form. Artists must reside in an Appalachian Regional Commission-designated County in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Tennessee. Awards provide financial support to ETAP participants to ensure the continuation of traditional knowledge and artistic skills within their cultural communities.

Selected ETAP artists will receive $5,000 awards (with limited restrictions) to support learning opportunities including training, networking, and promotion. These opportunities should equip traditional artists to expand their own knowledge/practice and to increase the impact of their work within their communities.

In addition to cash awards, selected artists will participate in a series of networking and team-building workshops (both online and in-person) with other ETAP awardees, at no cost to themselves, and will be paired with a member of the 2024 ETAP cohort for peer mentorship. 

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Vision

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation, "A Foundation for All", was established in 2002. It was begun in order to give a clear voice for those who wish to be a part of the many, worthy, forces for change in our world.

We are a foundation whose purpose is to look ahead towards the future, giving the past its due by remembering where we came from, and how much we can all accomplish together. We aim to make the critical difference on our planet by recognizing and having respect for our ever changing world. We respect all Life, the Environment, and all People, no matter who they are.

Helping Build Better Futures

Our mission is to deliver great value to our customers every day. For over four decades, our deep commitment to the principles of providing value and caring for others has helped define our culture. It extends beyond the walls of our stores, distribution centers, and offices, and into our local communities around the world. The intersection of these principles defines our global community mission:

Deliver great value to our communities by helping vulnerable families and children access the resources and opportunities they need to build a better future.

Our Social Impact Areas

We bring our community relations mission to life around the world by focusing our giving on four social impact areas where we believe we can have the most impact and are critical to helping families and children succeed and thrive.

Basic Needs

We are passionate about supporting nonprofit organizations that help fill critical basic needs such as a warm meal, clean clothing, and a safe place to sleep for vulnerable families.

Education & Training

Our efforts have focused on quality enrichment and extracurricular programs that provide skills, resources, and opportunities to support school and career success for children, teens, and young adults.

Patient Care & Research

We support organizations that deliver services to families and children facing health challenges and life-threatening illnesses.

Empowering Women

We support programs that provide services ranging from help for those fleeing domestic violence, to others that offer education, training, and job placement resources.