Search Through Cycling Grants in Georgia in the U.S.

PNC Foundation

Strengthening and enriching the lives of our neighbors in communities where we live and work.

Vision & Mission

For decades, we have provided resources to seed ideas, foster development initiatives and encourage leadership in nonprofit organizations where imagination and determination are at work enhancing people's lives everyday.

The PNC Foundation's priority is to form partnerships with community-based nonprofit organizations in order to enhance educational opportunities, with an emphasis on early childhood education, and to promote the growth of communities through economic development initiatives.

Foundation Grant

The PNC Foundation supports a variety of nonprofit organizations with a special emphasis on those that work to achieve sustainability and touch a diverse population, in particular, those that support early childhood education and/or economic development.

Education

The PNC Foundation supports educational programs for children and youth, particularly early childhood education initiatives that meet the criteria established through PNC Grow Up Great. Specifically, PNC Grow Up Great grants must:

• Support early education initiatives that benefit children from birth to age five; and
• Serve a majority of children (>50%) from low- to moderate-income families; and
• Adhere to all other standard PNC Foundation guidelines, as outlined on the PNC Foundation website, applicant eligibility quiz, as well as the Foundation policies and procedures; and
• Include one or a combination of the following:
  • direct services/programs for children in their classroom or community;
  • professional development/workforce development for early childhood educators;
  • family and/or community engagement in children’s early learning
• Additional considerations:
  • The grant focus should include math, science, reading, vocabulary development, the arts, financial education, or social/emotional development.
  • The grant recipient, or collaborative partner, should have early childhood education as an area of focus. If the organization’s focus is beyond birth to age five, the specific grant must be earmarked for birth to age five.
  • Incorporate opportunities for PNC volunteers in classroom or non-classroom-based activities.

Economic Development

Economic development organizations, including those which enhance the quality of life through neighborhood revitalization, cultural enrichment and human services are given support. Priority is given to community development initiatives that strategically promote the growth of low-and moderate-income communities and/or provide services to these communities.

• Affordable Housing
  • The PNC Foundation understands the critical need for affordable housing for low-and moderate-income individuals.
  • We are committed to providing support to nonprofit organizations that:
    • give counseling and services to help these individuals maintain their housing stock;
    • offer transitional housing units and programs; and/or
    • offer credit counseling assistance to individuals, helping them to prepare for homeownership.
• Community Development
  • Because small businesses are often critical components of community growth and help foster business development, the PNC Foundation provides support to nonprofit organizations that
    • offer technical assistance to, or loan programs for, small businesses located in low-and moderate-income areas or
    • support small businesses that employ low-and moderate-income individuals.
• Community Services
  • Support is given to social services organizations that benefit the health, education, quality of life or provide essential services for low-and moderate-income individuals and families.
  • The PNC Foundation supports job training programs and organizations that provide essential services for their families.
• Arts & Culture
  • Support is given for cultural enrichment programs benefitting the community.
• Revitalization & Stabilization of Low-and Moderate-Income Areas
  • The PNC Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that serve low-and moderate-income neighborhoods by improving living and working conditions.
  • Support is given to organizations that help stabilize communities, eliminate blight and attract and retain businesses and residents to the community.

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). 

Trust Overview

The Trust for Civic Life is a cross-ideological team of philanthropy and private sector funders making critical investments in the communities that will define the future of the country.

The Trust runs two grantmaking cycles every year:

• Civic Hub Grants and Civic Experiment Grants.

Through a community-led nomination process, local leaders help us identify and direct resources where they are needed most. This process leads to faster, more effective investments that can drive meaningful progress in our local communities.

Civic Experiment Grant

Civic Experiment Grant grants are for individuals and small organizations leading experimental new programs that get their community actively participating in shaping a community vision, identifying challenges, and working together to solve them.

Civic Experiment grant funding goes toward specific programs.

What we look for

The Trust for Civic Life funds a wide range of non-partisan entrepreneurs, programs, organizations and innovative digital leaders who play a key role in their local and regional civic ecosystems. Selection is informed by these key characteristics:

• Embedded in Community: Lives within the communities they serve.
• Rural Focus: Focuses on rural communities specifically in the Black Belt, Central Appalachia, Tribal Lands, Southwest Border, and communities in transition in the rural U.S.
• Community-Led Action: Leads or supports community members to identify problems and work toward solutions.
• Inclusive: Brings together the voices, views, experiences, and participation of the entire community.
• Community Champions: Identifies and celebrates the solutions, innovations, and programs doing great work.
• Bridge Builders: Builds and strengthens community networks by regranting, connecting people to resources, supporting new ideas, leveraging digital tools, and working across sectors.
• Long Lasting: Focuses on programs that create long-lasting civic infrastructure and a thriving community that all residents feel welcome to participate in.

Funding

• Grants Available: ~100
• Grant Amount: Up to $25,000

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.

Georgia Sea Grant invests in use-inspired research that improves the understanding, management, and wise use of Georgia’s coastal and marine ecosystems. Experts conduct research in close collaboration with on-the-ground extension agents, community partners, educators, or decision-makers. Research results are shared with those who need it the most, in ways that are timely, meaningful and relevant.

Projects should propose to answer a clear research question or set of research questions that address the needs and priorities identified in Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. All applications should align with one or more of our four focus areas:

• Environment Literacy and Workforce Development
• Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
• Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Resilient Communities and Economies

Applicants should consider incorporating the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice into their applications. For the FY2024-26 funding cycle, Georgia Sea Grant will prioritize funding projects with outcomes that demonstrate potential to benefit underserved communities in Georgia. These benefits may include but are not limited to improved quality of life, job training and student opportunities, workforce development opportunities, and/or increased access to beneficial services, data, or information. 

We have a special interest in the following themes:

• Preparing Georgia’s coastal communities for changing weather and climate conditions. 
• Understanding climate change impacts on coastal and marine wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems.
• Identifying barriers to the production, supply, consumption, and promotion of commercial seafood products in Georgia.
• Addressing environmental justice concerns through restoration of degraded coastal ecosystems.
• Assessing sustainable development and habitat restoration practices that reduce or mitigate the impacts of land development on our coastal ecosystems and communities.
• Assessment of human impacts on water resources and natural systems, including the prevention and removal of marine debris.
• Assessment of ocean literacy during informal/experiential learning experiences, including educational outcomes of K-12 teachers, [post]college interns, and the public.
• Research focused on Georgia’s coast that investigates new, high-impact learning and training opportunities in non-classroom and virtual settings. 

Projects can request up to $75,000 per year for two years (maximum $150,000 for two years). We anticipate funding 4-6, two-year projects. Applications require 50% non-federal match.

Our Purpose

The Catholic Foundation is a trusted partner of the parishes, schools, ministries, and nonprofits in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. We also work closely with individual Catholics who wish to make a real difference in our Catholic community and leave a legacy to support the causes they care most about. Although our services are professional in nature, we truly see our work as a ministry, and our service is inspired by our mission and vision.

Our Mission

Helping Catholics with faith-inspired giving and legacy planning while stewarding funds for the long-term sustainability of the Catholic organizations in our community.

Our Vision

Fostering a thriving Catholic community with the financial resources to serve and make a difference in the lives of current and future generations.

Our Values

Our values are rooted in the themes of Catholic teachings. In our quest to be the most trusted Catholic foundation, we also strive for transparency and professionalism in all that we do.

The Catholic Foundation of North Georgia

• Leads with faith
• Builds collaborative and respectful relationships
• Honors the intentions of donors
• Engages the talent and passion of the clergy and laity
• Serves the needs of the community
• Manages resources prudently and efficiently

The board and staff of the Catholic Foundation work to provide excellent services to our Catholic community in an open and honest manner. We welcome your calls, questions, and inquiries as we continually strive to support the Catholic ministries and parishioners in our community.

Catholic Community Grants

Catholic Community Grants provide assistance to nonprofits, parishes, Catholic schools, and other ministries. They are funded from various endowments established for the purpose of grant-giving. Many of these endowments are designated by the donors for specific purposes. Grants vary in amount and are awarded each grant cycle. Nonprofits do not have to be Catholic as long as their mission is in alignment with Catholic teaching.

Grant Areas

The Catholic Foundation of North Georgia awards competitive grants through the Catholic Community Grants and Parish Enrichment Grants programs. As a Catholic foundation, the priorities that guide the grant decisions focus on areas of importance to Catholic faith and teachings. 

• Catholic social teaching and works of mercy
• Catholic School Education
• Growing Our Catholic Faith

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. 

Our Mission

Our mission is to continue and further the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. and the Cowles family, which includes promotion of education, social justice, health, and the arts.

The Founder

The Cowles Charitable Trust was first established in 1948 by Gardner “Mike” Cowles, Jr. (1903-1985). Born into the Cowles publishing family of Des Moines, Iowa, Mike was the youngest of Gardner Cowles and Florence Call Cowles’ six children. A newspaper editor and publisher by trade, he was committed to his family’s traditions of responsible, public-spirited, and innovative journalism as well as philanthropy. 

The Cowles Charitable Trust supports the arts, education, the advancement of ethical journalism, medical and climate research.

Trust Overview

The Trust for Civic Life is a cross-ideological team of philanthropy and private sector funders making critical investments in the communities that will define the future of the country.

The Trust runs two grantmaking cycles every year:

• Civic Hub Grants and Civic Experiment Grants.

Through a community-led nomination process, local leaders help us identify and direct resources where they are needed most. This process leads to faster, more effective investments that can drive meaningful progress in our local communities.

Civic Hub Grant

Civic Hub grants are for organizations that play an important role in bringing people together across different communities and sectors to create shared vision, solutions and distribute resources. We welcome you to nominate organizations that align with our Civic Hub grant focus and criteria. Civic Hubs are locally embedded groups that rally community members together around a shared vision, create the capacity and opportunities for people to gather and collaborate, and distribute resources where they are needed most.

​​Our Civic Hub grants will focus strongly on our priority regions (Black Belt, Central Appalachia, Southern Border, and Tribal Lands), with a portfolio target of ~75% from these regions and ~25% from other rural communities in transition

What we look for

The Trust for Civic Life funds a wide range of non-partisan entrepreneurs, programs, organizations and innovative digital leaders who play a key role in their local and regional civic ecosystems. Selection is informed by these key characteristics:

• Embedded in Community: Lives within the communities they serve.
• Rural Focus: Focuses on rural communities specifically in the Black Belt, Central Appalachia, Tribal Lands, Southwest Border, and communities in transition in the rural U.S.
• Community-Led Action: Leads or supports community members to identify problems and work toward solutions.
• Inclusive: Brings together the voices, views, experiences, and participation of the entire community.
• Community Champions: Identifies and celebrates the solutions, innovations, and programs doing great work.
• Bridge Builders: Builds and strengthens community networks by regranting, connecting people to resources, supporting new ideas, leveraging digital tools, and working across sectors.
• Long Lasting: Focuses on programs that create long-lasting civic infrastructure and a thriving community that all residents feel welcome to participate in.

Funding

• Grants Available: 20-25
• Grant Amount: $250,000-$500,000

The North Georgia United Methodist Housing & Homeless Council

The North Georgia United Methodist Housing & Homeless Council is an agency of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church and was created to help churches and other non-profit organizations minister to people experiencing poverty and homelessness.

Types of Grants

The Housing and Homeless Council provides funding for capital grants and operating grants.

Operational Grant:

• These grants are awarded for operating expenses for an on-going program providing services to homeless or very low-income persons. These awards are limited to $2,500.

Capital Grant:

• These grants are for expenses including construction, renovation, providing fixtures/appliances for housing or permanent facilities for homeless or very low-income persons. These awards are limited to $10,000.

Special Types of Capital Grants (these are capital grants with lower funding limits):

• Habitat Grant
  • A grant for a Habitat for Humanity house. These are limited to $5,000. An application for a Habitat house must come from a United Methodist church or a group in which United Methodist churches are involved. Only one application per build site will be accepted.
• Emergency Grants

  • An emergency grant may be for either capital expenses, as for unexpected overrun in construction costs or for project completion in the event of unpredictable capital shortage, or for operating expenses, to ease temporary cash-flow problems. Council by-laws limit these grants to $1,000. These grants are not awarded between March 1 and mid-May or between September 1 and mid-November. Contact our office for more information.

Be sure that you understand the type of grant that fits your application purpose. Do not ask for more than the maximum for the appropriate category. Please remember that Operational Grants are limited to $2500 and Capital Grants are limited to $10,000. 

Who We Are

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything we do centers around one purpose – improving our world through the power of philanthropy.

On a fundamental level, we do that through managing funds held in trust, donated by individuals, organizations and businesses. Most funds are donor-advised funds, similar to savings accounts. These funds are pooled for investment purposes and their income is used to make grants for a wide variety of charitable purposes.

But our goals expand far beyond managing funds. We desire to strengthen the communities we serve in Gwinnett, Northeast Georgia and beyond by providing leadership, addressing community needs and assisting individuals and organizations with their charitable giving.

Our grant cycle will focus on housing stability, which includes, but is not limited to:

• Homelessness prevention
• Transitional housing programs
• Affordable housing
• Emergency shelter homes
• Home buying assistance
• Fair housing education and advocacy
• Weatherization and energy efficiency programs
• Home improvements
• Aging in place & accessibility modifications
• Community land trusts & affordable housing development
• Rapid re-housing programs

We strongly believe in partnering with our nonprofits – because strong, healthy nonprofits equal a strong, healthy community.

From grants to educational programs and more, the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia strives to provide local nonprofits with the resources they need to thrive. 

What We Do

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty and Creating High-Quality Jobs

The John and Mary Franklin Foundation focuses on two primary goals. First, we partner with high-quality non-profit organizations seeking to break the grip of generational poverty by providing basic needs, educational opportunities, and health care to our community. Second, as employment opportunities are critical to economic security, we support institutions and resources that attract and encourage businesses to locate and expand within Atlanta and Georgia.

With a vision deeply rooted in these two goals, the Foundation supports and encourages lasting change through strategic grant investments.

Fighting Generational Poverty

The Foundation channels a significant portion of its support toward breaking the cycle of generational poverty. We do this by investing in three critical categories:

• Public Welfare - Organizations that provide for basic human needs, including food, shelter, and clothing, and those that provide legal assistance and support the assimilation of immigrants.
• Education - Organizations that provide and enhance educational initiatives, ranging from early childhood education to adult continuing education, including colleges and universities, and training for people with disabilities.
• Health - Organizations that provide access to quality medical, mental, and dental care for those who otherwise wouldn’t have it.

Supporting Job Creation in Atlanta and Georgia

The Foundation supports the creation of a robust job market for those trying to escape poverty by investing in institutions and resources that make Atlanta and the State of Georgia attractive for businesses to locate.

• Science & Technology - Georgia colleges and universities seeking/maintaining R1 Doctoral University Status, which helps maintain and enhances Georgia’s status as a center of scientific and technological advancement.
• Culture & Environment - Protection of green spaces and animals, and investment in culture and the arts, which improves quality of life for all citizens.

Katherine “Trinka” Davis Rynne Grants

The Trinka Davis Grant was established in 2009 to both honor the life work of Ms. Davis and provide a permanent fund to assist veterans and their families. During her lifetime, Ms. Davis was a very successful business woman who owned Trintex Corporation in Bowdon from the early 1970’s.

In 1978, a fire destroyed most of the equipment. Against the advice of her financial advisors, Ms. Davis rebuilt the company and saved over 300 jobs. The company was very successful and became a leader in its industry. She later sold the company to Carlisle Tire and Wheel, Inc. in 2004. Her volunteer interests centered on the blind and she had a great passion for helping wounded veterans and their families. This fund is a legacy that will provide assistance to local veterans and their families indefinitely.

Research & Education Grant

Southern SARE is requesting pre-proposals for either Systems Research Projects or for Education Projects and Activities that address issues of sustainable agriculture of current and potential importance to the region and the nation.

Maximum funding amount for Systems Research Projects is $400,000, and maximum funding amount for Education Projects and Activities is $50,000. Pre-proposals with smaller funding requests are welcomed and encouraged.

Southern SARE accepts proposals from applicants in the Southern region: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Proposed projects must focus on Southern SARE’s program objectives in developing sustainable agriculture systems or moving existing farming systems toward sustainability, as defined by the Congress in the 1990 Farm Bill. Under that law, “the term sustainable agriculture means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term:

• Satisfy human food and fiber needs;
• Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends;
• Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls;
• Sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and
• Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.”

The Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation (CCGF) is pleased to announce the opening of its competitive 2024 Community Impact Award cycle. The purpose of this award is to provide Operational Support to 501(c)3 organizations located in and serving Camden, Glynn, and McIntosh Counties. The online application period begins May 30th, proposals are due June 15th, and awards will be announced in mid-October. Applications must be submitted online.The competitive Community Impact Award cycle has undergone a few changes for 2024. Instead of focusing on one or two areas of interest, the Foundation will accept funding requests for up to $10,000 per organization for Operational Support. Additionally, in effort to increase transparency and make the process more equitable for our non-profits across Camden, Glynn, and McIntosh Counties, detailed grant application guidelines and a rubric were created through thoughtful contemplation with CCGF’s Community Impact Committee. The guidelines and rubric for the revised application process can be accessed below.  

 About

The Mission of Friends For Life Foundation, Inc. is to support quality of life improvements for the disadvantaged in North Fulton, Georgia. This is accomplished by securing charitable contributions, gifts and donations to award scholarships and grants to members of our community.

Purposes of the Foundation

The Friends For Life Foundation (FFL or “The Foundation”) is the non-profit organization of Phi Phi Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The Foundation is organized exclusively for the purposes of charitable, religious, literary, educational and scientific endeavors. The Foundation is not organized, nor shall it operate, for pecuniary gain or profit; and it does not contemplate the distribution of gains, profits, or dividends to its members; and is organized solely for non-profit purposes, as defined in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The primary purpose of this corporation is twofold:

Support quality of life improvement for the disadvantaged.

Financially assist individuals and organizations in our community which enhances education, family, health, economic empowerment and the arts. 

Pearl Investment Grant

Applications must support projects that are community-driven, and enable charitable organizations/non-profits to take innovative action on empowerment through education, health, family and global impact.

Who We Are

The roots of the Community Foundation for the CSRA run deep in Augusta and its surrounding communities. For more than 25 years, we have faithfully connected the philanthropic spirit of our community members with nonprofits and community initiatives throughout Richmond, Columbia, McDuffie and Burke counties in Georgia and Aiken and Edgefield counties in South Carolina. All of our work is grounded in our collective desire to enhance the quality of life for all residents of our region — for today and tomorrow.

Inspired by Mission – Succeeding Through Action

Long supported by the generosity of the Masters Tournament – as well as other organizations and individuals throughout our region – the Community Grants program provides dependable funding for necessary and outstanding philanthropic work by local non-profits. These grants are distributed through a competitive process designed to help nonprofit organizations meet their mission.

Funding Priorities

Arts/Culture/History:

Recognizing the positive impact arts, cultural and historical organizations have on a community, we welcome innovative and high-quality applications in this area.

Education/Youth Enrichment:

We welcome applications from organizations that provide enrichment and educational opportunities to disadvantaged children, youth and adults. Examples include: job skill training and/or placement, after school or summer programs, leadership, tutoring, GED and literacy programs.

Health/Environmental:

Some examples of programs in this funding area include: environmental research or management, animal services, programs that support sustainable community and backyard gardens, medical clinics, drug rehabilitation programs, medical programs for persons with disabilities, and mental illness.

People in Need:

This category is generally, but not exclusively for human service programs that work with people in need. Examples include feeding, housing, financial assistance, programs serving the homelessness, and programs for recently incarcerated individuals.

Funding

We do not set a minimum amount for grant awards. We ask that requests not exceed $15,000. We will only accept one grant application per 501(c)(3) per Community Grants Program cycle.

Wild East Action Fund

The Wild East Action Fund supports projects that accelerate the pace of conservation within the Appalachian Trail landscape.

Since 2018, the Wild East Action Fund has supported a variety of land protection and conservation capacity-building projects that have accelerated the pace and scale of conservation within the Appalachian Trail landscape. This funding opportunity is available to conservation organizations, including nonprofit partners and public agencies, that support the mission of the Appalachian Trail Landscape Partnership (ATLP).

In celebration of ATC’s 100th anniversary and the ATLP’s 10th anniversary, ATC is excited to host a Wild East Action Fund cycle!

The Wild East Action Fund is a private, competitive grant opportunity, administered by ATC, supporting the ATLP mission to connect the wild, scenic, and cultural wonders of the A.T. landscape. The Wild East Action Fund seeks applications that aim to accelerate the pace and scale of A.T. landscape’s conservation and resiliency.

ATC has identified needs and strategies, at multiple scales, to effectively support the acceleration of conservation and resiliency within the A.T. landscape. The program’s three grant categories are designed to catalyze new and existing conservation partners’ knowledge, abilities, and expertise to address many of these dynamic needs:

• Land Protection
• Conservation Planning
• Community Resilience

The Wild East Action Fund supports projects that contribute to the protection of lands and waters within the A.T. landscape, enhance capacity for strategic conservation activities, build community support for a conserved and resilient A.T. landscape; and champion an A.T. landscape that encourages all people to feel welcome, respected, supported and valued.

Community Resilience

Purpose - Recover from and build community capacity to address/mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Community Resilience grants are available for projects that support community resiliency in the face of weather-related impacts and a changing climate. We anticipate three types of resilient community projects to be competitive in this cycle; the most competitive applications will address more than one of the following themes:

• Recovery, rebuilding, development of outdoor recreation, cultural, or historic assets.
• Restoration, stabilization, recovery of natural resources, ecological systems, or open space.
• Community building, place-making, or preparedness.

Eligible projects can include, but are not limited to, volunteer workdays/clean-ups/events, youth leadership and workforce training related to conservation or natural resource stewardship, public education or outreach campaigns or events, downtown recovery, beautification, revitalization, and resiliency planning or pre-planning activities, and recreational/cultural/historic asset improvements. Competitive projects will advance climate resiliency, be collaborative and/or community-driven, support public access to open space and recreation opportunities, and/or address Hurricane Helene recovery. It is important that applications clearly demonstrate how the project will help the community recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene and/or strengthen a community’s capacity to respond, mitigate, or adapt to future risk and uncertainty associated with the increasing severity of weather events and a changing climate. As much as possible, project outcomes should include, or strive to strengthen community support for, conservation actions and nature-based solutions to climate change. 

Funding

Up to $400,000 will be granted through the Wild East Action Fund to qualified land protection, conservation planning, and community resiliency projects. Conservation Planning and Community Resiliency grant requests between $5,000 and $20,000 will be considered.

All funding opportunities require a cash or in-kind match. Match ratio will be considered on a case-by-case basis, evaluated on the circumstances of the organization and project context. The match should be secured or demonstrate with confidence that it will be secured during the grant period.

Funding for the Conservation Planning and Community Resilience grant categories are made possible through the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s A.T. Resiliency Fund. 

Wild East Action Fund

The Wild East Action Fund supports projects that accelerate the pace of conservation within the Appalachian Trail landscape.

Since 2018, the Wild East Action Fund has supported a variety of land protection and conservation capacity-building projects that have accelerated the pace and scale of conservation within the Appalachian Trail landscape. This funding opportunity is available to conservation organizations, including nonprofit partners and public agencies, that support the mission of the Appalachian Trail Landscape Partnership (ATLP).

In celebration of ATC’s 100th anniversary and the ATLP’s 10th anniversary, ATC is excited to host a Wild East Action Fund cycle!

The Wild East Action Fund is a private, competitive grant opportunity, administered by ATC, supporting the ATLP mission to connect the wild, scenic, and cultural wonders of the A.T. landscape. The Wild East Action Fund seeks applications that aim to accelerate the pace and scale of A.T. landscape’s conservation and resiliency.

ATC has identified needs and strategies, at multiple scales, to effectively support the acceleration of conservation and resiliency within the A.T. landscape. The program’s three grant categories are designed to catalyze new and existing conservation partners’ knowledge, abilities, and expertise to address many of these dynamic needs:

• Land Protection
• Conservation Planning
• Community Resilience

The Wild East Action Fund supports projects that contribute to the protection of lands and waters within the A.T. landscape, enhance capacity for strategic conservation activities, build community support for a conserved and resilient A.T. landscape; and champion an A.T. landscape that encourages all people to feel welcome, respected, supported and valued.

Conservation Planning

Purpose - Building organizational, partnership, or community capacity/buy-in for future strategic conservation actions.

Conservation Planning grants are available to support the strategic conservation planning efforts of organizations, regional partnerships, or local governments or agencies that aim to catalyze local or regional land protection and nature-based solutions for climate change within the A.T. Landscape. Eligible projects can include, but are not limited to, developing strategic conservation or open space plans, preplanning needs such as data collection or analysis, building parcel prioritization/decision support tools for land protection, or creating natural resource stewardship/restoration planning. Competitive projects will use collaborative and/or community-driven conservation approaches, support public access to recreation opportunities, advance climate resiliency, and protect clean water where appropriate. It is important that conservation planning projects clearly demonstrate how efforts will result in or catalyze future landscape conservation, address climate change, and strive to strengthen community support for conservation.

Funding

Up to $400,000 will be granted through the Wild East Action Fund to qualified land protection, conservation planning, and community resiliency projects. Conservation Planning and Community Resiliency grant requests between $5,000 and $20,000 will be considered.

All funding opportunities require a cash or in-kind match. Match ratio will be considered on a case-by-case basis, evaluated on the circumstances of the organization and project context. The match should be secured or demonstrate with confidence that it will be secured during the grant period.

Funding for the Conservation Planning and Community Resilience grant categories are made possible through the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s A.T. Resiliency Fund. 

Cross-Sector Impact Grants

South Arts’ mission is advancing Southern vitality through the arts, and this program addresses a strategic goal to cultivate and strengthen deep, cross-sector partnerships that are artist and community centered. As our communities continue to change, the arts play an incomparable role in addressing many of our communal and individual challenges and strengths. The value of partnership and working together across sectors brings new opportunities, increased effectiveness, and greater depth to our collective work. Through this program, South Arts seeks to provide significant support to projects developed by partners that harness the power of “Arts & …” (these are projects at the intersection of arts and other sectors). This year, we are shifting to a new program model.

Over the next three years, South Arts is committed to one community impact area – Health and Wellness. Eligible projects must focus on the “Arts & Health and Wellness” theme - for example, arts & mental wellness or arts & physical health. Matching grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded to support approximately 18 projects. We anticipate funding these 18 projects for three grant cycles and expect applicants to commit to the collaborative work for a three-year duration. Funding will be awarded in three separate fiscal years with streamlined, grant renewal forms submitted for cycles two and three. Matching grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to continue or advance the project with the same two partners in cycles two and three.  

South Arts’ mission is advancing Southern vitality through the arts. This program addresses two of South Arts’ strategic goals:

• Connect artists and arts professionals in the South to resources that will increase opportunities for success within and outside the region
• Advance impactful arts-based programs that recognize and address trends and evolving needs of a wide range of communities in the South

Project Requirements

SSouth Arts welcomes applications from partnering entities working together on a project that addresses Arts & Health and Wellness through cross-sector partnerships. Projects must utilize the arts as a tool in creative approaches to address and advance a health and wellness issue that is of importance in their community. Projects should also establish or advance relationships across at least two different sectors, one being in the arts. 

Arts disciplines may include, but are not limited to:

• Performing arts, including dance, music, theater, musical theater, opera;
• Literary arts, including fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry;
• Visual arts, including craft, drawing, experimental, painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media;
• Film or media;
• Traditional and folk arts, including music, craft, storytelling, dance; or
• Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary artforms.

Community impact areas may include, but are not limited to:

• Physical (overall well-being and the ability of the body to function properly);
• Mental/Emotional (overall well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life and their emotions);
• Social (overall well-being that stems from connection and community); or
• Occupational (overall physical, mental, and social well-being of workers). 

Matching Requirements

The minimum grant request is $5,000 and the maximum request is $15,000 (subject to funding availability). A match of at least 1:2 is required; meaning for each grant dollar, the grantee must provide $.50 towards the project expenses. For returning grantees, in cycles two and three, the maximum request is $10,000 (subject to funding availability).

Up to half of the match may be comprised of in-kind contributions such as donated materials, donated services, or other contributed non-cash assets or staff time diverted to this project. At least half of the match must be cash. For staff time diverted to this project, up to 10% of the total project expenses, but no more than $5,000 can be included as a cash expense or cash match for staff time. The remaining staff time must be an in-kind contribution. Contracted individuals and services specifically for this project are eligible cash expenses. 

The North Georgia Community Foundation (NGCF) Community Grants seek to fund organizations and programs designed to improve the quality of life in North Georgia.

Grant applications from $500 up to $25,000 will be considered. Any request for more than maximum amount will be disqualified. Award amounts are at the discretion of the committee, and you are not guaranteed an award amount equal to your requested amount.

This year qualified applicants will be able to apply for an operational or programmatic grant (see descriptions below). You are only eligible to apply for one type of grant. Each organization can only submit one grant application.

Types of Grants

Program Grants

Program Grants are defined as grants funding a specific project or program within an organization. To be considered, applicants will be required to successfully complete the application, including submitting a detailed program budget. If awarded, they will be required to provide NGCF with a final report on the use of the funds.

Operational Grants

Operational Grants are defined as unrestricted grant funding available to the organization to use as needed. In order to be considered, applicants will be required to successfully complete the application, including submitting an operating budget. If awarded, they will be required to provide NGCF with a final report on the use of the funds.

• Outline a program/project that will positively impact the quality of life in our community;
• Develop competencies and skills enabling individuals to live fuller, more productive lives; 
• Address a significant need or opportunity affecting a broad segment of the region’s population or special populations;
• Possess the ability to leverage other funding through the use of matching grants or gifts;
• Promote the cooperation of two or more agencies to avoid duplication of services and to coordinate resources and programs;
• Demonstrate the capacity to provide the necessary services using good administrative and financial management;
• Enable collaboration between community organizations to more efficiently meet needs and deliver services.

Focus Areas

For 2025, we plan to support grants that fall into these focus areas:

• Arts/Cultural
• Children/Family Services
• Civic Affairs
• Community Development
• Education
• Environmental

ABOUT ROOTED IN JUSTICE

“Rooted in Justice” is a funding program designed to help amplify youth voices and actions in the environmental and food justice movements.  Rooted in Justice supports community-based organizations and groups that manage established, youth-led, urban greening programs within a justice framework as a core part of their work, with two-year grants of $25,000/year.  

Rooted in Justice recognizes the importance and undeniable right of every young person to have the ability to develop their own relationship with the environment, be it through growing food, spending time with nature, creating community green spaces, or becoming environmental stewards. Rooted in Justice also honors the power and possibilities that arise when young people collectively work to be change-makers in their communities.

Rooted in Justice supports organizations, groups, collectives, and programs that work with young people between the ages of 12 to 20 in youth-led programming for communities or cultures which have historically or currently experience:

• A lack of access to land or nature;
• Agricultural oppression and/or neglect;
• Food apartheid; and/or
• Other forms of injustice based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics and disability.

Rooted in Justice awards a small number of grants each year with applications due in the fall and decisions made the following spring. Final grant decisions are recommended to the Cedar Tree board via a participatory grantmaking process with outside reviewers who have experience in youth-led urban greening, as well as food or climate justice programming. So far the program has awarded multi-year grants to 21 organizations and one-time grants to 10 additional organizations since 2021. 

Definitions

Rooted in Justice grants support organizations or programs that include all four of the elements described below: social justice, youth-led, urban greening, and cohort-based youth work. We articulate our understanding of those terms below in an effort to provide a guide for prospective organizations to use in determining whether their program is a good fit. However as we continue our work towards questioning and dismantling some of our preconceived notions, we recognize that these are not finite definitions and encourage prospective applicants who still feel their work may be a good fit to describe in their proposals why this is the case.  

Social Justice-Based Programs

Programs dedicated to creating equitable outcomes for communities directly affected by different aspects of injustice by:

• Sharing and redistributing power and resources;
• Amplifying voices and leadership;
• Tackling root problems through ongoing engagement and collaboration to find solutions, organize against oppression of all kinds and create mechanisms for change; and
• Developing a critical analysis with youth and community members.

Youth-Led

The development of youth leadership skills is a core part of programs funded by Rooted in Justice. Young people have the opportunity to play a role in the planning and decision-making for their program and may help shape the internal workings of the organization. Examples of youth-led programs include programs where participants: 

• Managing a portion of their programming budget;
• Co-facilitating program activities, meetings and gatherings;
• Shape their own programming and/or organizational strategic planning;
• Have regular and end-of-program opportunities to provide program feedback and evaluation; and
• Have opportunities for personal and/or professional growth within the program and organization.

Urban Greening

For the purpose of this grant we define “urban greening” as any activity that creates a mutually beneficial relationship between city dwellers and their environments. Programs that are a strong fit for Rooted in Justice will have many opportunities for youth to be outdoors.  Project settings can include, but are not limited to: 

• Urban and aquaponic farms
• Greenhouses and rooftop gardens
• Community gardens, green spaces, and rain gardens
• Composting sites
• Land conservation efforts
• Urban forests
• River or other water restoration  

Cohort-Based Youth Works

Rooted in Justice looks to fund organizations that build community with cohorts of youth through intentional, recurring programming. This grant is intended to support programs that offer youth significant learning and leadership opportunities as a group and as individuals. Priority will be given to organizations that have program infrastructure that supports a cohort of youth over time.  Drop-in programming, one-time conferences, or individual internships are not a good fit for Rooted in Justice.  

Youth Budgeting

As part of grant proposal, all Rooted in Justice grantees must share a plan to allocate a portion of the grant funds for youth participants to manage. What do we mean by this? We ask applicants to specifically set aside some amount of grant funds for youth to allocate to priorities of their choosing.  For example, youth participants can use their allocated funding to:

• Fund an entrepreneurial endeavor;
• Design the brand or swag for their group;
• Hire a speaker or outside expert to teach a new skill;
• Purchase supplies for a community-based art project;
• Host a celebration for their families, friends and neighbors;
• Pay for transportation to programming, special events, or conferences; and/or
• Any other youth-led activity the group may find beneficial.

Use of Funds

Rooted in Justice funding must be used for project support of existing youth led, urban greening, social justice work and associated general operating expenses. Operating expenses can include anything from program costs like staff salaries and youth stipends to organizational sustainability needs like major equipment purchases and leadership/staff training. If your organization’s entire mission is youth led, urban greening, social justice work, the Rooted in Justice grant can be general support. 

Funding

Two Year Grant

• Rooted in Justice Grant awards are two-year grants of $25,000 per year.
• After the initial two year grant, grantees may be eligible for a third year of funding at the same or lower level through a simple renewal process.
• In the 2025-2026 grant cycle, the Cedar Tree Foundation expects to support 4 organizations with multi-year grant awards.

Funding for Professional Development

• Each Rooted in Justice grantee organization also has access to an additional $6,000 to support professional development opportunities identified by each organization.  Half of these funds must be used to directly support the professional development of youth. 
• Rooted in Justice grantees can request reimbursement from this professional development fund to attend conferences, hire consultants, purchase equipment or software that increases organizational capacity, or participate in any activities that strengthen youth programming or justice practice of program providers in support of their youth development programming. The funds set aside for youth professional development can be used for youth exchanges or youth participation in conferences and other professional development opportunities directly for youth.  

Community Professional Development Calls

• Cedar Tree works with grantee partners to assess their professional development interests and facilitates on-line gatherings of staff or youth for skill shares, trainings, and networking opportunities.
• These network calls will likely happen 2-3 times per year. 

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.

Land & Water Conservation Fund Grants

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program is a federal program authorized by Congress for the purpose of acquiring federal lands and assisting states and local governments with funds to acquire lands and develop and renovate outdoor recreation facilities.  LWCF funds are appropriated by Congress to the U. S. Department of the Interior, National Parks Service (NPS), and NPS allocates the funds through state agencies as a grant program to state and local governments.  Grantees must match the grant award dollar for dollar.The LWCF Program, first authorized in 1965, has resulted in Georgia receiving over $120 million in matching grant funds. The program was reauthorized and received permanent funding in fiscal years 2019 and 2020 respectively.  With the permanent funding, it is anticipated that Georgia will receive $5-7 million annually.In order to efficiently administer the grant funds, LWCF moved to a bi-annual grant cycle.  With two years of allocations to award, an estimate of $12 million will be available to local governments during the 2024-2025 grant cycle.Program Reminders

• LWCF requires a dollar-for-dollar match for all grant request.
• The minimum grant request is $25,000 ($50,000 total project).
• The maximum grant request is $500,000 ($1 million total project).
• Only one application can be submitted for an LWCF project per jurisdiction.
• For those who have applied for LWCF grants in the past, be mindful that scoring criteria has changed.

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.

Literary Arts Grants

As part of its Literary Arts Initiative, South Arts is excited to announce Literary Arts Grants. These project grants will be made to writers, independent literary publishers, small presses, and literary arts missioned organizations that focus on contemporary literary arts. These grants deepen our commitment to amplifying literary traditions and practices of the American South through directly funding the initiation, development, and completion of literary arts projects in poetry, fiction, creative or literary nonfiction, young readers’ literature, and drama (playwriting and screenwriting). 

Literary Arts Grants for Writers

South Arts will award literary arts grants up to $5,000. Applicants (writers) must include writing samples and other required attachments.

Types of Projects Supported

Literary Grants support projects across several categories: Creative Literary Work Creation and Publishing, Community Engagement, and Professional Development.

CREATIVE LITERARY WORK CREATION AND PUBLISHING

(Writers and Literary Arts Organizations-Small Literary Presses/Publishers-grants up to $5,000)

For writers and independent publishers and presses who seek support for projects that engage contemporary writers who live and create in the South Arts region in the development and publishing of creative works across literary genres including poetry, fiction, drama, playwriting, and creative nonfiction. Content may be published in print, digitally, and/or in audio formats, and should be in English.

Projects that are eligible for support include,

• CREATION PROJECTS (writers only- new works and in-progress writing projects)
• RESEARCH PROJECTS (writers only)
• LITERARY PUBLISHING PROJECTS (organizations only)

Proposals may incorporate one or more of the following:

• Use of technology to enhance delivery to audiences and strengthen community connectedness.
• Innovation and advancement opportunities in the creative literary arts, including cross-sector collaborations and non-traditional approaches to the development of literary content.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

(Writers and Literary Arts Organizations-grants up to $5,000)

For writers and literary arts organizations who seek support for projects that engage the public with contemporary writers and creative literary works. Projects may have a local or regional focus where eligible projects include but are not limited to:

• Reading Series
• Festivals
• Podcasts

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

(Writers only - grants up to $1,000 for travel and conferences/workshops; up to $2,000 for residencies/retreats)

This project type and deadline is for writers and emphasizes professional development opportunities that serve to enhance a writer's career. Proposed projects may be local, national or international opportunities where eligible projects include:

• Writer Retreats or residencies
• Travel for writers to take advantage of a career enhancing opportunities that is not related to conference attendance
• Writer's conferences or workshops that allow writers to enhance skills and grow a peer network

Mission

The mission of Southern Partners Fund (SPF) is to serve rural Southeastern communities and organizations seeking social, economic and environmental justice by providing them with financial resources, technical assistance, training and access to systems of information and power. There are two central ideas embraced in the democratic philanthropy of Southern Partners Fund: compassion and community. Compassion implies an understanding or concern for community members lacking local political power to impact the decisions that affect their lives. Community relates to the things that bring us and hold us together.

Purpose

The Purpose of SPF Grantmaking is to:

• Develop and nurture grassroots community-based leaders and organizers.
• Build the capacity of rural, grassroots community organizing groups and leaders.
• Strengthen rural communities and people.
• Develop equitable peer relationships, which support real transformation toward a just society.

Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grants Cycle

Hubert Ellis Sapp, a transformative visionary and grassroots organizer, was instrumental in turning the concept of Southern Partners Fund, a democratically led foundation directed by grassroots leaders, into a reality. To honor his legacy in the wake of his passing in February of 2021, we are honored to add his name to our Regular Grant Cycle, which from here on, will be referred to as the Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle. 

• Applicants may request general support or project support.
• Applicants must have operating budgets of $350,000 or less to receive general support.
• Organizations with operating budgets over $350,000 can apply for project support only.

Members of SPF’s grants committee will contact organizations being considered to schedule a site visit, required for new applicants, or phone interview. SPF’s grants committee, made up of SPF members, makes grants decisions during a September grants panel meeting, which are then ratified by the Board. Groups will be notified of grants decisions after October 1st, 2024.

If an organization has received five consecutive years of regular grant cycle funding, it must take a year off before making a new RGC grant request.