Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Georgia

Jack’s Family Fund

At Jack’s Family Restaurants, we’ve always thought of ourselves as one big family — employees and guests alike. Giving back to the communities in which we do business is part of our DNA. That’s why we’ve established the Jack’s Family Fund.

We think of our guests as part of the Jack’s family, and we’ll be there in times of need. With your help, we can make a difference in people’s lives and support those we call family, friends, and neighbors.

Jack's Family Fund Grant

The Jack's Family Fund is a non-profit charitable organization established to provide emergency financial assistance to members of the communities that Jack’s Family Restaurants (JFR) serve. Fund grants are made to assist those who have temporarily found themselves in need, but under normal circumstances are self-sustaining.

Our grants assist with:

• Immediate, short- term needs of individuals who may be victims of disasters or other emergency hardship situations including floods, fires, riots, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and similar large-scale events, or
• Emergency hardship caused by illness, death, accident, violent crime or other types of personal injury.
• Community 501(c)(3) organizations working to respond to these types of needs on a broad scale.

Types of expenses grants may be awarded for include (but are not limited to):

• funeral expenses
• past due utilities (electric, water, natural gas)
• past due rent/mortgage
• emergency housing

Grants from the Fund are not intended to replace personal or homeowners insurance, federal disaster relief or other types of aid, but rather to assist on an immediate and short-term basis when other sources of assistance are not available.

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation offers environment grants aimed at improving the quality of life in Georgia through initiatives in conservation and education. It primarily supports organizations in metro Atlanta, especially those with a proven track record and strong leadership. Grants are provided for the Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center and other environmental projects, emphasizing collaboration with community-led efforts. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) public charities with substantial operating budgets.

The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.

The Mazamas is committed to exploring and preserving mountain environments in the Pacific Northwest through research grants. These grants support nonprofit research that aligns with the Mazamas’ mission, encouraging proposals from graduate and undergraduate students. Successful applicants often conduct field studies that enhance understanding of the region's natural features. Notably, the Mazamas also welcome innovative research ideas that may fall outside traditional grant guidelines, promoting a diverse range of scientific inquiry.

Don and Debbie Golden Scholarship

The Don and Debbie Golden Scholarship Fund was established by their daughters after Mr. & Mrs. Golden tragically passed in a car accident. Mrs. Golden was a counselor at Mount Vernon Elementary School and had 30 years’ experience in education. Mr. Golden taught & coached at North Forsyth High School and North Hall High School. He was a punter on the University of Georgia football team under Coach Dooley. In 2026, two scholarship awards of $2,000 each will be offered. 

The Personal Responsibility Education Program Grant in Georgia aims to support public and private youth organizations in implementing evidence-based health education programs. These initiatives focus on delaying sexual activity, increasing contraceptive use, and reducing pregnancy rates among youth. Successful applicants will also educate on healthy relationships and life skills. The program seeks to enhance self-sufficiency and safeguard vulnerable children, ensuring a positive impact on families and communities throughout Georgia.

The Grand Haven Offshore Challenge Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students pursuing studies in natural resources, including fisheries and wildlife. This scholarship is available for applicants attending any public or private college or university. The fund was established to honor community contributions towards environmental preservation and is awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Apply once for all scholarships you may qualify for to streamline your application process.

The Innovative Education Fund Grant, offered by the Georgia Foundation for Public Education, supports schools in implementing innovative programs that address critical educational challenges. With funding available up to $30,000, eligible applicants include school administrators from Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) and Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) schools. This initiative aims to foster educational excellence by enabling schools to design, pilot, and evaluate transformative programs tailored to their unique needs.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Gridiron Veterans Scholarship, provided by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, offers essential financial support for military veterans and first responders. This initiative focuses on wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs, ensuring participants can access mental health services, physical therapy, and holistic resources. The foundation prioritizes those facing emotional and physical challenges, empowering them to overcome barriers and improve their quality of life through customized, evidence-based support.

The Cumberland Plateau Stewardship Fund Grant aims to restore native forests and improve wildlife habitats while supporting working forests in the Cumberland Plateau. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) invites proposals that enhance forest, grassland, and freshwater ecosystems, promoting conservation practices on agricultural lands. This initiative is backed by funding from USDA agencies and corporate partners, focusing on improving soil health, water quality, and carbon sequestration in the region.

The Asian Cultural Council's Individual Fellowship provides artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia and the United States with opportunities for self-directed cultural exchange and research in unfamiliar regions. This program supports activities such as interviews, workshops, and archival research, fostering cultural immersion and collaboration. With a funding limit of $35,000, the fellowship encourages innovative proposals that enhance creative perspectives and relationships among peers, while also ensuring strong eligibility criteria for applicants.

The Asian Cultural Council's New York Fellowship offers a transformative six-month program for artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia. Participants engage deeply with New York City's vibrant cultural landscape, attending performances, exhibitions, and workshops while building networks with local communities. This unique opportunity fosters peer-learning and individual artistic development, encouraging fellows to incorporate their experiences into their practices and contribute to their home cultures. The fellowship emphasizes exploration, exchange, and support, culminating in a rich cultural immersion.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The Georgia Music Grant, funded by the Georgia Music Foundation, provides grants of up to $5,000 for music programs in Georgia schools and non-profit organizations. Since 2015, it has awarded nearly $500,000 to support music education, preservation, and outreach projects. Eligible applicants include Georgia-based non-profits and K-12 schools, focusing on music education and cultural heritage initiatives. Preference is given to projects that demonstrate inclusivity and address community needs.

The LadyAID Scholarship Fund, established by the GRAMMY Award-winning trio Lady A, supports students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It aims to alleviate financial barriers for students from Tennessee and Georgia, promoting access to higher education. The scholarship is designed for those with a household income of $60,000 or less and is renewable, requiring annual reapplication. This initiative reflects a commitment to empowering Black communities and fostering educational opportunities.

The Mary Allen Lindsey Branan Foundation, established in memory of Charles I. Branan's mother, aims to alleviate suffering through charitable endeavors. Focused on public benefit, religion, environment, human services, and health, it supports 501(c)(3) organizations in Georgia. The foundation prioritizes aid for flood victims, the sick, and orphans, ensuring that its contributions foster a compassionate community dedicated to helping those in need.

The Recycling and Waste Diversion Grant, offered by the Georgia Municipal Association, aims to support innovative projects that reduce solid waste and promote recycling in Georgia. By providing financial assistance, this grant encourages municipalities to recover valuable materials and support local manufacturing efforts. Established under the Solid Waste Trust Fund Grant Program, it aligns with the Georgia Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Act, fostering sustainable practices for a cleaner environment.

The ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund, managed by Refed Inc., supports innovative solutions to minimize food waste and reduce methane emissions, a cost-effective strategy for climate action. This fund prioritizes initiatives that enhance food recycling and improve supply chain efficiency in the beef and dairy sectors. By focusing on proven methods, the grant aims to accelerate impactful changes in the food system, ultimately fostering sustainable practices and collaborative efforts to combat food waste.

The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) is preparing to submit a grant application under the Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) funded Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Education) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This five-year grant opportunity is designed to strengthen school-based mental health systems and improve the relational and behavioral wellbeing of school-aged youth. 

GaDOE intends to submit a coordinated application that includes 3-4 eligible LEAs. Final participation and funding levels may be adjusted based on the strength and scope of responses to this Intent to Apply.GaDOE is applying for this funding on behalf of selected LEAs, and a funding award is not guaranteed. Selected LEAs that submit an Intent to Apply best aligned with the overall application will be notified and invited to complete the formal grant application process at that time.Each selected LEA may request up to $250,000/year for up to five years (total of $1.25 million).

Tides Foundation

Tides is a partner for justice in the social sector, working closely with doers and donors to build the power of historically excluded groups who face systemic barriers. We provide fiscal sponsorship, donor advised funds, impact investing, and a variety of grantmaking solutions to advance social justice and equity. 

Through Tides Foundation, we partner with individuals and families, foundations, corporations, and social change leaders to design and deliver social impact initiatives that shift decision-making power back to the communities we serve. Our mission is our North Star — and a beacon for those who share our commitment to social justice. Together, we work to shift resources and power to communities historically denied both, so they can create a just and equitable future.

Multi-Year Accelerator Grant

The Vote Your Voice Accelerator Infrastructure Fund is a multiyear investment in trusted, high-capacity, and deeply networked civic-engagement organizations across: Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. This fund is designed to: 

• Stabilize and sustain the organizations carrying the long-term weight of democracy protection 
• Strengthen the connective tissue across state and regional ecosystems 
• Support innovation, adaptation, and emergent learning in shifting political conditions 
• Ensure frontline communities remain centered in voter engagement, protection, and shifting power to those historically denied it

The Anderson-Rogers Foundation Grant supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental protection, animal welfare, climate change mitigation, and social support. Established in 2001, this family foundation prioritizes innovative projects and general operating support for small organizations facing financial constraints. Note that applicants must first submit a letter of inquiry, as the foundation does not fund scholarships or grants to individuals or religious organizations, nor does it support organizations outside the U.S.

Helping All Reading Communities (HARC)

HARC, a committee of the IDA-Georgia Board, stands for Helping All Reading Communities. HARC’s mission is to expand access to high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction and materials for struggling readers and young children at risk for reading difficulties in Georgia.

Purpose of the Grant

The HARC Grant was created to fund non-profit organizations whose projects expand access to Structured Literacy interventions and raise dyslexia awareness in Georgia communities. Funding is intended for initiatives that train educators or community members, provide direct support to learners, or increase access to evidence-based resources. IDA-Georgia plans to award one or two grants, for which we have allocated $10,000 per year.

Grant funds may be used for materials and program expenses.

• Funds are to be used for educational purposes within the state of Georgia, targeting the remediation of reading difficulties through Structured Literacy practices.
• Funds must be used within one year of the grant being awarded.
• Project descriptions should be specific, including objectives, timelines, budgets, and expected outcomes.

Chantal and Tommy Bagwell Family Scholarship

The Rotary Club of Forsyth County Chantal and Tommy Bagwell Family Scholarship (formerly the Bagwell Scholarship) support Forsyth County high school graduating seniors planning to pursue their post-secondary education at a public school in the State of Georgia. Eligible students may attend an accredited college or university, technical school or trade school. This scholarship prioritizes students with financial need, a commitment to completing their program of study, and clear long-term career goals. Preference will be given to first generation college students who participate in a STEM pathway, CTAE pathway, or another high-demand career pathway.

The Chantal and Tommy Bagwell Family Scholarship encourages students to further their education and build meaningful careers in Georgia. Selected students will pledge to pursue educational success and, when able, give back to help others reach their goals. In 2026, the scholarship will include ten one-time awards, each in the amount of $5,000.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.