Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Georgia

With support from Toyota Motor North America, the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is pleased to announce $250,000 in grant funding to make public lands more accessible and enjoyable for people of all abilities. The 2026 grant program will focus on communities near Toyota Motor North America facilities and is restricted to 16 communities, as detailed below. 

Overview

Through the 2026 Driving Mobility and Accessibility on Public Lands grant, NEEF aims to:

• Increase the capacity of local organizations and government agencies to address mobility and accessibility considerations on public lands; and
• Improve the level of access, comfort, and enjoyment experienced by public lands visitors of all abilities, together with their families and friends.

The grant will provide up to $20,000 per grantee to increase physical or digital access, provide adaptive recreation equipment or programming, or perform accessibility assessments on public lands in communities near 16 Toyota Motor North America facilities.

CSX Charitable Investments offers the Pride in Service Grants to support organizations that honor and assist military members and first responders. Focus areas include safety, mental health, community bridging, workforce development, and addressing food insecurity. Eligible organizations include those with 501(c)(3) status, government entities, and educational institutions. Grants aim to uplift communities and recognize the contributions of those who serve, while ensuring alignment with specific charitable criteria.

The Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program aims to eliminate derelict fishing traps nationwide. Focused on collaboration, it emphasizes standardized data collection, quantifying impacts, and comprehensive data sharing. With an annual budget of up to $1,475,000, the program supports 6 to 15 projects, providing grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 for 18-month initiatives. This effort significantly enhances marine resource conservation by reducing bycatch mortality and removing abandoned traps.

The GA Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides funding for projects enhancing recreational trail access in Georgia. It supports both motorized and nonmotorized trail developments, including construction, restoration, and equipment leasing. Eligible applicants include local governments, state agencies, and nonprofits focused on trail safety education. RTP aims to promote outdoor activities while ensuring compliance with federal regulations. Projects must be distinct and confined to Georgia's borders, ensuring that local communities benefit from enhanced recreational opportunities.

The Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant Program (GTEG) provides financial assistance to Georgia residents attending eligible private colleges. Established by the Georgia Student Finance Commission, this non-need based program aims to enhance access to higher education by alleviating tuition costs. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens, legal Georgia residents, and enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program. The GTEG promotes educational opportunities and supports academic progress for students pursuing their college degrees.

The Georgia College Completion Grant (GCCG) is designed to assist eligible students at postsecondary institutions in Georgia facing a financial aid gap. To qualify, students must meet specific credit hour requirements and have an outstanding balance for direct costs. This grant aims to support those enrolled in two-year or four-year programs and ensures that financial barriers do not hinder educational progress. Applications are accepted until the last day of the school term or withdrawal date.

The GA Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program, managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, aims to enhance recreational opportunities in urban areas lacking access to outdoor spaces. Launched on November 8, 2023, the program prioritizes projects that engage communities, create public-private partnerships, and address local recreation needs. With a focus on promoting health and reducing environmental stress, it seeks to transform park deserts into accessible green spaces, benefiting residents and fostering community well-being.

The Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (Region 2) aims to support small businesses in securing DOT-funded transportation contracts. Through cooperative agreements, the program offers outreach, financial and technical assistance, and various training programs. This initiative helps small businesses enhance their capabilities to compete effectively for contracts at federal, state, and local levels, thereby promoting growth and sustainability in the transportation sector.

Georgia's HOPE Grant, established by the Georgia Student Finance Commission, provides financial assistance to Georgia residents pursuing a certificate or diploma at eligible colleges. The program covers a portion of tuition and has specific limits on paid hours. To qualify, students must meet citizenship, residency, and academic standards, among other requirements. The HOPE Grant aims to ensure access to postsecondary education, supporting students in their academic endeavors while adhering to state guidelines.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The Georgia HOPE Scholarship, established by the Georgia Student Finance Commission, is a merit-based award designed for Georgia residents who have achieved a minimum 3.00 GPA in high school and maintain the same in college. It provides financial assistance for undergraduate degrees at eligible institutions within Georgia, with specific limits on funding duration. The scholarship reflects Georgia's commitment to supporting higher education access for its citizens.

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

The Computer Science Teacher Equipment and Community Grant aims to enhance computer science education for all students by providing up to $200,000 in funding for Georgia LEAs. This grant offers support for professional development, including physical computing resources and attending conferences. By fostering a collaborative community among educators, the initiative seeks to engage students effectively in learning computer science, ensuring they gain valuable skills and experiences in this critical field.

The Computer Science Teacher Credential Grant, administered by the Georgia Department of Education, aims to enhance K-12 Computer Science education by providing funding for teacher training and certification. With a maximum grant amount of $15,000 per district, priority is given to systems with a Computer Science Implementation Plan and those serving impoverished or rural areas. This initiative supports the professional development of middle and high school CS teachers, fostering broader participation in the field.

The NCDDG program supports innovative research aiming to discover and develop new treatments for mental disorders, including substance use and alcohol use disorders. This initiative encourages collaborations between academic and industry partners to advance neurostimulation techniques and drug/device development. Applicants are invited to submit proposals that focus on specific projects utilizing the U01 mechanism, with a clear emphasis on rationally designed candidate agents and cutting-edge technologies. Letters of Intent are encouraged 30 days prior to the submission deadline.

The Local Road Administration (LRA) Assistance Funds, administered by the Georgia Municipal Association, provide essential funding for local road projects without requiring a match. These funds are included in the amended fiscal year 2025 budget to support various eligible activities, such as road construction, maintenance, and safety improvements. Local governments must meet specific compliance standards and submit necessary documentation to access this funding, fostering enhanced infrastructure across communities.

The National Cooperative Drug/Device Discovery/Development Groups (NCDDG) program invites applications to foster innovative research in treating mental disorders and substance use issues. This initiative promotes collaboration between academia and industry, supporting diverse, multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing rational therapies and neurostimulation techniques. Applicants are encouraged to submit Letters of Intent 30 days before the proposal deadline to enhance project alignment with funding goals.

The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund offers crucial financial support and counseling for individuals in the theatrical exhibition and distribution sectors facing health-related challenges. This fund assists with medical expenses, housing emergencies, and essential services like vocational rehabilitation and equipment aid. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years in exhibition or five years in distribution. The fund aims to provide a safety net for those impacted by illness, injury, or significant life changes.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Safety First Grant Program aims to enhance community safety across its 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, it supports organizations that provide safety services or promote safe behavior. This program reflects Norfolk Southern's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, empowering employees to engage locally. By investing in safety and workforce development, Norfolk Southern fosters thriving communities, demonstrating its dedication to social responsibility and community well-being.

The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program for FY25 aims to enhance road safety through competitive funding for planning and demonstration initiatives. This includes the creation and improvement of safety action plans to prevent fatalities and serious injuries across all roadway users. Eligible applicants must have or be developing an SS4A-funded action plan. The program supports comprehensive strategies that address various roadway safety challenges.

The Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.

The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program- Implementation Grants aims to enhance road safety through competitive funding for projects addressing roadway safety issues. These grants support various initiatives, including planning and infrastructure improvements, to reduce fatalities and injuries among all road users. Eligible applicants must have a comprehensive safety action plan, ensuring that funded projects align with established safety strategies and are completed within five years of the grant agreement.

The Sprouting School Gardens Grant, provided by the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, supports school-based gardening and cooking programs to foster healthy eating habits in children. Grants between $5,000 and $10,000 help cover program operations, supplies, and educator stipends. Eligible applicants include schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas served by Sprouts Farmers Market, promoting meaningful connections between local teams and school gardening initiatives.

The HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.

Who We Are

Founded in 1996, the Community Foundation of South Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to making South Georgia a better place to live through effective philanthropy. We help individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses establish and manage charitable funds that carry out their philanthropic interests. Serving a geographic area of 35 counties in South Georgia, we facilitate our donors’ charitable plans and goals by creating custom designed funds that meet their specific interests and ensure solid financial management and administration for each fund. 

Harrison Hooks Memorial Scholarship

For a graduating senior from a high school located in Thomas County, Georgia who is enrolled in or intends on enrolling in a college or university located in the state of Georgia and has attained at least a 3.0 GPA in high school. The award is based on Academics, Leadership Qualities, Extracurricular School Activities, Community Service and Financial Need.

The PPC Foundation Grants support charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) status, distributing 10% of pre-tax profits annually. Grants range from under $500 to over $2,500, with varying documentation requirements. The foundation emphasizes community involvement and prefers charities in areas where they operate. They do not fund political, religious entities without separate social service programs, or organizations primarily funded by public tax support. This initiative reflects their commitment to compassionate service and community prosperity.

The Emerging Traditional Artists Program (ETAP), presented by South Arts Inc., supports early-career traditional artists from Appalachian Regional Commission-designated counties. With a $5,000 award, artists can access training, networking, and mentorship opportunities to enhance their skills and community impact. This initiative aims to preserve traditional arts and culture while fostering a new generation of artists dedicated to their craft and cultural heritage.