Best Grants for 501(c)(3) in Georgia

The GMA Safety and Liability Management Grant Program, administered by the Georgia Municipal Association, provides essential funding to eligible members of GIRMA and GMA’s Workers Compensation Self-Insurance Fund. This initiative aims to reduce workplace injuries and liability risks by supporting safety-related expenses, including equipment, training, and certifications. Established in 1933, the GMA advocates for Georgia's municipal governments, ensuring they remain innovative and effective in their operations.

The Great Apes and Gibbons Program Grant, administered by the Arcus Foundation, supports conservation efforts for great apes and gibbons across 24 priority landscapes in Africa and Asia. The program emphasizes sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife, having awarded over 2,000 grants to more than 500 organizations globally. Funding is not available for individuals or specific lobbying activities, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful conservation initiatives.

The National Forest Foundation's Matching Awards Program connects communities to forests by funding stewardship activities that promote engagement with National Forests and nearby public lands. This program aims to create lasting impacts, ensuring that all communities can benefit from the rich resources of these natural areas. By supporting various projects, the program fosters a deeper relationship between people and the environment, ultimately enhancing conservation efforts and community well-being.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to issue a Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA) on Aug. 4, 2026, seeking to fund high-impact, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. This preannouncement provides potential applicants additional time to identify collaborators; obtain patient and stakeholder input on potential studies; and develop responsive, high-quality applications. 

Patient-centered CER compares at least two available health treatments, services or care delivery strategies. PCORI seeks proposals that compare clinical interventions (e.g., pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, screening and diagnostic approaches) and healthcare delivery system interventions (e.g., workforce, technologies, healthcare service delivery designs) to evaluate potential benefits and harms of different treatment and care delivery options, thus generating evidence that empowers patients, caregivers and the broader healthcare community with information to make informed choices that reflect their needs and preferences. 

Georgia Department of Education

There are 1.7 million students in Georgia’s public schools – and it’s our goal at the Georgia Department of Education to improve outcomes and expand opportunities for each one of them. Through child-focused and classroom-centered policies, a strong focus on the foundations, and increased relevance and opportunities in the later grades, we’re working to ensure all students graduate ready to contribute to their communities and live fulfilling, productive lives. We are focused on preparing students for life, not a test – and making sure that all schools have the resources they need to provide every child with a high-quality public education.

Student Vaping Mini-Grant

The Student Vaping Mini-Grant is intended to support middle and high schools by providing funds for localized interventions to decrease the incidence of vaping by students in Georgia. Georgia LEAs are eligible to apply. Each applicant must select one middle AND one high school (middle school must be a feeder school to the high school) in their district to implement the grant.

The US Department of Health & Human Services, through the NIH, invites applications for innovative approaches to implement SBIRT/P for addressing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in adults facing health disparities. This funding opportunity encourages research that tests screening, brief interventions, and referrals for treatment or prevention services. Applications are due on specified deadlines from February 2024 through March 2027, fostering collaboration with healthcare and community partners to enhance public health outcomes.

The High School Equivalency Examination Grant Program (HSE) in Georgia provides financial assistance for residents seeking to take state-approved equivalency exams. Established by the Georgia Student Finance Commission, this program aims to support those who have not completed high school by covering examination costs, ensuring access to educational opportunities. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including residency and citizenship requirements, to qualify for this valuable educational resource.

Service Objects In-Kind Grants support non-profit organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability. By leveraging their data validation services, they aim to assist projects that promote ecological health and responsible resource management. The program prioritizes applications with clear, measurable objectives and impactful outcomes within one to three years. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. are eligible, while initiatives lacking detailed plans or focusing on generalized education will not qualify. This grant fosters community involvement in environmental stewardship.

The Russell and Sandra Davis Scholarship, established by the North Georgia Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to graduating seniors or GED recipients from Hall, Gwinnett, or DeKalb Counties in Georgia. This scholarship supports students enrolling full-time in accredited colleges or vocational schools, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0. It reflects the Davis family's commitment to education and community, offering up to four years of funding for recipients to pursue their higher education goals.

The Toyota Industries Compressor Parts America (TICA) Community Scholarship, managed by the North Georgia Community Foundation, offers financial support to Jackson County high school seniors. Established in 2015, this renewable scholarship requires recipients to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 while enrolling full-time in an accredited U.S. educational institution. This initiative aims to foster educational opportunities and community engagement for local students, enhancing the region's overall quality of life.

The GTF Afterschool Program Grant offers schools and organizations a chance to promote tennis among children beyond standard physical education. This grant, funded by the Georgia Tennis Foundation, supports initiatives at schools or local parks, enhancing access to tennis. Eligible applicants include schools or tennis-affiliated organizations, with a focus on providing qualified coaching. Grants of up to $750 are available to cover equipment, marketing, and facility fees, ensuring programs last a minimum of six weeks.

The Wildlife Viewing Grants Program by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources offers small grants aimed at enhancing public awareness and appreciation of nongame wildlife and rare native plants. This initiative supports local governments, nonprofits, and for-profit entities in developing wildlife viewing projects that align with conservation priorities in the State Wildlife Action Plan. With millions participating in wildlife viewing annually, the program aims to foster appreciation while ensuring sustainable practices.

The William T. Carlisle Memorial Scholarship, administered by the North Georgia Community Foundation, offers $10,000 in financial assistance to graduating seniors from Hall County, Georgia. This need-based scholarship provides $2,500 annually for up to four years, contingent upon maintaining eligibility. Applicants must enroll full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university and demonstrate financial need, ensuring support for local students pursuing higher education.

The Great American Cleanup Grants, offered by Keep America Beautiful, aim to enhance community beautification and environmental efforts across the U.S. This initiative encourages KAB affiliates to remove litter, plant greenery, and restore public spaces, contributing to the larger goal of cleaning up 25 billion pieces of litter by 2026. With cash grants available, this program fosters collaboration among communities, promoting sustainable practices and a cleaner, greener future for all.

The REACH Georgia Scholarship Program is a needs-based initiative aimed at mentoring and supporting students from 8th grade through high school graduation. It provides financial scholarships up to $10,000 for postsecondary education at HOPE-eligible institutions in Georgia. Each scholar is paired with a mentor for guidance, while academic coaches help track progress and plan for future success. This comprehensive program ensures that students receive the necessary support to thrive academically and achieve their educational goals.

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

The Rotary Club of Forsyth County offers the Service Above Self Presidents' Scholarship to graduating seniors from Forsyth County, Georgia, who show a commitment to community service. Two scholarships will be awarded in 2026, one for a student from North Forsyth High School and one from Forsyth Central High School. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, residents of Forsyth County, and intend to attend a public institution in Georgia, with preference given to those demonstrating financial need.

The WXIA TV11 Community Service Scholarship, established by WXIA-TV in collaboration with the United Negro College Fund, aims to support Atlanta residents pursuing higher education. This scholarship is available to college freshmen majoring in English, Communications, Journalism, or related fields at Clark Atlanta, Spelman, Morehouse, or Morris Brown College. It recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional community service and provides financial assistance based on need, fostering educational opportunities for future leaders.

The Deluxe Corporation Foundation's ERG Grant Program supports diverse and inclusive initiatives by empowering employee resource groups (ERGs) to partner with nonprofits addressing relevant social issues. Each of the ten ERGs will award a $25,000 grant to a selected organization, fostering community impact and collaboration. The foundation, established in 1954, has invested over $109 million in charitable causes, focusing on financial literacy, education, and community support to enhance lives and promote entrepreneurship.

The Xander Corso Memorial Scholarship, established by the North Georgia Community Foundation, supports Hall County public high school seniors demonstrating financial need and academic merit. Launched in 2018 in honor of Xander Corso, this scholarship encourages students who exemplify service and character. Recipients must plan to attend an accredited institution within the University System of Georgia, fostering a commitment to education and community engagement.

The Watson-Brown Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the South. It offers various types of grants, including for educational programming and historic preservation, with a focus on southern studies. Eligible recipients include public charities in the southeastern United States. The Foundation's Junior Board of Trustees also awards grants to preservation projects in east central Georgia, emphasizing youth engagement in cultural heritage.

The Ragan and King Charitable Foundation, established in memory of Mrs. Carolyn King Ragan, provides grants to Georgia Baptist or Southern Baptist affiliated entities for religious, charitable, or educational initiatives. The foundation reviews applications annually in September, distributing funds to eligible organizations that qualify under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring support for meaningful community projects.

CommonSpirit Health offers the Community Health Improvement Grant to enhance health equity and service systems for underserved populations. Through collaborative efforts with 501(c)(3) organizations, this initiative provides financial support for essential health projects. Grant amounts range from $19,500 for small grants to $150,000 for standard grants, varying by hospital. Participating hospitals include those under Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, aimed at addressing significant community health needs.

Gail Ingram Scholarship

The Gail Ingram Scholarship was established at the North Georgia Community Foundation in 2010 by family, friends, and students of Gail Ingram to honor her 40 years in education. As a teacher of English, debate, speech, and journalism, Gail has made a lasting impact on countless students. She always encouraged students to know the world outside their community by reading critically and widely.

Recipients of the scholarship must be a graduating senior from any public high school in Banks, Hall, Habersham, Jackson, Lumpkin or White counties, and planning to attend a public school in the University System of Georgia or the Technical College System of Georgia as a full-time student.  The 2026 scholarship will be a one-time award of $1,000.

The Sapelo Foundation Grants focus on enhancing social justice in Georgia, particularly for marginalized communities. Their mission includes fostering civic power and environmental protection through effective policies and practices. They prioritize voting rights and criminal justice reforms, aiming to empower more Georgians to engage in civic advocacy. Grants are typically awarded to 501(c)3 organizations committed to serving areas outside metro Atlanta, ensuring broader participation and equitable access to resources.

The Marvin R. and Pearl E. Patterson Family Fund Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students aspiring to study graphic or fine arts, as well as those interested in environmental sciences. Open to high school graduates from the Tri-Cities area, this scholarship considers leadership, community involvement, and academic achievements, although financial need is not a requirement. Applicants must provide transcripts and relevant documents to qualify for this opportunity.

The Southern Partners Fund's Discretionary Fund Grant aims to support grassroots community organizing for social, economic, and environmental justice in the Southeastern United States. It provides financial resources and technical assistance to rural organizations and leaders focused on transformative change. Eligible applicants include self-governed rural groups engaging in advocacy and community development. The fund prioritizes education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement, allowing up to two requests per year, with a maximum award of $3,500.