Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Georgia

New or established public agencies, local governments, nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions in eligible Appalachian Georgia counties can seek support for critical infrastructure and workforce or business development projects. Grants from Appalachian Regional Commission help Georgia organizations improve water and wastewater systems, transportation, broadband, entrepreneurship, worker training, and related economic development initiatives.

New or established Georgia nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and first responder agencies can seek funding for traffic safety, driver education, and K–12 financial literacy programs from the Auto Club Group Foundation, with awards of US $5,000 - US $15,000. With a mission to create safer roads and informed drivers, it also considers passive speed display equipment projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and schools in Georgia can request in-kind intermodal transportation services and donated railroad equipment to support military members, veterans, and community first responders. CSX Foundation supports community service efforts across its rail network, offering door-to-door freight moves and occasional donations of rail-related materials and retired rail cars.

Georgia arts nonprofits and public or tribal arts organizations with budgets of $500,000 or less can access funding for professional development through South Arts. Grants up to US $1,000 support first-time opportunities like conferences, workshops, and staff-wide training, covering travel, registration, and consultant fees to build organizational capacity and sustainability.

Georgia 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible schools can seek program funding for environmental initiatives such as decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient use of natural resources. American Honda provides US $25,000 - US $100,000 Environment Pillar Awards for projects serving communities where Honda associates live and work, including Georgia and other eligible U.S. states.

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

Nonprofit organizations and schools running community services programs in Georgia and other eligible states can seek programmatic support funding, with applications opening each fall. American Honda Foundation and Honda corporate back high-impact initiatives that align with their Pillar Awards, offering support to established and newer 501(c)(3) organizations and NCES-listed schools in key U.S. communities.

Georgia 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in agriculture, environment, education, hunger and poverty relief, health, social services, public safety, or cultural heritage can access funding through the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation. Grants up to US $1,000 support broad community-benefit programs and require a Perdue associate endorsement letter with the application.

Trusteed Foundations Funds provide essential grant opportunities for nonprofit organizations in the metropolitan Atlanta area. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with specific review periods aligning with the foundation's operational calendar. The foundations seek to support initiatives in Leadership Development, Economic Mobility, Thriving Communities, and Education, ensuring that funds are allocated to organizations with a proven track record of community impact. This streamlined application process allows nonprofits to apply to multiple foundations through a single form.

Nonprofits and churches undertaking capital projects for charitable, religious, or educational purposes in Georgia, especially LaGrange and Troup County, can seek support for construction, major renovations, and community facilities. Fuller E Callaway Foundation prioritizes enduring projects in areas like community development, education, health, arts, museums, and historic preservation, with grants usually benefiting Troup County organizations.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that enhance community welfare. Focus areas include agriculture, education, fighting hunger, and public safety. Eligible applicants must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and a Taxpayer Identification number. Requests are prioritized for programs directly benefiting communities near Perdue facilities across various states. The foundation emphasizes responsible stewardship and community engagement in all funding decisions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running behavioral health and substance use disorder programs in Georgia and nationwide can seek funding to expand treatment, prevention, and early intervention services. Elevance Health Foundation supports initiatives that increase access to MH/SUD treatment, reduce loneliness and social isolation, and deliver culturally relevant, measurable, and scalable whole-person health solutions.

City and county governments, public housing authorities, and nonprofits in Georgia can apply for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs’ Community HOME Investment Program, with awards from US $500,000 - US $1,500,000 for affordable housing projects. Funding supports rehabilitation of owner-occupied homes and construction or renovation of affordable single-family homes for eligible homebuyers.

Qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Georgia focused on education, health education, higher education, independent schools, or arts and culture capital projects can apply for the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation’s support. Well-established organizations with strong leadership and broad community backing may be competitive, though this program is generally not suited for startup or new nonprofits.

New and established 501(c)(3) conservation and community nonprofits, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Georgia can apply for The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, with awards up to US $100,000 for fee and easement land acquisition. Funding covers capital, project development, stewardship, and community engagement costs within the Appalachians Program boundary.

Focused on food access and hunger, Atlanta Community Food Bank invites Georgia 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating pantries or meal programs to join its partner network. Eligible agencies in DeKalb or Fulton counties with established feeding programs, regular hours, and inclusive service may receive ongoing food support, especially those open evenings or weekends.

Georgia nonprofits supporting youth mental health and social-emotional learning can access funding through Cigna Foundation for evidence-informed programs in schools and related settings. Public charities with eligible 501(c)(3)/170(b) status may receive US $100,000 - US $150,000 for one-year projects serving underserved youth ages 5–18, plus their parents, caregivers, and youth service professionals.

Nonprofit and governmental arts presenting organizations in Georgia can use this grant to fund staff or guest artists’ travel and registration for conferences, festivals, workshops, and other professional development or artistic planning opportunities. South Arts prioritizes BIPOC-, LGBTQIA+-, and disability-led groups and supports in-person or virtual training across film, visual, performing, literary, traditional, and multidisciplinary arts.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations in Georgia using grassroots organizing strategies can receive general operating or project support to advance social, economic, and environmental justice. Southern Partners Fund backs small-budget groups (with fiscal sponsorship allowed) building community leadership and power, which may include newer nonprofits focused on policy, advocacy, and systems change rather than direct services.

Nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, and eligible housing entities with proven, scalable affordable housing innovations can access funding through Enterprise Community Partners in Georgia and nationwide. Grants of US $2,000,000 support solutions in design and construction, finance, or service delivery that expand affordable rental and ownership options, with priority scoring for projects based in or serving selected states, including Georgia.

Georgia 501(c)(3) nonprofits running food-as-medicine or nutrition programs can seek multi-year support to improve clinical outcomes for people with diet-related conditions and increase access to nutritious foods. Elevance Health Foundation provides funding for scalable, measurable interventions, with emphasis on high social-risk and food-insecure populations and potential for national or local impact.

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.

Rural public entities and nonprofit corporations in Georgia can use these USDA Rural Development grants to provide training, technical assistance, and infrastructure support for small rural businesses. With a mission to strengthen rural economies, USDA Rural Development provides Georgia organizations with US $10,000 - US $500,000 for community and technology-based economic development and related projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and government organizations serving at-risk, disadvantaged, or underserved youth in Burke, Columbia, or Richmond counties can apply for youth education and justice programs, with awards of US $5,000. Grants from Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area support projects in Georgia that address community needs through education, mentoring, health, self-sufficiency, and family-focused services.

New and established nonprofit organizations improving maternal and infant health outcomes can apply for Elevance Health Foundation’s Maternal and Child Health Grant, supporting programs across the U.S., including Georgia. Funding prioritizes efforts that reduce disparities, address social needs, and remove barriers to care from pre-conception through postnatal support for mothers and babies.

Truist Foundation provides Georgia workforce and career-development nonprofits with US $10,000 - US $250,000 to deliver innovative training, upskilling, and career navigation services for adult workers in the age of AI. Eligible applicants are U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations headquartered in the Truist footprint, including Georgia, with established programs ready to grow.

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.

Arts in Community Grants

Program Description

Arts in Community Grants are designed to support deeper engagements between Southern communities and artists. Through these grants supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, we aim to increase access to the arts, expand audiences for artists, and broaden our reach. Eligible projects require a Southern artist/company visiting another Southern state for public activities, offering access to arts programming by professional artists. Funding supports Southern film directors, traditional artists, visual artists, performing artists, or writers:

• film (documentary, fiction, experimental, and animation),
• traditional arts (music, dance, storytelling, and visual arts/crafts),
• visual arts (crafts, drawing, experimental, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media),
• performing arts (theater, music, opera, musical theater, and dance), and
• literary arts (fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry).

Projects require an artist or artist ensemble and a host or partner organization. Project must include at least two in-person or live, virtual public activities – both a public presentation (a film screening, performance, reading, or exhibition) and an educational/community engagement activity (a workshop, demonstration, lecture, facilitated discussion, or master class). The grant requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match.