Best Health Care Grants in Georgia

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities in Georgia that provide safety services or promote safe behavior can apply for Norfolk Southern Foundation’s Safety First Grant, with awards of US $1,000 - US $15,000 for projects, programs, or general operating support. Health-related safety initiatives and first responder programs may be especially competitive.

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 Sapelo Foundation Grants focus on advancing environmental justice and protection in Georgia, aiming to empower marginalized communities. The foundation seeks partnerships that foster civic engagement, support sustainable practices, and advocate for effective environmental policies. With a commitment to statewide efforts, especially outside metro Atlanta, it emphasizes the importance of healthy environments for all Georgians. Two primary funding areas include water and climate/energy initiatives, with grants typically awarded biennially.

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

About the Georgia Department of Agriculture

The Georgia Department of Agriculture administers a variety of programs which all have a primary goal - to maintain the state's viable farm industry and protect the consuming public. Our focus is on meeting the needs of Georgia's citizens.

The department's mission is to provide excellence in services and regulatory functions, to protect and promote agriculture and consumer interests, and to ensure an abundance of safe food and fiber for Georgia, America, and the world by using state-of-the-art technology and a professional workforce.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture regulates, monitors, or assists with the following areas: grocery stores, convenience stores, food warehouses, bottling plants, food processing plants, pet dealers and breeders, animal health, gasoline quality and pump calibration, antifreeze, weights and measures, marketing of Georgia agricultural products domestically and internationally, pesticides, structural pest control, meat processing plants, seed quality, Vidalia onions, state farmers markets, plant diseases, nurseries and garden centers, fertilizer and lime, potting soil; feed, boll weevil eradication, apiaries, Humane Care for Equines Act, bottled water, and other responsibilities. The department publishes a bi-weekly newspaper: The Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin, which is available online as well as in printed form.

Dog and Cat Sterilization Program (DCSP)

Three Plates, One Purpose

Dog and cat overpopulation is a tragic problem that affects all areas of Georgia. Each year, thousands of healthy, friendly dogs and cats are euthanized because of overpopulation. Spaying and neutering of dogs and cats helps reduce this problem. Since this program began, thousands of sterilization procedures have been performed by Georgia veterinarians benefiting from the DCSP grant.

Currently, funds for the program are raised by the sale of the three dog and cat license plates shown above. You can get your spay/neuter tag through your local tag office, or make a contribution by checking the box on your Georgia Tax return. The fastest way to put your money to work helping our dog and cat population is to contribute directly by clicking the "Donate" button located on this webpage.

The DCSP grant does not give money to individuals. Licensed rescues, local government animal shelters, and veterinary medical foundations are eligible to apply for the grant. In turn, individuals may apply to the grant recipients for assistance with spay/neuter procedures. Please encourage your local shelter and/or rescues to apply for the next grant application when it opens.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) manages the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program. In 2003, the Georgia General Assembly created the Dog and Cat Reproductive Sterilization Support Program to subsidize spaying and neutering of dogs and cats, resulting in the DCSP program.

The Queer Mobilization Fund (QMF) supports community-led projects that advance Queer and Trans liberation, particularly for BIPOC individuals in the Southeastern US. Established in 2016, QMF prioritizes grassroots organizations with budgets under $300,000. The fund emphasizes rapid response funding and capacity building, aiming to empower marginalized communities often excluded from financial support. QMF does not fund groups outside the Southeast or for-profit activities, ensuring resources are directed towards those leading efforts for LGBTQ+ rights.

Georgia Department of Community Health

The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is one of Georgia’s four health agencies serving the state’s growing population of over 10 million people.

DCH serves as the lead agency for Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids®, and also oversees the State Health Benefit Plan, Healthcare Facility Regulation Division and State Office of Rural Health, impacting one in four Georgians.

Through effective planning, purchasing and oversight, DCH provides access to affordable, quality health care to millions of Georgians, including some of the state’s most vulnerable and underserved populations.

GREAT Health Program

Description

Georgia’s Rural Enhancement And Transformation of Health (GREAT Health) program will bring about a transformation of health in rural Georgia. Achieving this vision means rural populations are healthier, live longer, have an improved quality of life, and can both live and work in the communities they love; rural places have healthcare that is high quality, more abundant, more accessible, and more effective; and rural progress creates systems-level change that leverages technology, drives innovation, and improves quality, while maintaining a patient focus.

The GREAT Health program will do this through five initiatives:

• Transforming for a Sustainable Health System
• Strengthening the Continuum of Care
• Connecting to Care to Improve Healthcare Access
• Growing a Highly Skilled Healthcare Workforce
• Leveraging Technology for Healthcare Innovation

Who Can Participate?

Georgia has 126 rural and partial rural counties designated as the program’s areas of focus, based on the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) rural grants eligibility analyzer. Healthcare facilities and organizations serving these counties will be eligible to apply for funding through the program’s initiatives. Visit the list of eligible counties.

In addition to the 126 eligible rural and partial rural counties, 93 hospitals serving these rural areas and with Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) designations of Critical Access Hospitals, Sole Community Hospitals, or Rural Referral Centers, were invited to participate in Initiative 1 and its associated value-based care model. Visit the Value-Based Care page to learn more.

The Toy Foundation Program offers a unique opportunity for nonprofit organizations to apply for toy donations to support children in need. The application period runs from January to June, with approved applicants receiving toys by the end of the year. This initiative, part of the Toy Chest program, has positively impacted over 35 million children since 2003, promoting play as essential for emotional and educational development.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to increase diversity in assistant coaching roles by providing financial support to member institutions. Over two years, selected schools receive $15,000 to cover salaries, requiring a matching contribution. This initiative encourages ethnic minority and gender representation, allowing up to 11 institutions to benefit annually, thus enhancing inclusivity in collegiate sports.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to bolster ethnic minority and gender representation in senior athletics administration roles. With an annual budget of $1.6 million, it supports up to 46 schools and conferences over five years. Eligible institutions must be active NCAA Division III members and meet various requirements. This grant encourages diversity in leadership, fostering an inclusive environment for student-athletes.

Georgia Department of Community Health

The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is one of Georgia’s four health agencies serving the state’s growing population of over 10 million people.

DCH serves as the lead agency for Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids®, and also oversees the State Health Benefit Plan, Healthcare Facility Regulation Division and State Office of Rural Health, impacting one in four Georgians.

Through effective planning, purchasing and oversight, DCH provides access to affordable, quality health care to millions of Georgians, including some of the state’s most vulnerable and underserved populations.

Initiative 3: Connecting to Care to Improve Healthcare Access Strategy: Point-of-Care Telepods 

Description and Purpose of Funding

A Care to Consumer Point-of-Care Telepod (POC Telepod) is a self-contained, soundproof healthcare station with live audio, video and technology to assess vital signs, health history and current health issues and evaluate physical and mental conditions.

Through real-time connectivity, licensed clinicians will provide non-emergent telehealth services for the purpose of prescribing medication or instructing other appropriate medical care.

These stations will serve as a new service line allowing patients to connect with licensed clinicians for primary care services without needing an appointment.

Funding is approved to support the acquisition and placement of POC Telepods in rural communities intended to provide increased access to primary healthcare services.

Specifically, the placement of POC Telepods should increase access to care in areas of the community with limited accessibility and reduce inappropriate utilization of emergency departments for non-urgent, non-emergent patients.

This funding opportunity is available to rural hospitals in Georgia serving the 126 rural/partial rural counties defined as the eligible rural area under the GREAT Health Program. Hospitals previously submitting a signed Letter of Intent for Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design (AHEAD) model pre-implementation to the Georgia Department of Community Health will receive priority in the application process.

The Georgia Public Service Memorial (GPSM) Grant offers financial support for the education of spouses and children of Georgia public safety officers and school employees who have been disabled or killed in the line of duty. This grant can cover costs up to $18,000 annually, with a lifetime maximum of $72,000. Eligible applicants must have been residents of Georgia for at least 12 months and comply with various academic and legal requirements.

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.

The Josh Turner Scholarship Fund for the Arts, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, empowers high school seniors from rural areas across ten southern states to pursue careers in music and the arts. This fund honors Josh Turner's journey in the music industry and aims to support students focusing on diverse opportunities within the music business, including performance, writing, and production, as well as various art disciplines.

The Investing in Artists: Tools & Equipment Grant, offered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, provides funding between $1,000 and $5,000 for individual craft artists in the U.S. to purchase essential tools and equipment. This program aims to enhance the creative support system, enabling artists to produce object-based work and meet safety standards. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their craft and have presented public artistic work within the last three years.

The ASB Research Award (Professional), offered by the Association of Southeastern Biologists, honors outstanding research by professional members (not students) with a $1000 grant. Applicants must be the primary author of a manuscript published after the last ASB annual meeting and must present their findings at the upcoming annual meeting. The awardee is recognized at the Closing Banquet, emphasizing the importance of attendance. This initiative promotes scientific advancement and networking among biology professionals.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.

The Georgia Emergency Solutions Grants program offers critical support for individuals facing homelessness through services like street outreach, emergency shelter, and rapid re-housing. Local government and non-profit organizations receive funding to implement these essential services, ensuring a continuum of care that helps vulnerable populations achieve housing stability. This initiative, supported by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, aims to prevent homelessness and promote sustainable living conditions across the state.

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 Appalachian Landscapes Project Capital Grant, offered by the Open Space Institute, supports vital conservation initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity and enhancing landscape connectivity. Established in 1974, the OSI has protected over 2.5 million acres in the Eastern US and Canada, focusing on land that ensures clean drinking water and wildlife habitats. This grant is specifically for projects within the Appalachian Landscapes Project service area, promoting sustainable community benefits.

The Georgia Trust Callahan Incentive Grant, administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, provides funding for historic preservation projects in Georgia. With 1:1 matching grants of up to $5,000, it supports non-profit or governmental organizations working on sites eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Projects must demonstrate significant community impact and sustainability, ensuring long-term use and maintenance. Applications are due by December 8, 2025, for letters of interest.

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.

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 Growing Healthy Kids Grant, funded by The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, aims to support community-based programs that enhance children's nutrition access and health education. With grant amounts ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, this initiative focuses on hands-on programs that promote healthy habits among children and their families. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Sprouts Farmers Market operates, helping to ensure that the funds directly benefit local communities.

The Wellness Across the Lifespan Grant supports the health of communities by providing access to nutritious food and essential nutrition education. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in areas where Sprouts Farmers Market operates. This funding emphasizes health and nutrition education, as well as programs that promote healthy lifestyles and nutrition security, ultimately benefiting adults and vulnerable populations.

Foothills Community Foundation

In 1999, the founding members of Foothills Community Foundation shared a vision for our community. They focused their time, resources, and mission to promote philanthropy and provide a catalyst for giving in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens Counties.

Today, our leaders share the same vision. We work to inspire participation in philanthropy and retain the charitable wealth in our community to positively impact lives now and for future generations.

Scholarships

Several different scholarship funds have been established by individuals, companies, and organizations wanting to assist individuals with furthering their education. All qualified applicants will be graduating high school seniors except for renewal options specifically noted.

Irvin Cauthen Scholarship

Seniors from Anderson, Oconee, or Pickens County who plan to major in business or engineering at Anderson University, Florida State University, Clemson University or Georgia Tech are qualified. This scholarship is renewable.

Scholarship funds are awarded for one academic year. A renewal application is required for each academic year with demonstration of being in good standing at their school of choice.