Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Georgia

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

The SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

The NIDCD is offering funding to advance HIV/AIDS research, particularly focusing on areas related to communication disorders. This initiative supports low-risk clinical trials and encourages researchers to align their proposals with high priority topics identified by the NIH Office of AIDS Research. Applications must be submitted by the local deadline, with optional Letters of Intent due 30 days prior to the proposal deadline. This opportunity aims to enhance understanding and treatment in this crucial health area.

This funding opportunity invites innovative pilot studies focused on biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms related to HIV pathogenesis, aligning with NIDDK's mission and NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities. Topics may include exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV comorbidities and coinfections, understanding HIV reservoirs in relevant tissues, and examining social determinants affecting health outcomes. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation supports arts and culture initiatives to enhance community vitality in Georgia. This private foundation prioritizes grants for organizations in metro Atlanta, focusing on projects that develop major cultural institutions and promote community development. It seeks to partner with established organizations that demonstrate strong leadership and financial sustainability, while emphasizing the importance of arts in economic development and community engagement.

Children in Need of Services (CHINS) Grant Program

The Children in Need of Services (CHINS) Grants Program provides funding for the implementation of programming for prevention from the juvenile justice system and intervention services for youth as alternatives to detention. Funding will be used to promote programming related to CHINS. Programming should be evidence supported or evidence based. Additionally, applicants may include time of a personnel position for the administration purposes of this grant, however, applications prioritizing funds for direct service will be prioritized.

Available Funding

Maximum Dollar Amount per Award

• Rural: maximum - $50,000
• Non-rural: maximum - $100,000 

The Carlos and Marguerite Mason Trust provides funding to improve organ transplantation processes for needy residents of Georgia. Grants support 501(c)(3) organizations that assist individuals requiring transplants of eyes, kidneys, hearts, and other organs. The trust also allocates a portion of its income for research aimed at enhancing transplant methods. Applications are accepted year-round, but must be submitted by June 30 for annual review. Priorities include capital improvements, start-up grants, and matching proposals.

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. 

Georgia Dental Hygienists' Association Scholarship

For dental hygiene students and Registered Dental Hygienists who are enrolled in an accredited Dental Hygiene School in Georgia, reside in the state of Georgia and intend to practice in Georgia for two years following graduation. Applicants must have completed at least one quarter or semester of study in the dental hygiene curriculum and have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need.  

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 Rural Business Development Grants in Georgia aim to support small rural businesses by providing essential technical assistance and training. Eligible areas for funding include rural towns outside urbanized regions. There is no maximum grant amount, with priority given to smaller requests. Funds can be allocated for various projects, including training, land acquisition, and community development initiatives. This program is open to a range of rural public entities, ensuring a broad impact on local economies.

The Partners for Places Jobs and Inclusive Infrastructure Initiative Grants aim to support communities by leveraging infrastructure funds to create equitable projects that benefit underserved areas. This pilot program will provide funding for local workers through career training and inclusive economic practices. With grants ranging from $45,000 to $120,000, the initiative focuses on enhancing human infrastructure, fostering collaboration among key partners, and ensuring that frontline communities directly benefit from project implementations.

The Georgia Power Foundation, in partnership with UNCF, has established the Georgia Power Foundation Scholarship to provide need-based scholarships to junior and senior students majoring in STEM related fields or business, and who are enrolled full-time at a HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) in the state of Georgia during the 2026- 2027 school year.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Georgia provides essential funding for the development of community facilities in rural areas, benefiting populations of 20,000 or fewer. This program supports a variety of projects, including healthcare, public safety, and educational services, ensuring improved access to vital services for underserved communities. Eligible applicants include public bodies and non-profits. With a focus on low-income areas, the program allocates funding based on community needs, promoting sustainable development and enhancing local quality of life.

Public Wise Grants aims to enhance democracy by providing unrestricted operational funding to organizations committed to voting rights. Established in 2019, Public Wise focuses on grassroots efforts to ensure equitable representation and access to the ballot, particularly in key states like Michigan and Georgia. Their mission is to empower communities, combat voter suppression, and strengthen democratic participation through education and partnership.

Southern SARE offers Graduate Student Grants to support Master’s and PhD students engaged in sustainable agriculture research. This initiative encourages impactful research across various topics, including production, marketing, and social sciences. By providing funding opportunities, Southern SARE aims to foster the next generation of researchers committed to advancing sustainable agricultural practices throughout the Southern region.

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.

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 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.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Georgia provide crucial funding to eligible communities facing emergencies that threaten safe drinking water availability. These grants support the construction and repair of water infrastructure, including transmission lines and treatment facilities. By addressing issues such as droughts, floods, and other disasters, the program aims to restore access to clean water, thereby enhancing public health and environmental sustainability in rural areas.

The External Collaborative Research Grants by Boehringer Ingelheim support academic and clinical scientists in proposing research studies. These grants facilitate collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, which may provide intellectual and financial support. Applicants must assume full responsibility for their research while complying with regulatory standards. The funding should cover research costs, excluding salary support for the collaborative partner. Interested investigators must apply online for consideration.

The Asian Cultural Council's Graduate Fellowship provides financial support for travel and living expenses to graduate students from Asia studying in the U.S. It offers $15,000 for one academic year, potentially renewable for another year, covering essential costs while pursuing full-time coursework. This initiative fosters international cultural exchange and enhances academic training in the arts. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in accredited graduate programs and commit to at least two consecutive semesters of study.

The Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Initiative Grant supports crucial conservation efforts for shorebirds during their migration along the Atlantic Flyway. This initiative addresses threats such as human disturbance, habitat loss, and hunting in critical areas from the U.S. Atlantic coast to the Caribbean and South America. By promoting coordinated research and management, the initiative aims to ensure the survival of species like the American oystercatcher and red knot, fostering healthy migratory pathways.

The Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowships program, managed by the USDA's NIFA, aims to enhance the training of new graduate students in food and agricultural sciences. It provides essential funding for master's, DVM, and doctoral students, focusing on developing the next generation of experts to address critical needs in agricultural sciences. This initiative supports U.S. citizens and residents in achieving their educational goals and contributing to the USDA's mission.

The Arts Fund Grants provide vital support for emerging artists from Australia and the USA, facilitating their artistic development through grants of up to $5,000. This funding can be used for travel, living expenses, tuition, and other related costs. Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country and have a formal offer from an accredited institution. The program emphasizes merit-based opportunities across various artistic fields, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.