Search Through Quality of Life Grants in Atlanta, Georgia in the U.S.

Our Roots

The foundation has historically invested in education, parks and green space, youth development, and community redevelopment, and leads giving programs for each of the Blank Family of Businesses, including the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, West Creek Ranch, and Paradise Valley Ranch.Arthur M. Blank, chairman of the foundation, co-founded The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, in 1978 and retired from the company as co-chairman in 2001. Through the foundation and his family’s personal giving, Blank has granted more than $1 billion to various charitable organizations, primarily in Georgia and Montana.

Areas of Giving

The foundation is currently on a journey of deeper learning and strategy setting for its new priority areas: Atlanta’s Westside, Democracy, Environment, Mental Health & Well-Being, Youth Development and Founder Initiatives. Geographically, much of the work will continue to prioritize Georgia (with a focus on Atlanta) and Montana, while also considering the potential for greater national impact and influence.

• Atlanta's Westside - Atlanta’s Westside is a vibrant community, with considerable change taking place. We support long-term residents to be more economically stable and benefit from the improvements in the community they’ve called home for years. Our grantmaking supports residents in their ability to choose to stay in the thriving historic neighborhoods of English Avenue and Vine City.
• Democracy - The challenges facing the country’s democratic norms, practices and institutions present many opportunities for philanthropy. Ensuring our democracy works for everyone who calls America home is at the heart of this collective giving area. Strategies are under development and grantmaking will have an emphasis in Georgia and Montana.
• Environment - Our new energy strategy will invest in solutions that accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and its positive impact on people’s lives. We will focus initially on expanding access to clean energy in regional energy markets in the Intermountain West and Southeast.
• Mental Health & Well-Being - We have a multiyear, long-term commitment to addressing the growing mental health crisis in America. We care about the well-being of individuals, families and our collective society, and we feel that everyone deserves a life where they can flourish and thrive.
• Youth Development -  All young people deserve to live purposeful lives that allow them to realize their goals through workforce opportunities that support their mobility and well-being. Young people living in high-poverty communities often face high barriers to finding career pathways. The connection between education, employment and advancement can be especially weak for young people. Strategies are under development, and our work will focus on rural areas of Georgia and Montana.

Founder Initiatives In addition to our primary areas of giving, our foundation administers grantmaking aligned with the interests of our founder, Arthur M. Blank. We oversee a large portfolio of grants including support of essential Atlanta and Montana nonprofit institutions and enduring initiatives.

• Associate-Led Giving - Operating across the Blank Family of Businesses, associate committees closest to their respective issues have influence and decision-making in our philanthropy.
  • AMB West Community Fund - The mission of the AMB West Community Fund is to enhance the quality of life for residents of Montana, particularly in Park and Gallatin counties and indigenous communities across the state.
  • Atlanta Falcons Youth Fund - The purpose of the Atlanta Falcons Youth Fund is to increase the time kids spend in physical activity – especially those approaches that change the lives of children who are most likely to miss out on or opt out of physical activity – and to give more children access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Atlanta United Community Fund - The purpose of the Atlanta United Community Fund (AUCF) is to make the game of soccer accessible and inclusive for individuals across Georgia and Montana. AUCF grant programs stress the importance of physical fitness while building a supportive culture of play and sportsmanship.
  • BFOB Diversity and Inclusion Fund - The purpose of the BFOB Diversity and Inclusion Fund is to further racial justice and DEI efforts within the Blank Family of Businesses and the communities in which they reside.
  • DreAMBoat Community Fund - The purpose of the DreAMBoat Community Fund is to connect the DreAMBoat crew’s various backgrounds and cultures to better the world’s oceans and communities for future generations.
  • Veterans Community Fund - The mission of the Veterans Community Fund is to help Georgia and Montana veterans realize their full potential, especially those who bear the toll of the visible and invisible wounds of war.
• Founder Interests - Aligning with the interests of our founder, Arthur M. Blank, we oversee a large portfolio of grants including support of essential Atlanta and Montana nonprofit institutions and enduring initiatives.
  • The foundation has an enduring commitment to the issues, relationships and institutions that our chairman cares deeply about, including the support of Atlanta and Montana nonprofit institutions, veterans and the military, and stuttering, among others.
• Molly Blank Fund - Focusing on programs addressing the interests Molly Blank supported in her lifetime, including at-risk youth, arts and culture, and Jewish causes.
  • Molly Blank Fund invests in programs that address the interests of our chairman’s beloved mother, Molly Blank, such as at-risk youth, arts and culture, and Jewish causes emphasizing social justice and interfaith coalitions.
• Montana Initiatives - Supported and leveraged by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to advance foundation priorities, initiatives and areas of giving in Montana
  • AMB West Basecamp -  AMB West Basecamp offers lodging and facilities for nonprofits and community organizations to utilize at no cost. 
  • AMB West Challenge Course - Foundation grantees, nonprofits and community groups are invited to access the AMB West Challenge Course, located on Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, for programming and team building.
  • AMB West Hunting - Supported by the foundation, AMB West Hunting provides public access to private land, inviting community members on a guided elk hunt at no cost to them.
  • West Creek Ranch - The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation hosts invitation-only convenings of nonprofits and community organizations addressing social issues supported by the foundation

Charitable Contributions

Costco Wholesale’s primary charitable efforts specifically focus on programs supporting children, education, and health and human services in the communities where we do business. Throughout the year we receive a large number of requests from nonprofit organizations striving to make a positive impact, and we are thankful to be able to provide support to a variety of organizations and causes. While we would like to respond favorably to all requests, understandably, the needs are far greater than our allocated resources and we are unable to accommodate them all.

Warehouse Donations:

Warehouse donations are handled at the warehouse level - please consult your local warehouse for up-to-date information regarding their donations contacts and review process.

Grant Applications

If the request is under consideration, you may be contacted by staff for any additional information needed. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, and decisions are made based on several factors, including: type of program; identified community need not otherwise available; indication that evidenced based data will establish measurable results of intended outcomes; community collaboration; broad base of financial support; project budget and operating expenses.

Mission

The DanPaul Foundation will use its resources to help train teachers and parents in early childhood development, protect children from abuse and neglect, stimulate children's personal social responsibilities, and offer them opportunities for enrichment and growth.

The Foundation will also encourage children to be concerned and informed about the environment and the underprivileged, particularly with regard to clean air and water, and adequate housing and nutrition for all.

Beliefs

The DanPaul Foundation believes that children should have ample opportunities for enrichment in their lives, and thus strives to provide many different ways to enrich and expand children's minds through direct programs and monetary support to organizations doing similar work.

We have provided or currently provide grants related to the following program areas:

• Workshops, Conferences, + Seminars: We strive to offer educational workshops, conferences, and seminars for parents and teachers on topics related to early childhood development.
• Student Scholarships: We aim to help students attending post-secondary education institutions by providing need-based and academic scholarships.
• Scientific Endeavors: We desire to advance scientific endeavors which seek to improve the quality of life for everyone in the world.
• Clean Air + Water: We hope to pass on knowledge and practical life skills to youth regarding their personal responsibility to the environment, teaching them about issues surrounding clean air and water.
• Child Advocacy: We believe in protecting children from abuse and neglect and particularly love to support programs that provide education and assistance to children as well as organizations advocating or caring for vulnerable children.
• Homelessness: We want to encourage young people to take a personal interest in seeing that adequate housing and proper nutrition, especially for the underprivileged and homeless, are available.
• Poverty + Neglect: We seek to help those in poverty as well as educate youth about their responsibility to consider the underprivileged and take care of those most in need of life's basic essentials like adequate housing and proper nutrition.
• Refugee Enrichment: We wish to help refugee youth by supporting programs that provide them enrichment and help them transition to life in a new country.

The DanPaul Foundation provides grants to 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit organizations as defined by the IRS. The Foundation is interested in providing funding to programs that directly serve the health, education, development, and welfare of the world's youth.

Grants range from a few hundred dollars up to $15,000 per calendar year.

Background

Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation seeks to dramatically improve the lives of underserved communities across the globe by supporting scalable, innovative, and impact-first solutions that leverage existing systems and stakeholders. Our goal is to find social entrepreneurs with dynamic products or services that have a proven ability to positively impact the lives of underserved people, and nurture those organizations at the early stages by providing capacity, capital, and community.

Our application process is designed to be open and accessible, and we accept applications year round from across our priority geographies and sectors. Borrowing from our venture capital legacy, we find exceptional entrepreneurs and provide them with: 

Capacity

• The core of DRK’s model is deep and extensive operational and technical support for each portfolio organization, both through dedicated hands-on Board service and specialist capacity-building resources for fundraising, board and organizational development, leadership, financial support, and scaling strategy,

Capital

• DRK provides up to $300,000 USD in either unrestricted grant funding or investment capital over a three-year period, and

Community

• DRK convenes our portfolio and alumni annually, facilitating connections and community. 

What We Fund

DRK Foundation funds early-stage social impact organizations solving the world’s biggest social and environmental problems using bold, scalable approaches.

What stage of growth does DRK Foundation typically fund?

Early stage: Organizations who are early stage, which we define as post-pilot and pre-scale. This typically means: 

• Your program, product or service is already being used in the market or in the field, 
• You have early indication that your model is having its intended impact on the beneficiary populations,
• Your organization is relatively young (ideally between two and five years old, although we will consider both younger and older organizations).

Venture funding: In the case of for profits, we typically support Seed to Series A organizations, and never lead rounds; we also generally but not exclusively refrain from participating in financings exceeding a $15M USD post-money valuation.  

Community Grants

State Farm is committed to helping build safer, stronger and better-educated communities.

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We are committed to auto and home safety programs and activities that help people manage the risks of everyday life.
• We invest in education, economic empowerment and community development projects, programs and services that help people realize their dreams.
• We help maintain the vibrancy of our communities by assisting nonprofits that support community revitalization.

Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants focus on safety, community development and education.

Focus Areas

Safety Grants

We strive to keep our customers and communities safe. That's why our funding is directed toward:

• Auto safety — improving driver, passenger, vehicle or roadway safety
• Home safety — shielding homes from fires, crime or natural disasters
• Disaster preparedness and mitigation
• Disaster recovery

Community Development

We support nonprofits that invest and develop stronger neighborhoods. That's why our funding is directed toward:

• Affordable housing — home construction and repair
• Commercial/small business development
• Job training
• Neighborhood revitalization
• Financial literacy
• Sustainable housing and transportation
• Food insecurity

Education

Our education funding is directed toward initiatives that support the following programs:

• Higher education
• K-12 academic performance
• K-12 STEM
• Pathways for college and career success

Mission

The mission of the Hearst Foundations is to identify and fund outstanding nonprofits to ensure that people of all backgrounds in the United States can build healthy, productive and satisfying lives. Through its grantmaking, the Hearst Foundations support well-established nonprofit organizations that address significant issues within their major areas of focus—culture, education, health and social service—and that primarily serve large demographic and/or geographic constituencies. In each area of funding, the Foundations seek to identify those organizations achieving truly differentiated results relative to other organizations making similar efforts for similar populations. The Foundations also look for evidence of sustainability beyond their support.

Whether providing a scholarship to a deserving student, supporting a rural health clinic or bringing artists into schools so children can see firsthand the beauty of the arts, the Foundations’ focus is consistent: to help those in need, those underserved and those underrepresented in society. Since the Foundations were formed in the 1940s, the scale and capabilities of the grant making have changed, but the mission has not.

Culture Grant

The Hearst Foundations fund cultural institutions that offer meaningful programs in the arts and sciences, prioritizing those that enable engagement by young people and create a lasting and measurable impact. The Foundations also fund select programs nurturing and developing artistic talent. Supported organizations include arts schools, ballets, museums, operas, performing arts centers, symphonies and theaters.

Funding Priorities in Culture

In the recent past, 25% of total funding has been allocated to Culture. Organizations with budgets over $10 million have received 60% of the funding in Culture.

The Hearst Foundations are only able to fund approximately 25% of all grant requests, of which about 80% is directed to prior grantees and about 20% is targeted toward new grantees.

Types of Support

Program, capital and, on a limited basis, general and endowment support

Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Grants

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation only accepts unsolicited proposals for specific areas within the education, family economic stability and childhood health sectors in select countries where we work, namely the United States, India and South Africa.

As a guideline, the foundation does not fund more than 25% of a project’s budget or more than 10% of an organization’s total annual operating expenses.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation has always recognized the power of providing grants to partner organizations that we knew were already working hard to improve the lives of urban children living in poverty. By aligning with organizations that are already making a difference, we continue to make an immediate impact on the lives of thousands of children.

Foundation priorities:

We fund social enterprises that directly serve or impact children or youth from urban low-income communities in the areas of education, health, and family economic stability (including livelihoods and financial inclusion). These social enterprises may be structured as for-profit or nonprofit entities.

Partnerships

We collaborate with a range of organizations focused on creating opportunities for children and families living in urban poverty, with a deep emphasis on measuring impact. Our funding advances projects already making an impact in education, health, and family economic stability. Through these enduring and long-standing partnerships, we create lasting change together.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust is devoted solely to the funding of charitable, scientific, medical and educational organizations.

The Board endeavors to support soundly-managed charitable organizations that give service with a broad scope, have a substantial effect on their target populations, and contribute materially to the general welfare. The Board does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation or religion.

We have strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country that are working to advance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities. Our focus areas include basic needs like food and housing, workforce development and education, and community development. In addition to our philanthropic investments, we also encourage our employees to make a difference by offering robust employee giving and volunteering programs, including the opportunity to direct funds to organizations they support through volunteer efforts, and a matching gifts program that doubles their individual giving to causes they care about. Last year, we invested $350 million in the communities we serve, and employees contributed more than 1 million volunteer hours and directed $65 million through individual giving and matching gifts to support nonprofits.Through our regional U.S. sponsorships, we support the economic, social and cultural life of the places we live and work. We provide an extensive program of arts and sports sponsorships to help maintain vibrant, healthy communities.Sponsorships supporting communitiesBank of America welcomes your sponsorship proposal for opportunities that make our communities a better place to live and work. We are particularly interested in providing support to address needs vital to the health of our communities through a focus on:

• preserving neighborhoods;
• educating the workforce for 21st century jobs;
• addressing critical needs such as hunger and emergency shelter;
• arts and culture;
• the environment; and
• diversity and inclusion programs.

Grants are made at the Foundation’s discretion based on our current funding strategies focused on housing, jobs and hunger. 

Our Mission

The Tony Robbins Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of people often forgotten.

We’re dedicated to creating positive changes in the lives of youth, seniors, the hungry, homeless and the imprisoned population, all who need a boost envisioning a happier and deeply satisfying way of life. Our passionate staff, generous donors and caring group of international volunteers provide the vision, inspiration, and resources needed to empower these important members of our society.

Grants

Dedicated to meeting challenges within the global community, creating solutions and taking action, The Tony Robbins Foundation provides monetary donations to various organizations around the world. Funding requests are evaluated on an ongoing basis. We look for organizations that align with our mission to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of those often forgotten.

Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo Foundation collaborate with a wide range of nonprofit organizations that align with our strategic funding priorities. We prioritize our funding to activities and programs that have a broad reach and support the needs of underserved communities. We aspire to have a positive impact on the communities we serve by using our financial and volunteer resources and business expertise in collaboration with community organizations to help solve complex societal problems.

• Financial health
• Housing affordability
• Small business growth
• Sustainability

We may also support other local needs in eligible communities such as disaster relief, arts and culture, civic engagement, education, human and social services, and workforce development. However, opportunities are limited as our intent is to direct the majority of our giving within our major focus areas.

Our Mission

Our mission is to continue and further the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. and the Cowles family, which includes promotion of education, social justice, health, and the arts.

The Founder

The Cowles Charitable Trust was first established in 1948 by Gardner “Mike” Cowles, Jr. (1903-1985). Born into the Cowles publishing family of Des Moines, Iowa, Mike was the youngest of Gardner Cowles and Florence Call Cowles’ six children. A newspaper editor and publisher by trade, he was committed to his family’s traditions of responsible, public-spirited, and innovative journalism as well as philanthropy. 

The Cowles Charitable Trust supports the arts, education, the advancement of ethical journalism, medical and climate research.

About

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation is an independent private foundation that seeks to improve the quality of life in Georgia by investing in health, education, economic opportunity and community vitality.

Our Approach

We pursue our mission by responding to community needs, typically making grants to institutions and projects with strong leadership and a broad base of support. The Foundation seeks to help organizations with a proven track record of success stretch further to seize new opportunities or to meet extraordinary needs.

Generally, the Foundation prefers not to be the only funder for a project, but to participate with the community in supporting initiatives led by others. The Foundation will occasionally make leading grants when the need is great and the initiative is compelling.

Arts & Culture

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation recognizes the importance of arts and cultural institutions to creating a vibrant community and attracting economic development. While Mr. Woodruff was not an arts enthusiast himself, he understood the arts are a vital part of a thriving city.

The Foundation’s investments in arts and culture make up a small part of our average grants portfolio (see graph). In general, the Foundation makes capital and capacity-building grants to arts and cultural organizations with significant audiences, strong leadership and sound financial operations.

Priorities

• Development of major Atlanta arts and cultural institutions
• Capital projects of arts and cultural institutions outside of Atlanta that promote community development in Georgia’s cities

About

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation is an independent private foundation that seeks to improve the quality of life in Georgia by investing in health, education, economic opportunity and community vitality.

Our Approach

We pursue our mission by responding to community needs, typically making grants to institutions and projects with strong leadership and a broad base of support. The Foundation seeks to help organizations with a proven track record of success stretch further to seize new opportunities or to meet extraordinary needs.

Generally, the Foundation prefers not to be the only funder for a project, but to participate with the community in supporting initiatives led by others. The Foundation will occasionally make leading grants when the need is great and the initiative is compelling.    

Community Development

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation supports community development and the work of the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors to improve the quality of life in our city and region. 

Mr. Woodruff believed Atlanta should be a first-class city in which to conduct business, and he understood that businesses could only thrive in a community that offers a high quality of life for its residents.

The Foundation’s investments in community development make up a small part of our average grants portfolio (see graph). In general, the Foundation participates in community-led projects focused on improving metro Atlanta. It also supports organizations that work to strengthen the nonprofit sector in Georgia.

Priorities

• Projects that contribute to the vitality of downtown Atlanta
• Initiatives that promote regional cooperation within metro Atlanta
• Large-scale community improvement plans backed by major local support
• Organizations that support the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors in Georgia

Robert Winship Woodruff

Robert Winship Woodruff was a remarkable businessman and philanthropist. He became president of The Coca-Cola Company in 1923 and guided it until his death in 1985, helping to shape the company from a local soft drink business into the world’s best-known brand.

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation is an independent private foundation that seeks to improve the quality of life in Georgia by investing in health, education, economic opportunity and community vitality.

Our Approach

We pursue our mission by responding to community needs, typically making grants to institutions and projects with strong leadership and a broad base of support. The Foundation seeks to help organizations with a proven track record of success stretch further to seize new opportunities or to meet extraordinary needs.

Generally, the Foundation prefers not to be the only funder for a project, but to participate with the community in supporting initiatives led by others. The Foundation will occasionally make leading grants when the need is great and the initiative is compelling.

Education

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation believes education is vital to the quality of life in our region. It drives economic development and can end generational poverty. Although Mr. Woodruff did not attain a college degree himself, he recognized the value of education and made generous gifts to Atlanta’s academic institutions during his lifetime.

The Foundation’s investments in education make up a significant part of our average grants portfolio (see graph). The Foundation maintains a particular focus on higher education and invests in institutional priorities of the state’s private colleges and public research universities. The Foundation occasionally makes grants for public K-12 education and for select independent schools in metro Atlanta.

Priorities

• Development of Georgia’s public research universities
• Institutional priorities of Georgia’s private colleges and universities
• K-12 education at the state level and within Atlanta Public Schools, with an emphasis on improving educational standards, teacher quality and school leadership development

About

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation is an independent private foundation that seeks to improve the quality of life in Georgia by investing in health, education, economic opportunity and community vitality.

Our Approach

We pursue our mission by responding to community needs, typically making grants to institutions and projects with strong leadership and a broad base of support. The Foundation seeks to help organizations with a proven track record of success stretch further to seize new opportunities or to meet extraordinary needs.

Generally, the Foundation prefers not to be the only funder for a project, but to participate with the community in supporting initiatives led by others. The Foundation will occasionally make leading grants when the need is great and the initiative is compelling.

Environment

The centerpiece of the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation’s environmental grantmaking is the Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center. The Jones Center is a legacy of Mr. Woodruff’s lifelong love for the outdoors. It focuses on the science of natural resource management through programs in conservation, research and education.

The Foundation’s investments in the environment make up a modest part of our average grants portfolio (see graph). The Foundation provides annual support to the Jones Center and makes other grants for natural areas preservation, Atlanta parks and greenspaces, and environmental education.

Priorities

• Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center
• Large-scale conservation projects
• Significant public/private efforts to promote good stewardship of Georgia’s natural resources
• Support of the Park Pride Legacy Grants program for public parks and greenspaces in Atlanta

About

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation is an independent private foundation that seeks to improve the quality of life in Georgia by investing in health, education, economic opportunity and community vitality.

Our Approach

We pursue our mission by responding to community needs, typically making grants to institutions and projects with strong leadership and a broad base of support. The Foundation seeks to help organizations with a proven track record of success stretch further to seize new opportunities or to meet extraordinary needs.

Generally, the Foundation prefers not to be the only funder for a project, but to participate with the community in supporting initiatives led by others. The Foundation will occasionally make leading grants when the need is great and the initiative is compelling.

Health 

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation seeks to strengthen health systems in Georgia, with a focus on improving access and quality. Mr. Woodruff helped establish some of Atlanta’s premier health institutions during his lifetime, and the Foundation maintains his commitment to supporting the health of our community.

The Foundation’s investments in health make up a large part of our average grants portfolio (see graph). We typically make grants for capital projects or to build the capacity of Atlanta-based organizations that align with the Foundation’s interests in health.

Funding Priorities

• Development of Atlanta as a destination for quality patient care through investments in leading healthcare institutions.
• Cutting-edge academic research at Emory University’s Woodruff Health Sciences Center.
• Access to affordable healthcare for underserved populations in Atlanta.

About

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation is an independent private foundation that seeks to improve the quality of life in Georgia by investing in health, education, economic opportunity and community vitality.

Human Services

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation supports well-established human services organizations that work to improve the quality of life for children and adults in need. Mr. Woodruff was dedicated to the welfare of others and gave generously throughout his life.

The Foundation’s investments in human services make up a small part of our average grants portfolio. We work with the State of Georgia to address challenges in child welfare, and we support the capital and capacity-building needs of well-established Atlanta organizations serving children, youth, adults and families. Applications for human services grants will also be considered by the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation, which is dedicated to helping people in need in metro Atlanta, particularly children.

Priorities

• Improvements in child welfare at the state level, with an emphasis on prevention and intervention strategies
• Youth development and academic enrichment programs for underserved youth in metro Atlanta that operate at scale with strong outcomes, community support and school- or district-level partnerships
• Capital and capacity-building priorities of organizations serving vulnerable populations, including the homeless, elderly and disabled

Values

We seek meaningful relationships with organizations that provide young people with experiences, relationships and inspiration to achieve their personal goals and positively influence their communities.

We are rooted in the values of our founder, Sartain Lanier.

Opportunity

Expanding access to foundational reading skills and enriching education.

Humility

Listening and learning from those on the frontlines of service delivery.

Impact

Strengthening partnerships that lead to meaningful long-term outcomes.

Funding Priorities

We generally award funding in three categories: literacy instruction, afterschool and summer programs, and college and career readiness. We prioritize initiatives that are highly collaborative and grounded in evidence-informed solutions.

Literacy Instruction

Why It Matters

Our brains are wired for communication and language but not for reading. Reading must be explicitly taught if children are to become deep readers (Cox Campus). Students who do not read at grade level by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school than proficient readers (AECF). 

High-quality literacy programs improve learning outcomes and transform the trajectory of students’ lives.

The Foundation prioritizes funding for programs and organizations that:

• Utilize evidence and scientific methodologies proven to improve student literacy mastery
• Include rigorous evaluation to support continuous growth
• Represent collaboration among partners, service providers and families

Afterschool & Summer Programs

Why It Matters

Students who participate in afterschool and summer learning programs have fewer absences from school and achieve higher scores in core subjects. Summer programs help students retain skills and routines—a critical function given that research shows most students lose two months of math skills and low-income students lose an additional 2-3 months of reading skills over the summer. (Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network) 

Well-designed and well-implemented out of school time programs equip students with the foundational skills they need for success in school and life.

The Foundation prioritizes funding for programs and organizations that:

• Provide young people with meaningful connections with trained and caring adults
• Emphasize opportunities for learning and development to cultivate new interests
• Deliver enriching and engaging experiences that support social, emotional and academic development, especially in the areas of arts, nature, reading and writing, entrepreneurship and career exploration
• Intentionally partner with families and schools
• Create and sustain strong adult-student relationships
• Offer programs at low to no cost for families

College & Career Readiness

Why It Matters

By the year 2025, more than 60 percent of jobs will require some form of post-secondary education. It is critical to ensure students have access to post-secondary program options and financial aid information. (Learn4Life) 

Programs and organizations that help students discover and access different paths to a future of prosperity and fulfillment enable them to live the choice-filled lives they deserve.

The Foundation prioritizes funding for programs that:

• Inspire students to explore diverse careers and the chance to discover options that match their interests, talents and abilities
• Offer support for navigating the financial aid and postsecondary enrollment process
• Prepare and equip students in advance to overcome obstacles that prevent postsecondary persistence and completion
• Provide exposure and access for middle and high school students to work-based pathways and career and technical education

The Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation is an independent private foundation that seeks to help people in need in metro Atlanta, particularly children, by investing in education, health and economic opportunity.

Our Approach

We pursure our mission by responding to community needs, typically making grants to organizations with strong leadership and a broad base of support. The Foundation seeks to help organizations with the proven ability to meet ongoing needs stretch further than they could otherwise. Generally, the Foundation prefers not to be the principal funder for a project, but to participate with the community in supporting initiatives led by others. The Foundation will occasionally make leading grants when the need is great and the initiative is compelling.

Program Areas

The Foundation makes grant to qualified nonprofit organizations. Grants are typically awarded for capital needs, programs or other initiatives of well-established charitable organizations in the following program areas:

Early Childhood Education 

The Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation believes that quality early childhood education helps lay the foundation for children’s future success. It primarily invests in early learning through Smart Start at the United Way of Greater Atlanta, which works to improve the quality of care and education for all children ages birth through five.

The Foundation’s investments in early childhood education make up a significant part of our average grants portfolio (see graph). The Foundation provides annual support to Smart Start and occasionally considers grants to other organizations working to improve early childhood education in metro Atlanta.

K-12 Education

The Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation seeks to improve K-12 education at the state level and within Atlanta Public Schools. The Foundation believes that education is key to creating opportunity and ending generational poverty for children in our community.

The Foundation’s investments in K-12 education make up a significant part of our average grants portfolio (see graph). The Foundation supports organizations working to positively impact the academic success of students and to close the achievement gap.

Children & Youth

The Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation maintains a special focus on helping children and youth in need in Metro Atlanta. The Foundation works to strengthen child welfare in Georgia and to support the development of Atlanta’s youth into healthy, responsible and productive citizens.

The Foundation’s investments in children and youth make up a significant part of our average grants portfolio (see graph). We work with the State of Georgia to address challenges in child welfare, and we support the capital and capacity-building needs of youth development organizations in metro Atlanta.

Human Services 

The Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation supports well-established human services organizations that work to improve the quality of life for people in need in Metro Atlanta. The Foundation seeks to fund proven solutions to meet the needs of the region’s most vulnerable populations.

The Foundation’s investments in human services make up a significant part of our average grants portfolio (see graph). We support the capital and capacity-building needs of well-established, Atlanta-based human service organizations serving homeless and low-income individuals.

Health

The Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation seeks to strengthen the health safety net in Metro Atlanta. We place particular emphasis on improving health outcomes for children. The Foundation’s investments in health make up a significant part of our average grants portfolio (see graph). We typically make grants for capital projects or to build the capacity of Atlanta-based health organizations that effectively serve low-income families and underserved populations.

EREF’s Scholarship Program

Scholarships are awarded by EREF to recognize excellence in master’s and doctoral waste management research and education. Applications from students outside the United States or studying abroad will receive equal consideration.

Carl J. Apicella Scholarship

Carl is a strong supporter of EREF, having played an important role in the EREF Fall Classic & Networking Event and Annual Charitable Auction for several years. “EREF is the one organization that really focuses on giving back to the environmental industry,” Carl expressed during his announcement of the scholarship during the EREF Annual Charitable Auction, held on April 30 during WasteExpo 2014. “I’ve been blessed to have worked with so many great people and companies over the last 25 years; I wanted to give back to the solid waste industry and supporting EREF is a perfect way to accomplish that.”

Detachable Container Association Scholarship

The Detachable Container Association (DCA) was founded in 1954. The first meeting consisted of a group of six men in the waste hauling industry who began discussing the idea of forming an association to improve techniques in waste collection, in particular, by using detachable containers. DCA’s primary mission is to promote education and establish ways to improve the waste industry and the productivity of its members. DCA is noted for advancing modern containerized collection and helping to facilitate numerous innovations and developments in the waste industry.

Many of the members of DCA have served on the EREF Board of Directors and in many capacities within the National Waste & Recycling Association, providing leadership and valuable experience to the waste industry. The membership of DCA in establishing this scholarship desires to fulfill a portion of its mission by furthering opportunities and research in the waste industry.

Evergreen Surety Bond Scholarship

Founded specifically to serve the needs of the waste industry and contractors who need payment and performance bonds, Evergreen National Indemnity Company (Evergreen) has become an industry leader in surety bonds. Evergreen was one of the first firms to tackle the requirements of Subtitle D and is frequently called upon to give recommendations to regulators and rating agencies on surety issues.

Fiessinger Doctoral Scholarship

Francois Fiessinger dedicated his professional life to furthering international research and technology development efforts in the areas of waste and water management. Francois was one of the founders of EREF in 1994. He served on the Board of Directors from its inception until he passed away in 1997. Francois was a visionary who believed in science and engineering as vehicles for improving the quality of our environment and our lives. In 1997, based on a contribution from Lyonnaise des Eaux, the Francois Fiessinger Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to recognize excellence in Ph.D. or postdoctoral environmental research and education.

GMI Scholarship

The Garbageman’s Invitational was founded in 2010 by Kerry Holmes (Vice President of Sales, Consolidated Fabricators), Mike Melideo (Owner, Consolidated Fabricators) and Ray Burke (Vice President, Clean Energy). These three men set out to create a unique annual networking event for their customers and prospects in the solid waste and recycling industry throughout the United States and Canada.

The sponsors of the Garbageman’s Invitational felt strongly that there should be an element of “giving back” to the industry. “As the leader in solid waste research and education, EREF was an easy choice as the charity to benefit from the event,” said Kerry Holmes. “EREF, with its presence throughout North America, is well aligned with the Garbageman’s Invitational’s goal to attract more industry leaders throughout the United States and Canada.”

100% of any donations made to EREF through the Garbageman’s Invitational will fund graduate students pursuing excellence in solid waste management research and education.

Reinhart Master’s Scholarship

Debbie Reinhart, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE is a Pegasus Professor and Assistant Vice President for Research and Commercialization at the University of Central Florida. From 2011-2013 she served as the Environmental Engineering Program Manager at the National Science Foundation in Washington, D.C. She received her graduate degrees in Environmental Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Prior to joining UCF, she served as a consulting engineer for companies in Atlanta and was chief of the research & development division of the Bureau of Pollution Control in that city. She is currently a member of EREF’s Board of Directors and Research Council.

Debbie has contributed to the advancement of environmental engineering and science professions through her service to professional organizations, higher education, and mentorship. She has been particularly effective at mentoring under-represented engineering scholars. Debbie is most known for her work with bioreactor landfills which produced operational, monitoring, and design information, as well as the first text on the topic. The Reinhart Master’s Scholarship is aimed at funding female environmental engineering students.

Robert J. Riethmiller/PTR Baler and Compactor Scholarship

Robert J. Riethmiller, Chairman of PTR Baler and Compactor, served on the EREF Board as the Chairman of the Scholarship Committee. Riethmiller’s grandfather, also Bob Riethmiller, began working for PTR in 1911, and purchased it in 1929; since then it has been a family-run business. PTR is a fourth generation, family-owned company that manufactures, installs and services balers and compactors in all 50 states and sells internationally. Now retired, Riethmiller worked in the waste industry for over 50 years.

Robert P. Stearns/SCS Engineers Master’s Scholarship

Robert P. Stearns, Chairman and CoFounder of SCS Engineers, joined the EREF Board of Directors in 1999 and served as Chairman from 2004–2005. At SCS, he directed or served in a review capacity on many of the firm’s solid waste management-related projects. Under his leadership SCS grew to more than 500 employees located in 9 regional offices throughout the United States.

Following his retirement in 2006, Bob continued as SCS Chairman of the Board focusing on strategic planning and acquisitions. In 2007 EREF awarded the first Robert P. Stearns/SCS Engineers Master’s Scholarship, which was established to expand EREF’s successful doctoral-level scholarship program.

Tom J. Fatjo Jr. Scholarship

Tom Joseph Fatjo, Jr. was a true visionary. He was the ultimate optimist and believed there was nothing that could not be accomplished. His charismatic personality and positive attitude became a foundation for his ability to attract, develop and lead his business partners. His honesty and integrity were hallmarks of who he was. Early in his career, he came across a challenge to improve waste collection in his neighborhood. Tom embraced this challenge which led to the creation of Browning-Ferris Industries. After exploring other fields, Tom returned to his roots in the waste business in 1990 and over the next 10 years founded Republic Waste, TransAmerican Waste and Waste Corporation of America. Tom is a true “pioneer and founder of the modern-day solid waste industry.” An EREF scholarship honoring Tom Fatjo has been established.

Waste Industries Scholarship Honoring Lonnie C. Poole Jr.

Lonnie C. Poole, Jr., one of EREF’s founders and currently a Director Emeritus, is the founder of Raleigh-based Waste Industries USA, Inc. Lonnie, who grew up on a farm in North Carolina, was the first in his family to attend college. After graduating with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University, he served as a pilot in the U.S. Army for three years, and then returned home to earn his MBA at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He then found success in the business world, excelling as both a sales manager and an engineer. In 1970 Lonnie founded Waste Industries, a non-hazardous solid waste services company, which now serves more than 1.25 million customers across five states.

EREF Scholarship

As part of its mission, EREF furthers education in the solid waste management industry. In the past, multiple outstanding candidates have applied for the Fiessinger award in the same year, prompting EREF to periodically utilize foundation funds to award additional scholarships. EREF now regularly awards Master’s and Ph.D. scholarships to notable candidates, expanding the scholarship program.

What We Do

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty and Creating High-Quality Jobs

The John and Mary Franklin Foundation focuses on two primary goals. First, we partner with high-quality non-profit organizations seeking to break the grip of generational poverty by providing basic needs, educational opportunities, and health care to our community. Second, as employment opportunities are critical to economic security, we support institutions and resources that attract and encourage businesses to locate and expand within Atlanta and Georgia.

With a vision deeply rooted in these two goals, the Foundation supports and encourages lasting change through strategic grant investments.

Fighting Generational Poverty

The Foundation channels a significant portion of its support toward breaking the cycle of generational poverty. We do this by investing in three critical categories:

• Public Welfare - Organizations that provide for basic human needs, including food, shelter, and clothing, and those that provide legal assistance and support the assimilation of immigrants.
• Education - Organizations that provide and enhance educational initiatives, ranging from early childhood education to adult continuing education, including colleges and universities, and training for people with disabilities.
• Health - Organizations that provide access to quality medical, mental, and dental care for those who otherwise wouldn’t have it.

Supporting Job Creation in Atlanta and Georgia

The Foundation supports the creation of a robust job market for those trying to escape poverty by investing in institutions and resources that make Atlanta and the State of Georgia attractive for businesses to locate.

• Science & Technology - Georgia colleges and universities seeking/maintaining R1 Doctoral University Status, which helps maintain and enhances Georgia’s status as a center of scientific and technological advancement.
• Culture & Environment - Protection of green spaces and animals, and investment in culture and the arts, which improves quality of life for all citizens.

About the Foundation

Jesse W. Couch lived a life of zeal, honor, and dedication to the betterment of his community. The Couch family now humbly stewards the foundation he created to carry on his legacy of service for future generations. We believe that impact is best accomplished through partnerships with local organizations that know the people and communities they serve. We invest in and support efforts to protect the environment, further conservation and preservation initiatives, and save historical architecture that preserves community heritage. We also support initiatives that promote wellness and mental health and organizations seeking to provide and further education for all communities.

Annual Grant Focus

Each year, we seek to partner with and support non-profit organizations making an impact in the focus areas listed here.  The focus areas for 2025 are:

• Animal Wellbeing: We are dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations that nurture compassion and respect for all living animals. We must have animal-focused organizations that advocate for animal rights and provide humane treatment across all spectrums.
• Early Childhood Education: We are looking for schools that are providing young children with a creative and balanced approach to education. Things we love in early childhood curriculums:
  • Life Skills
  • Collaboration With Their Peers and Teachers   
  • Having Fun   
  • Montessori Teachings   
  • Project Based Teachings   
  • Diversity   
  • More Time Outside   
  • Less Screen Time
• Teachers: Teachers are essential to providing children with the best possible education. We must invest in their future and are always looking for teams that help them succeed in educating future generations.
• Get Outside: Being outside can improve memory, fight depression, lower blood pressure, and more! We support organizations that facilitate and encourage more outdoor activities that help create healthier communities. 

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation Grant

The Foundation will consider requests to support museums, cultural and performing arts programs; schools and hospitals; educational, skills-training and other programs for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities; environmental and wildlife protection activities; and other community-based organizations and programs.

Our Mission

The Hansen Family Foundation provides opportunities to domestic, international, secular, and non-secular organizations that support the American way of life, which is defined by the principles of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” 

Causes

Children

The Hansen Family Foundation supports causes dedicated to helping children both home as well as abroad. Learn More

Education

The Hansen Family Foundation believes that a decent education should be made available to everyone, young or old, the world over. Learn More

Animals

The Hansen Family Foundation believes in helping those who cannot speak on their own behalf. Learn More

Environmental

The Hansen Family Foundation is dedicated to preserving the world we all share. Learn More

Humanitarian

The Hansen Family Foundation views the plight of our fellow man as an opportunity to actively engage and effect change. Learn More

Arts & Culture

The Hansen Family Foundation supports all forms of artistic and cultural endeavors. Learn More

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Vision

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation, "A Foundation for All", was established in 2002. It was begun in order to give a clear voice for those who wish to be a part of the many, worthy, forces for change in our world.

We are a foundation whose purpose is to look ahead towards the future, giving the past its due by remembering where we came from, and how much we can all accomplish together. We aim to make the critical difference on our planet by recognizing and having respect for our ever changing world. We respect all Life, the Environment, and all People, no matter who they are.

Georgia-Pacific Foundation

Established in 1958, the Georgia-Pacific Foundation sets aside resources to improve life in the communities where we operate. We’ve worked with thousands of outstanding community-based programs, service projects and disaster relief efforts, focusing our investment in four areas we believe make the most impact:

• education
• entrepreneurship
• enrichment of community
• environment

Investment Priorities

• Aligns with GP’s mission and values
• Aligns with GP’s Four Focus Areas of giving: Education, Environment, Enrichment of Community and Entrepreneurship
• Serves communities where GP has manufacturing facilities
• Creates value by contributing to and positively impacting long term well-being and sustainability of GP communities