This week, Yield Giving, founded by philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, announced a $1 million award to Georgia Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, as part of their Yield Giving Open Call initiative. Georgia Appleseed was one of fewer than 6% of the 6,353 applicants selected through a rigorous process including peer reviews and evaluation by an expert panel.

Georgia Appleseed champions the rights and well-being of Georgia's most underrepresented children—keeping them in school, in stable, healthy homes, and out of the criminal justice system. The organization’s mission is driven by a dedicated team of lawyers, policy experts, and nonprofit professionals who are committed to systemic reforms through legal representation, policy research and advocacy, and robust community engagement. 

Michael Waller, Executive Director of Georgia Appleseed, expressed his gratitude: “With this generous gift, we will be able to reach even more children, families, and communities to make sure they have the nurturing schools and safe, stable homes they need. We are profoundly grateful to MacKenzie Scott and Yield Giving for their recognition and support.”

Cecilia Conrad, CEO of Lever for Change, which administered the Open Call, commented on the initiative's success, noting the opportunity to spotlight transformative organizations and support their impactful work. "Open Call has given us an opportunity to identify, uplift, and empower transformative organizations that often remain unseen.”