SCAD Launches Community Fund to Strengthen Local Communities

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Friday, March 29th, 2024

As part of the Savannah College of Art and Design’s ongoing dedication to strengthening its hometown communities, the university proudly announces the launch of the SCAD SERVE Community Fund. This philanthropic initiative underscores SCAD’s 45-year legacy of civic engagement and commitment to further empower its hometowns of Atlanta and Savannah, Ga.

The SCAD SERVE Community Fund provides financial support to local organizations that primarily serve residents and workers in Savannah and Atlanta. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and bona fide local government entities. Grants ranging from $100,000 to $1 million will be awarded to proposals focusing on critical community needs in the areas of food, shelter, clothing, environment, safety, and education. The university has allocated $10 million to establish the fund.

“SCAD demonstrates deep and abiding affffection for our hometowns. Our students are at the heart of everything we do at SCAD, and we know they thrive in part because of the vitality of the cities in which they study. By launching this initiative in our 45th year, we celebrate SCAD’s long history of service, and we reaffiffirm our perennial commitment to the communities we call home.”

PAULA WALLACE
SCAD President and Founder

The SCAD SERVE Community Fund builds on the university’s legacy of care for our neighbors through research, action, and measurable outcomes, including the revitalization and repurposing of historic buildings, providing workforce housing, partnering with local organizations on educational initiatives, and more. By supporting impactful work that aligns with our SCAD mission, vision, and values, the SCAD SERVE Community Fund aims to cultivate vibrant, inclusive communities where design and innovation flourish.

Nonprofit organizations and local government entities interested in applying for grants from the SCAD SERVE Community Fund may find more information and submit applications at scad.edu/community-fund.

SCAD: THE UNIVERSITY FOR CREATIVE CAREERS

SCAD is a private, nonprofit, accredited university, offering 100 graduate and undergraduate degree programs across locations in Atlanta and Savannah, Ga.; Lacoste, France; and online via SCADnow. SCAD enrolls more than 17,500 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 120 countries. In fiscal year 2023, SCAD generated $1.3 billion in annual economic impact for the state of Georgia, a 70% increase from the last report conducted for fiscal year 2019. The future-minded SCAD curriculum engages professional-level technology and myriad advanced learning resources, affording students opportunities for internships, professional certifications, and real-world assignments with corporate partners through SCADpro, the university’s renowned research lab and prototype generator. SCAD has earned top rankings for degree programs in interior design, architecture, film, fashion, digital media, and more. Career success is woven into every fiber of the university, resulting in a superior alumni employment rate. A 2023 study found that 99% of SCAD graduates were employed, pursuing further education, or both within 10 months of graduation. SCAD provides students and alumni with ongoing career support through personal coaching, alumni programs, a professional presentation studio, and more. Visit scad.edu.