The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta announced $2.5 million in competitive grant awards to 52 local nonprofit organizations. In addition to these competitive grants, as of September 30 the Community Foundation has also awarded more than $65.9 million in grants to nonprofits mostly through donor-advised funds from members of the Foundation’s philanthropic family.
 
The Foundation’s competitive grants are awarded following a challenging application and review process which includes site visits with nonprofits during the decision-making process. The Foundation’s due diligence ensures that those nonprofits receiving grants conform to best practices and strong operating procedures. Grant reviewers delve into full operations, from financial statements to strategic plans and programmatic impact to board member engagement. Grantees are located throughout the Foundation’s 23-county region.
 
“These nonprofits receiving grants represent those doing strong work to address critical needs in our region,” said Alicia Philipp, president, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. “And still, the grants we were able to award do not address the full need from nonprofits as represented by the complete scope of applications we received. This is where our donor-advised fund grants are essential – they address broader need and amplify the impact we can have through our competitive grantmaking.”
 
The competitive grants awarded support the Community Foundation’s impact areas: arts, community development, education and well-being. In addition, grants were made as the result of local fundraising efforts in Clayton and Morgan counties. Grants were made for both one- and two-year periods and most go to general operating support, allowing nonprofits to direct funds to where they are needed most. Some grants are earmarked for specific needs as identified by nonprofits to address a particular program area, target population or limited geographic area.
 
A breakdown of competitive grants follows.
 
Grants supporting the arts:

Atlanta Celebrates Photography: $70,000
Atlanta Contemporary Art Center: $120,000
Callanwolde Foundation: $90,000
Dad's Garage: $120,000
Georgia Ensemble Theatre Company: $115,000
gloATL: $42,000
Horizon Theatre Company: $100,000
Out of Hand Theater: $40,000
Several Dancers CORE: $40,000
The Atlanta Music Project: $93,000
The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia: $50,000
True Colors Theatre Company: $120,000
 
Grants supporting community development:

Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation: $40,000
Georgia Watch: $35,000
Metro Atlanta Speaks: $10,000
Neighborhood Nexus: $50,000
Park Pride Atlanta: $65,000
Partnership for Southern Equity: $90,000

Grants supporting education:

Easter Seals North Georgia: $65,000
North Fulton Child Development Association: $70,000
Quality Care for Children: $75,000
Scottdale Early Learning: $35,000

Grants supporting well-being:

Community Friendship: $50,000
Georgia Avenue Community Ministry: $25,000
Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential: $70,000
Georgians for a Healthy Future: $60,000
Healing Community Center: $45,000
Planned Parenthood Southeast: $60,000
The Vi and Milton Weinstein Hospice: $75,000
Wholesome Wave Georgia: $35,000
 
Grants supporting Clayton County nonprofits:

These grants were part of a one-time grantmaking opportunity for nonprofits based in Clayton County working to identify and collaborate on innovative solutions that address the critical need for better access and outcomes regarding healthcare in the county. Kaiser Permanente of Georgia was a funding partner for these grants.
 
Clayton State University Public Health Clinic, Resurgia, Clayton County Board of Health & Southern Regional Medical Center: $22,000
 
Family Health Centers of Georgia & Clayton County Public Schools: $48,000
 
Grants supporting Morgan County nonprofits:

Funding for grants in Morgan County comes from both local fundraising and matching funds from the Community Foundation.
Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy: $5,000
Humane Society of Morgan County: $5,000
Madison-Morgan Conservancy: $5,000
Morgan County African American Museum: $5,000
 
Grants to Green:

Grants to Green gives local nonprofits the opportunity to renovate or build healthier work places that are energy and water efficient and more environmentally sustainable. The ultimate goal is to improve a nonprofit’s building structure to not only have less environmental impact but also to increase the cost-efficiency of operations, ultimately directing more funding to providing more services. The first step is an environmental assessment, provided by Southface that results in recommendations to improve efficiencies. Following the assessment, nonprofits can apply for matching grants to implement specific recommendations. Grants to Green is funded by The Kendeda Fund.
 
Grants to Green assessments were awarded to:

Amana Academy
Atlanta Mission
Atlanta University Center Consortium
Bald Ridge Lodge
Chattahoochee Nature Center
Decatur Church of Christ Senior Housing
Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta
Kennesaw State University
Tapestry Public Charter School
 
Grants to Green implementation matching-fund grants were awarded to:

Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School: $142,198
Ballethnic Dance Company: $38,892
Camp Twin Lakes: $133,722
Humane Society of Morgan County: $15,057
International Community School: $15,704
Jewish Family and Career Services: $67,915
Oglethorpe University: $44,982