Gas South, one of the Southeast's leading natural gas providers, has presented six local nonprofit organizations – Street Grace, Covenant House, Power My Learning, Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, Camp Twin Lakes and Bert's Big Adventure – with a total of $300,000. These Impact Investments will be used by the nonprofits to improve the lives of children in need in local Atlanta-area communities.

These $300,000 investments are part of the more than $850,000 that Gas South will invest in the community this year – with a goal of $1 million annually in charitable giving by 2020.

"Gas South is constantly innovating, and it doesn't stop at corporate social responsibility," said Kevin Greiner, Gas South president and CEO. "The company has recently reinvented how we're giving in the community by initiating conversations with nonprofit partners about their needs and the needs of the community, and addressing them in significant ways."

In September, Gas South implemented a new application process for organizations asking to receive funding. All 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that serve children, ages 0-21, within the focus areas of basis needs, education or illness/disability were able to apply for funding through the Gas South website. More than 100 applications were reviewed and vetted by a committee of employees, and the top six organizations in each area of focus were considered. Those 18 nonprofits came to Gas South at the end of September to talk to employees about the work they're doing and how the investment will make an impact on their nonprofit. Employees then voted for their favorite nonprofit and the top two organizations in each area were awarded $50,000. Along with the monetary donation, employees will also be engaging with these organizations through volunteer projects.

"It's important to be able to learn from the nonprofits what creative projects they're working on to make a difference in their communities and know that funding from Gas South can make an impact," said Carley, community affairs program manager. "The new application process also allows us to be very intentional about our giving in a specific area of need. With more funds going to one area, it allows us to track and measure our investment – ensuring that it's moving the needle to help children in need."

Among other things, each organization will use the funds to:

• Street Grace: Develop an online toolkit that will be distributed in schools to teach their students about sex trafficking

• Covenant House: Support education, vocation, mental and physical health, wellness, and independent living skills for homeless youth

• PowerMyLearning: Deliver digital learning programs and services to under-served public schools

• Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta: Support a workforce development program which helps teens through services that have academic, social-emotional and leadership components

• Camp Twin Lakes: Provide year-round camp experiences for children with serious illnesses, disabilities and other life challenges to help each camper grow in their confidence and experience the joys of childhood

• Bert's Big Adventure: Help special needs families go on a trip to Walt Disney World, and assistance for families to help repair vehicles, pay for food, cover school supplies, etc.