The Clarkston C.A.R.E.S. (Community Assistance, Resources, Empowerment, and Support) Community Grant Program is a new initiative launched by the City of Clarkston to strengthen the well-being and resilience of local residents. This program provides non-matching grant funding to nonprofit organizations that deliver programs or services with a direct, positive impact on the Clarkston community. With a maximum grant award of $10,000 per recipient, the program aims to support initiatives that foster growth, sustainability, and improved quality of life within the city.
Nonprofit organizations are the primary eligible applicants, and they are encouraged to focus their proposals in one or more of the following priority areas: education, employment, social adjustment, and health and wellness. These areas reflect the city’s strategic interest in comprehensive community support, especially for vulnerable or underserved populations. The Clarkston C.A.R.E.S. Grant is a recurring opportunity, with up to five awards distributed during each grant cycle.
All applications must be submitted through the BidNet Direct online platform. Interested applicants must first create an account and locate the grant listing by searching for “Clarkston C.A.R.E.S. Community Grant Program.” No other submission methods will be accepted. Additionally, attendance at one of the two mandatory pre-application meetings is required. These sessions are scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, 2025, and will be held both in the morning (10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.) and evening (6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.) at 736 Park North Blvd, Suite 120, Clarkston, GA 30021.
The application window opens on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, and closes on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST. During this period, nonprofits must submit their applications and ensure that all requirements—such as attending the mandatory info session and submitting questions through BidNet—are satisfied. Following submission, a committee review period will begin on Monday, October 20, 2025.
Award notifications will be issued on Monday, November 17, 2025. Grantees will receive their funding during the second grant cycle City Council meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. All components of the application process, including timeline milestones and meeting attendance, are critical to maintaining eligibility for award consideration. For complete instructions and eligibility criteria, applicants are directed to visit www.clarkstonga.gov/ClarkstonCaresGrant.
Attendance at a pre-application meeting is mandatory. All questions must be submitted in writing via BidNet.
