Robert W. Woodruff Foundation Grants

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation is an independent private foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Georgia by supporting initiatives in health, education, economic opportunity, and community vitality. Guided by a commitment to strengthening institutions with strong leadership and community backing, the Foundation focuses on funding projects with proven success and the capacity to expand or meet extraordinary needs. While it generally seeks to participate alongside other funders, the Foundation occasionally makes lead grants for highly compelling initiatives where the need is significant. Its funding scope includes grants to qualified nonprofit organizations, typically for capital needs or major programmatic initiatives. Eligible program areas are health, education, environment, human services, arts and culture, and community development. The Foundation prioritizes established organizations with strong executive and volunteer leadership, a sustainable operational history, broad financial support, and demonstrable program effectiveness. Spending is generally intended to advance the mission areas outlined, and awards are made to help organizations extend their reach or address critical needs within Georgia communities. Geographically, the Foundation’s primary focus is on organizations located and operating within metro Atlanta, though it will occasionally consider grants to significant institutions and initiatives in other parts of Georgia. Organizations without a Georgia presence are ineligible. The Foundation specifically excludes funding for individuals, start-ups, seed funding, debt relief, endowments, political campaigns, and several other categories such as festivals, films, private schools outside metro Atlanta, and human services outside metro Atlanta. Applications are accepted only from organizations with 501(c)(3) status. The Foundation does not publish specific open or close dates for grant submissions on the provided material, suggesting that the application process may be ongoing or on a recurring basis, but verification is needed. Interested applicants must follow the “How to Apply” guidance on the Foundation’s website, where detailed instructions and requirements are provided. The process likely includes a formal written proposal outlining the project scope, leadership, financial sustainability, and anticipated outcomes, but these details are not explicitly stated in the provided information. Evaluation criteria center on leadership strength, organizational sustainability, breadth of financial support, and track record of programmatic success. The Foundation’s preference for co-funding alongside other partners means that applicants should demonstrate a robust base of support. Organizations with compelling, well-supported initiatives in the listed program areas are most likely to be successful. The Foundation’s contact information is 191 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 3540, Atlanta, GA 30303, telephone 404-522-6755, fax 404-522-7026, and email fdns@woodruff.org. No individual contact person is listed in the source material. The absence of a published timeline means applicants should confirm submission deadlines directly with the Foundation before proceeding.