The Atlanta Foundation, administered by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., supports charitable and educational organizations located specifically in Fulton County and DeKalb County, Georgia. Its mission is to fund institutions that promote education and scientific research, care for the sick, aged, or helpless, improve living conditions, and support recreation and overall well-being for all community members, regardless of race, color, or creed. The foundation was established on February 1, 1921, by the Board of Directors of the Fourth National Bank of Atlanta and continues to distribute income through a five-member committee of Atlanta residents knowledgeable in civic and social welfare.
The primary objectives of the foundation include assisting local organizations that enhance the mental, moral, and physical life of county residents. It is focused on supporting programming and operating projects rather than capital or endowment campaigns. The foundation specifically aims to assist institutions that advance the community’s educational, health, and social infrastructure.
Funding from the Atlanta Foundation is restricted to organizations operating within the geographic bounds of Fulton and DeKalb counties. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status under the Internal Revenue Code. The foundation does not entertain applications from organizations outside these two counties, and all funded work must benefit these specified localities.
Applications are accepted throughout the year but must be submitted by March 1 for the April board meeting or by September 1 for the October board meeting. Applicants receive an automated confirmation upon submission. Grant recipients are generally required to submit a progress report within six months of receiving funds, unless otherwise specified in the award terms.
While the foundation provides programmatic and operating support, it does not explicitly list funding ceilings, floors, or the total amount available annually. It also does not define specific evaluation criteria beyond requiring alignment with its mission and eligibility criteria. Grantmaking is managed by a resident committee with stipulations on religious and political affiliations to ensure community-focused governance.
Important dates for the Atlanta Foundation include March 1 and September 1 as application deadlines for the April and October board meetings, respectively. Applications must be submitted online, and those seeking scholarships should consult separate opportunities at csascholars.org, as the Atlanta Foundation does not offer individual scholarships through this portal.
