CFCG Nonprofit Grant Program

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia (CFCG) offers the Nonprofit Grant Program to support community-based charitable organizations that aim to improve the quality of life in Central Georgia. CFCG, a regional philanthropic organization, administers this program using funds from several unrestricted sources. These funds include contributions from the L. D. and Minnie Lee Brown Fund, Fickling Family Fund, Walters Family Fund, and other donor-advised and general purpose funds, providing CFCG with the flexibility to address a broad spectrum of community needs. The foundation emphasizes equal opportunity and complies fully with anti-discrimination laws at all governmental levels. The Nonprofit Grant Program is designed to support projects that demonstrate tangible community benefits and organizational impact. Projects should aim to scale proven solutions, increase reach, improve operational efficiency, encourage self-sufficiency, stimulate matching gifts, and foster collaboration between nonprofit organizations. While broad in scope, the program does not typically fund operational expenses, scholarships for camps, or religious programming unless it serves a non-sectarian community purpose. The program seeks to catalyze meaningful improvements in the Central Georgia region through strategic, impactful investments in nonprofit initiatives. Grant awards under this program can reach a maximum of $25,000, with most grants typically ranging between $10,000 and $15,000. Funding is derived from unrestricted philanthropic funds that the CFCG Board of Directors allocates based on identified community priorities and grantee merit. Only one application may be submitted per organization per twelve-month period, and organizations receiving consecutive funding for two years must wait an additional two years before reapplying. Additionally, prior grant recipients must have a final report on file before being eligible to reapply. CFCG operates on a biannual application cycle with two firm deadlines: June 30 and December 31, both at 12:00 PM. Applicants are strongly advised to register for the online grant portal well before the deadline, as new registrations take at least one business day to process. After submission, CFCG conducts a due diligence process, which includes a follow-up conversation with the applicant. Recommendations are reviewed by the Grants Committee and finalized by the Board of Directors. Applicants are informed of decisions approximately three months later—in late September for the June cycle and late March for the December cycle. To complete an application, organizations must submit several key documents in PDF format: a project budget summary, a project or organizational photo, a board authorization letter, a list of board members and their meeting attendance, the current annual operating budget, a current IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter (or a statement of status), and either the most recent financial audit or IRS Form 990. Final project reports are due within sixty days of exhausting grant funds or no later than one year after the grant cycle’s deadline—whichever is sooner. As of January 1, 2024, all reporting must be submitted through the online grants portal. For more information or to apply, interested applicants can contact the foundation at [email protected] or by phone at 478-750-9338 (toll-free: 866-750-9338). The office is located at 577 Mulberry Street, Suite 1600, Macon, GA 31201. Successful applicants should acknowledge CFCG’s support as a Nonprofit Grant from the Community Foundation of Central Georgia in all materials and outreach.

Submit early registration for the online portal to avoid processing delays.