Hosea Hall & Lilly Eason Vann Fund

The Hosea Hall & Lilly Eason Vann Fund for Thomas County is administered by the Community Foundation of South Georgia (CFSGA), a philanthropic organization dedicated to improving life in South Georgia through strategic giving. This fund was established by relatives of Hosea Hall Vann and Lilly Eason Vann in 2019 to honor their legacy and longstanding commitment to civic life in Thomas County. Hosea Vann served both in business and local government, while Lilly Vann was deeply involved in civic organizations. Prior to her passing in 1998, Lilly Vann initiated a fund with CFSGA, which has since supported numerous community efforts. The formalization of the Hosea Hall and Lilly Eason Vann Fund allows nonprofit organizations within Thomas County to seek financial assistance to strengthen community services and organizational sustainability. The fund prioritizes projects and programs that enhance the quality of life in Thomas County and support capacity-building for long-term nonprofit viability. Grants are intended to sustain ongoing operational programs, administrative infrastructure, and other essential functions of local nonprofit organizations. Applications are welcomed from tax-exempt entities under IRS Code 501(c)(3), including 501(c)(3) equivalent organizations. Preference is given to proposals that request partial funding rather than complete reliance on this fund. The fund aims to avoid creating dependency by supporting only those initiatives that are financially sustainable without ongoing CFSGA support. Funding from this program is limited in scope but aims to make a significant impact. Grant awards range from $1,000 to $2,000, with a total of $10,000 available for distribution in 2025. Organizations must be based in Thomas County, Georgia, or provide services primarily in this county. The fund will not consider requests related to capital campaigns, individual benefits, private foundations, fundraising or political activities, advertising, debt repayment, or government-mandated services. A complete list of exclusions is provided to ensure that applicants target eligible activities. To apply, organizations must submit a formal Application Letter no longer than two pages on official letterhead, signed by an authorized officer. This narrative should provide organizational background, including mission, programs, and constituents served. It must also describe the program or operations for which funding is requested, the specific need it addresses, anticipated outcomes, target beneficiaries, and whether the project is new or ongoing. Applicants must also indicate the funding amount requested and plans for obtaining additional resources if the project is only partially funded. Additional required documents include the organization’s IRS determination letter (if CFSGA has not previously granted to the applicant), the current annual operating budget, a detailed program or project summary with revenue and expenses, a board of directors list with affiliations, and the most recent financial audit or IRS Form 990. All materials must be combined into one continuous PDF and submitted by email to cbowen@cfsga.net by July 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Proposals will undergo an initial screening by CFSGA staff to confirm eligibility and completeness. Eligible applications will be reviewed by CFSGA’s Grants Committee, which will provide recommendations to the full Board of Directors. The final funding decisions rest with the CFSGA Board, and applicants will be notified of award decisions in August 2025. Questions may be directed to the Community Foundation at (229) 228-5088 or via email to cbowen@cfsga.net.

Do not include extra documentation beyond the requested items. Ensure documents are combined into a single PDF.