Serving as a trusted partner for local organizations is important to us. We strive to provide access to resources that grow and strengthen the capacity of our nonprofit business sector. Below are two places we encourage all nonprofit organizations to use to grow giving in support of their mission!
The Georgia Center for Nonprofits
The Georgia Center for Nonprofits aims to build thriving communities by helping nonprofits succeed. They provide a monthly roundup of support opportunities for nonprofit organizations. To view the list of funding and resources they provide, visit gnc.org.
Foundation Directory Online
Nonprofits can expand their funding searches through Foundation Directory. You can use this resource to access detailed data on foundations, including giving history, location, type, size, open requests for proposals (RFPs), and more to determine which funders are the best fit. Right now, Candid is offering access to one free year of Foundation Directory Professional to small nonprofits who earn a 2025 Gold Seal of Transparency. To learn more about this offer, visit this link. To learn more about Foundation Directory and purchase a subscription, visit this link. Additionally, you may access Foundation Directory for free through any public library in Athens-Clarke County.
Grant Funding Opportunities
The Athens Area Community Foundation manages grant cycles on behalf of generous donors in our community. You may review the funding opportunities below and note the timelines when applications are accepted. Links to apply will be listed during open application cycles. When cycles are not accepting applications, links to learn more will be listed. For any questions, please email info@athensareacf.org.
Golden Pantry Be Golden Round Up Grant Program
Since 1965, giving back to the people and communities who support them has been an integral part of who Golden Pantry Food Stores is as a family run business. As their business has grown, so has their giving. The Be Golden Fund builds upon the mission of Golden Pantry Food Stores by providing financial support to non-profits and schools throughout the neighborhoods that they have the honor and pleasure of serving.
About the Grant Program:
Through this fund, Golden Pantry strives to further their mission of being your trusted neighborhood store by expanding their ability to impact the neighborhoods they serve. Each of their 30 stores serves a unique neighborhood with its own local needs and programs. Through the Giving Pump Round Up program, the Be Golden Fund will give back to the neighborhoods who have given generously by rounding up their bill.
Applications are accepted until February 16, 2026 at 5:00pm and recipients will be notified on March 1, 2026.
Grant Fund Areas of Priority Include:
Mental Health
Literacy and Education
Family and Children’s Services
Eligibility:
Nonprofits, schools, churches, and government organizations are encouraged to apply year-round. Your organization must serve one of the counties in our service area to be eligible for funding. To view a list of store locations, visit: www.goldenpantry.com/locations.
Resilient Northeast Georgia’s Trauma-Informed Communities Grant
This grant is designed to provide funding for organizations working to prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) for children and families and increase trauma-informed awareness and care delivery.
Grant Fund Areas of Priority Include:
Capacity Building
Expansion or Scaling Efforts
Program Costs
Eligibility:
Grants can be made to publicly supported 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, schools, churches, or government entities. This grant is open to organizations that serve for following counties: Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, and Walton. All applications should demonstrate direct impact in reducing the effects of trauma for members of the community from birth to 26.
Applications are accepted between May and June each year. Access to the application will be linked below once open. Average Grant Awards may range between $1,000 and $5,000.
The Kirby Smart Family Foundation Grant
The mission of the Kirby Smart Family Foundation is to be champions in our community by supporting and giving back to needy children and families facing adversity. If your organization serves children and/or families facing adversity, you are welcome to apply.
Eligibility:
Grants can be made to publicly supported 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, schools, churches, or government entities. Grants may not be made to or for the benefit of specific individuals.
NCAA rules prohibit donations to high school-aged individuals (grades 9-12) or organizations that solely benefit high school-aged individuals. In addition, NCAA rules prohibit donations to organizations that provide or arrange financial assistance to pay for educational costs of high school-aged individuals.
Applications are accepted between January and March each year. Access to the application will be linked below once open. Average Grant Awards may range between $1,000 and $5,000.
To apply for open and active grant cycles, you will be directed to our online grants portal. You will be prompted to login or create a new account if it is your first time visiting this site. When creating an account, you will be asked for your organization’s information, including your EIN number and mailing address. If you have any issues logging in, please email info@athensareacf.org.