North Georgia nonprofits can now apply for share of $1 million in grants

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Nonprofit organizations across North Georgia can begin applying Wednesday for a share of $1 million in community grant funding through the North Georgia Community Foundation.

Applications for the foundation’s 2026 Community Grant Program open July 15 and will be accepted through 5 p.m. Aug. 17.

The foundation increased this year’s funding commitment to $1 million, up from the $545,200 awarded to 40 nonprofit organizations during the 2025 grant cycle. Foundation leaders said the additional funding reflects growing demand for nonprofit services across the region.

“Nonprofits across North Georgia are facing growing needs and increasingly difficult funding challenges, even as the demand for their services continues to rise,” North Georgia Community Foundation President and CEO Michelle Prater said in a news release.

“We made the intentional decision to significantly increase our Community Grant funding to $1 million this year so that we can help stand in the gap for these organizations and the communities they serve. We believe this is central to NGCF’s role: responding to the needs of our region, strengthening the nonprofits doing essential work, and investing resources where they can make the greatest difference.”

The Community Grant Program is funded through the North Georgia Community Foundation’s Community Fund, a permanent charitable fund established through donor contributions. The annual program supports nonprofit organizations and projects that address community needs, expand access to services and improve quality of life throughout North Georgia.

The 2026 grant cycle also includes changes to the application process. According to the foundation, the revised application is intended to better reflect the size and capacity of nonprofit organizations while making the process more equitable and efficient. Organizations may apply for funding to address their greatest need, and the application has been shortened with fewer questions.

The foundation will offer a Community Grant Application Class on July 16 to help nonprofit organizations understand the application process and prepare competitive proposals.

Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Aug. 17. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Founded in 1985, the North Georgia Community Foundation supports philanthropy throughout the region through charitable funds, scholarships and community grantmaking.