October 26, 2020

Grants Available through Thriving Communities Program

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a bevy of operational issues and financial challenges for Atlanta nonprofits. The combination of forced closures and stay at home orders left many organizations unable to stay connected to the community, deliver needed services, or hold traditional fundraising events. Almost immediately, nonprofits had to make difficult financial decisions about which programs could be continued, but also whether staff could be retained. Over the months since the pandemic arrived, many have focused on building up the organization’s financial position by moving traditional fundraising events online and leveraging various loan and grant programs. The good news is the Thriving Communities Program launched by the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, recently announced the start of the 2020 grant application cycle. To help clients, prospects, and others, Wilson Lewis has provided a summary of the key details below.

What are the Eligibility Requirements?

Only organizations that meet the following criteria are eligible to apply.

• A nonprofit must be located and providing services within the Foundation’s 23 county service area, which includes Barrow, Bartow, Butts, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Morgan, Newton, Paulding, Pickens, Spalding, and Walton counties.
• Awarded grant money is required to be spent in the 23-county service area.
• Applicants must be classified by the IRS as a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, donations to which are deductible as charitable contributions. The IRS determination must also be current.
• Nonprofits are required to be registered with the Georgia Secretary of State.
• Annual operating expenses should be greater than $25,000 for the last fiscal year and have at least one part-time paid employee for the 12-month period prior to application submission.
• Retain a Board of Directors where 100% have made personal cash or in-kind contributions during the last fiscal year.
• Applicant programs must align with Thriving Communities engagement priorities including an increase in civic participation for underrepresented groups, educate residents to become active citizens, and create innovative social justice solutions for all residents.

Award Amounts

For 2020, eligible applicants have been encouraged to apply for up to 30% of annual operating expenses based on 2019 financials. The minimum grant amount is $10,000 but depending on specifics may be as large as %50,000. It is important to note that funding is limited, and awards will be based on the number of applications and funding need. In addition, all awards are unrestricted.  

Application Process

• Complete an Organizational Profile and Letter of Intent Survey.
• Advancing organizations need to submit current year fiscal operating budget, current balance sheet, last fiscal year internal year-end balance sheet, and year-end budgets with year-to-date actuals. Copies of the strategic, annual, or business plan must also be submitted.
• Site visits will be conducted, as necessary.
• Funding recommendations made, reviewed and awards issued.
• Organizations receiving grants will be required to periodically check in with program staff during, and at the end, of the grant report.

There is an orientation webinar that provides additional information about the program, application process, and awards process. Organizations are encouraged to review it prior to applying.

Contact Us

Funding and grant programs have been especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. While not every Atlanta nonprofit is eligible to apply for this program, there are several who do, and the grant can make an important difference. If you have questions about the information outlined above or need assistance with another tax or accounting issue, Wilson Lewis can help. For additional information call us at 770-476-1004 or click here to contact us. We look forward to speaking with you soon.