The Community Foundation Awards $765,000 through Common Good Funds: June 10, 2010

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta has awarded $765,000 in grants though its Common Good Funds to 11 metro Atlanta organizations to use where most appropriate. This year marks the second year the Foundation has focused on providing general operating support to improve the ability of nonprofits to make a difference and to strengthen the sector as a whole.

Organizations receiving grants are located in Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett and Cobb counties and focus on multiple issues areas including child development, mental health, arts and culture, animal welfare and community development. Two of the 11 nonprofits have also received a Grants Plus award, which provides additional funding for management assistance.

“Grantees have demonstrated their ability to work strategically and effectively both internally and in the community,” says Kathy Palumbo, Director of Community Partnerships at The Community Foundation. “They have achieved notable successes, and importantly have established processes for planning and measuring this success. They also understand the importance of nonprofit management and have strong staff and board that drive the organization’s success.”

The Community Foundation awards up to $75,000 for a 12-month period to nonprofits receiving Common Good Funds grants. Funds are critical to organizations today still facing financial difficulties. “These investments are needed in our region during a time when nonprofits are experiencing demand for services and government funding is being cut,” says Alicia Philipp, Foundation president. “We specifically invested in these nonprofits because of their ability to make a significant impact,” says Philipp.

Continuing this year, The Community Foundation is also focused on providing resources to increase nonprofit effectiveness. As a result, organizations can apply for a Nonprofit Toolbox award to receive customized management consulting for a particular operational area (e.g., strategic planning, board development, evaluation) or a Nonprofit Scholarship to cover the cost of attendance for workshops, trainings and conferences identified by the Foundation, as well as opportunities nonprofits identify themselves.

Organizations interested in resources for professional and organizational development should visit www.cfgreateratlanta.org. Many of these opportunities are available year-round. There will also be a second Common Good Funds grant cycle in the fall.

Spring 2010 Common Good Fund Grantees:

• Atlanta Humane Society: $75,000
• Atlanta Micro Fund: $22,500
• Auditory Verbal Center: $75,000 (two-year)
• Creative Community Service: $90,000 (two-year)
• Georgia Appleseed: $80,000
• Good Samaritan Health Center for Cobb: $102,500 (two-year)
• North Fulton Child Development Association: $75,000
• Rainbow Village: $85,000 (two-year)
• Scottdale Child Development & Family Resource Center: $95,000 (two-year)
• St. Jude’s Recovery Center: $50,000
• Youth Ensemble of Atlanta: $15,000