When Nonprofits Face Uncertainty, Partnership Matters More Than Ever 

New initiative brings funding, expertise, and peer learning together to strengthen nonprofit resilience across metro Atlanta 

When the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta launched the Nonprofit Sector Sustainability Fund earlier this year, we hoped to support organizations navigating an increasingly challenging environment. 

What we didn’t anticipate was the scale of the response. 

A total of 243 nonprofits from across metro Atlanta applied for 12 available spots. 

For CFGA, that number represents more than demand for funding. It reflects a nonprofit sector working to adapt as costs rise, funding sources shift, staffing pressures grow, and community needs continue to increase. 

That’s why CFGA partnered with Nonprofit Finance Fund® (NFF®) to create the Nonprofit Sector Sustainability Fund—a two-year initiative that combines flexible funding with financial strategy support, coaching, consulting, and peer learning opportunities designed to strengthen long-term resilience. 

“For 75 years, CFGA has helped connect generosity with the needs of this region. Today, that role is especially urgent. Community foundations exist for moments like this,” said Frank Fernandez, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. “Our role is to bring people together around what Atlanta needs most—connecting organizations, expertise, resources, and partners so nonprofits are not navigating this period of uncertainty alone.” 

Building Resilience Together 

Each organization will receive $100,000 over two years while participating in a cohort focused on financial resilience, organizational adaptability, and long-term sustainability. 

The selected organizations are: 

• NAMI Georgia, Inc.
• The Actor’s Express Inc.
• College AIM
• Clarkston Community Center Foundation, Inc.
• Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network (GAIN)
• Ubuntu Community Catalyst Inc.
• Trans Housing Coalition
• Hand, Heart and Soul Project
• Dashboard Co-Op Inc.
• Innovative Solutions for Disadvantage and Disability, Inc.
• Raksha, Inc.
• Georgia Advancing Communities Together, Inc.

Together, these organizations represent a broad cross-section of the nonprofit sector and the diverse communities they serve throughout metro Atlanta. 

“We are honored to be selected at such a critical moment for organizations working on the front lines of housing and community development,” said Dr. Bambie Hayes-Brown, president and CEO of Georgia Advancing Communities Together. “Nonprofits are not simply filling gaps. We are building the infrastructure communities need to thrive. This support strengthens our ability to remain financially resilient, build internal capacity, and continue connecting policy, people, and place with greater stability and strategy.” 

Supporting More Than a Cohort 

Recognizing that these challenges extend far beyond a single cohort, CFGA and NFF are also providing free webinars and resources for nonprofits across the region. More than 100 organizations participated in the first session, Financial Foundations for Uncertain Times, highlighting the need for practical tools and peer learning opportunities throughout the sector. 

A Sector Under Pressure 

Across metro Atlanta, nonprofits are being asked to do more with less. 

According to a 2025 survey of Georgia nonprofits conducted by Nonprofit Finance Fund: 

• 88% reported inflation significantly affecting their operations and the communities they serve  

• 85% of organizations receiving government funding expect federal support to decrease 

• 76% identified staffing challenges as a major concern 

At the same time, demand for services continues to rise. The Atlanta Community Food Bank has reported a 70% increase in food pantry visitors over the last four years, while Atlanta’s 2025 point-in-time count showed family homelessness increased 14% from the previous year. 

For nonprofit leaders, those pressures show up in daily decisions about staffing, cash flow, program delivery, and how to continue serving communities despite increasing uncertainty. 

As this nonprofit landscape continues to evolve, CFGA remains committed to bringing together the people, resources, and expertise needed to strengthen the organizations that strengthen our region.

Where Atlanta Comes Together 

At CFGA, we believe Atlanta thrives when nonprofits, donors, funders, and community leaders work together. The Nonprofit Sector Sustainability Fund is one example of how partnership can help organizations navigate uncertainty, build resilience, and continue serving communities across our region.  To donate to this fund please visit our website NSSF – Nonprofit Sector Sustainability Fund, 

Because lasting solutions happen when Atlanta comes together.