News

Athens Area Community Foundation Awards $25,000
to Local Organizations

The Athens Area Community Foundation has awarded grants totaling $25,000 to help 14 local organizations address needs in the areas of youth development, economic & workforce development, access to health care, and building community.

The grants, ranging between $625 and $3,375, are part of the second award cycle undertaken by AACF, which began operation last year as a vehicle for philanthropic investment, meeting critical needs, and engaging families and businesses in strategic grantmaking.

Since incorporation in January 2008, AACF has made over $75,000 in grants to community organizations; helped establish seven Donor Advised Funds for local families and businesses; received 501(c)3 tax-exempt status; and has begun building an operating endowment to ensure the organization is self-sustaining in perpetuity.

"The support the community has given AACF is tremendous," said Steve Jones, foundation chairman. "The Athens area has long needed an organization that connects donors with what they care about through flexible Donor Advised Funds and strategic grant-making targeting capacity building and effectiveness in local nonprofits," Jones added.

The foundation issued a call in July for applications and received 49 requests totaling $195,595.71.  With only $25,000 to award this fall, the foundation board members had to make difficult choices. "All of the applicants are addressing serious issues in the community," Jones said. Decisions on awarding grants were based in part on whether the proposals helped address poverty, improve quality of life, increase access to community resources, attract volunteer support, address the underlying causes of local problems, and build the applicant organization’s capacity and sustainability.

AACF will award grants twice annually and the next cycle will be in spring of 2010. AACF is a 501(c)(3) public nonprofit serving Athens-Clarke, Oconee, Barrow, Madison, Oglethorpe, and Jackson Counties. AACF is a member of the Southeastern Council of Foundations and the Council on Foundations.

Click here for a list of grant recipients and how they will use the money.