North Georgia Community Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $21,542,168 (2024)
• Total Assets: $122 million (as of December 31, 2023)
• Grant Range: $500 - $25,000 (Community Grants); varies for Opportunity Grants
• Decision Time: 4-5 months (applications close mid-August, decisions announced in December)
• Geographic Focus: 15-county region in North Georgia

Contact Details

Website: www.ngcf.org
Phone: 770-535-7880
Email: info@ngcf.org
Address: 340 Jesse Jewell Pkwy SE, Suite 605, Gainesville, GA 30501

Programme Contacts:

• Community Grants: Margaux Dolenc, VP of Nonprofit Engagement - mdolenc@ngcf.org
• Opportunity Grants: Abigail Carter, VP of Strategic Initiatives - acarter@ngcf.org

Overview

Founded in 1985, the North Georgia Community Foundation (NGCF) is a philanthropic organisation with over $122 million in assets that helps people and non-profits invest generously in communities across North Georgia. Under President & CEO Michelle Prater's leadership since 2015, the foundation has tripled its assets from $42 million to $126 million and distributed $21.5 million in grants during 2024 alone. NGCF manages more than 500 charitable funds established by individuals, families, companies, and non-profits. The foundation's grant programmes are fuelled by the NGCF Community Fund, created through decades of donor generosity to address critical needs in the region. In 2024, NGCF awarded over $692,000 through competitive grant programmes. NGCF received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its strong fiscal management and commitment to transparency.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

Community Grants: $500 - $25,000 NGCF's flagship competitive grant programme supports both operational and programmatic needs of non-profits across the 15-county service area. In 2025, NGCF awarded $545,200 to 40 nonprofit organisations. Applications open in mid-July and close in mid-August. Grants are awarded annually on a competitive basis.

Opportunity Grants: Varies (typically $25,000 - $75,000) These grants provide funding for new or expanding programmes that address specific key issues in North Georgia and promote lasting change. In 2025, four organisations received $200,000 total. In 2024, five non-profits received $127,500. These grants enable organisations to pursue initiatives they may not have been able to pursue otherwise. Applications are reviewed separately from Community Grants, with decisions announced in November.

Arts Grants (Forsyth County only): Administered through the Forsyth County Arts Alliance (a Fund of NGCF), these grants are awarded annually on a competitive basis to ensure the arts survive and thrive in Cumming-Forsyth County. Since 2005, over $850,000 has been awarded. Only 501(c)3 organisations and governmental entities serving Forsyth County citizens are eligible.

Priority Areas

NGCF supports non-profit organisations working across multiple sectors:

• Health and human services
• Education
• Housing and homelessness
• Arts and culture
• Community wellbeing and development
• Youth services
• Services for vulnerable populations

The foundation seeks to fund moderate investments that can achieve significant results and address emerging community needs.

What They Don't Fund

Operational Grants may not be used for:

• Individual employee benefits (bonuses or pay increases)
• Capital campaigns

Additional Restrictions:

• Requests exceeding $25,000 for Community Grants will be disqualified
• Organisations must be located within the 15-county service area: Banks, Dawson, Fannin, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White counties
• Organisations must be registered with the State of Georgia and provide a current Charitable Solicitation Organization Permit (unless exempt)

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Michelle Prater, President & CEO Michelle has led NGCF since 2015, transforming the foundation by tripling its assets from $42 million to $126 million. She is pursuing a Doctorate in Philanthropic Leadership and has a background in finance. On her transition to non-profit work, she said: "I read the description, and it was as if someone had written it for me. It had everything I loved about finance, while also making an impact in the community." Michelle emphasises the foundation's role in supporting non-profit workers and addressing their compensation challenges.

Lisa Warwick, Executive Vice President, Finance Joined NGCF in 2000 and oversees investment, budgeting, and auditing processes.

Key Staff

• Megan Evans - Vice President, Communications
• Margaux Dolenc - Vice President, Nonprofit Engagement (primary contact for Community Grants)
• Abigail Carter - Vice President, Strategic Initiatives (primary contact for Opportunity Grants)
• Marci Gross - Director of Executive Operations
• Angel Jackson - Scholarship Manager
• Chelsea Clark - Manager of Program Operations
• Brigette Meeler - Manager, Financial Operations

Board of Directors

Executive Committee:

• Randall Frost (Chair) - Partner, Stewart, Melvin & Frost LLP
• Don Grimsley (Vice-Chair) - Grimsley Enterprises, Inc.
• Kristi Griffin (Treasurer) - Managing Partner, BatesCarter
• Brian Steines (Secretary) - CFO, Northeast Georgia Health System

Board Members include professionals from: Law firms (Kelly & Bell, Alexander Almand & Bangs, Barloga Law, Smith Gilliam Williams & Miles), financial services (Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Windsor Wealth Planners, Citizens Bank of Georgia), construction (Carroll Daniel Construction, Cooper & Company), non-profit leadership (Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier, Partnership Habersham), and community advocates from across the region.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Community Grants: Applications are accepted through an online portal during a specific window each year (typically mid-July through mid-August).

Eligibility:

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisations, churches, or government agency programmes in good standing
• Primary office located in NGCF's 15-county service area
• Registered with the State of Georgia
• Current Charitable Solicitation Organization Permit (unless exempt)

Application Requirements:

• Complete online application
• Operating budget (for Operational Grants) or detailed programme budget (for Programme Grants)
• Organisations can apply for either operational or programmatic grants

Application Support: NGCF holds Community Grant Application Classes where non-profits can learn about the application process. Contact Margaux Dolenc at mdolenc@ngcf.org or 770-535-7880 with questions.

Opportunity Grants: Separate application process from Community Grants. Contact Abigail Carter at acarter@ngcf.org or 770-535-7880 for eligibility and application information.

Decision Timeline

• Application Period: Mid-July through mid-August
• Decision Announcement: December (typically early December)
• Notification: Recipients are honoured at a special celebration event
• Total Timeline: Approximately 4-5 months from application deadline to decision

For Opportunity Grants:

• Decisions announced in November

Success Rates

Based on available data:

• 2025 Community Grants: 40 organisations funded (total awards available from the foundation's records)
• 2024: 213 awards made across all programmes
• 2023: 186 awards made
• 2022: 149 awards made

The foundation has distributed approximately $3.3 million through its community grant programme since its inception in 1999.

Reapplication Policy

Previous Community Grant recipients are eligible to apply in subsequent years. The foundation has not published specific restrictions for unsuccessful applicants, suggesting organisations may reapply annually. For clarification on reapplication policies, contact the foundation directly.

Reporting Requirements

If awarded, organisations must provide NGCF with a final report on the use of funds.

Application Success Factors

From NGCF Leadership:

Margaux Dolenc, VP of Nonprofit Engagement, describes grant recipients as "the heartbeat of North Georgia," emphasising the foundation values organisations deeply embedded in their communities.

Key Success Factors:

1. Geographic Alignment: Organisations must serve one or more of the 15 counties in NGCF's service area. Ensure your application clearly demonstrates impact within these specific counties.

2. Community Impact Focus: NGCF seeks to "leverage opportunities in the region where a moderate amount of money can achieve a significant result." Frame your request around measurable community impact rather than organisational needs.

3. Budget Clarity: Whether applying for operational or programme grants, provide detailed, realistic budgets. For programme grants, show exactly how the requested amount will be used for the specific project.

4. Organisational Readiness: Ensure all compliance requirements are met before applying (Georgia registration, Charitable Solicitation Permit). Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

5. Application Type Selection: Choose between operational and programme grants strategically. Operational grants provide flexible funding but cannot be used for employee bonuses, pay increases, or capital campaigns.

6. Attend Application Classes: NGCF offers Community Grant Application Classes to help non-profits understand the process. Taking advantage of these resources demonstrates commitment and increases application quality.

7. Address Regional Priorities: Applications addressing health, human services, education, housing, arts and culture, or community wellbeing align with NGCF's documented funding patterns.

8. For Opportunity Grants: Focus on new initiatives or programme expansions that address "key community issues" and create "lasting change." These grants are designed for transformative projects rather than ongoing operations.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Plan ahead: Applications open in mid-July with an August deadline and decisions in December—build this timeline into your organisational calendar.

• Know your service area: NGCF's 15-county focus is strict. Clearly demonstrate impact in Banks, Dawson, Fannin, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, or White counties.

• Right-size your request: The $500-$25,000 range for Community Grants means this funder works best for moderate-sized projects. Consider Opportunity Grants for larger, transformative initiatives.

• Leverage foundation resources: Attend application classes and reach out to Margaux Dolenc with questions before applying. NGCF invests in non-profit capacity building.

• Consider the Community Fund's mission: Your application should address pressing regional needs and demonstrate how modest funding can create significant impact—this aligns with the Community Fund's purpose.

• Understand the competitive landscape: With 40 organisations funded in 2025 out of many applicants, applications must be compelling and well-prepared. Start early and seek feedback.

• Previous recipients can reapply: Don't be discouraged if you've received funding before—successful grantees are eligible for future grants.

References

1. North Georgia Community Foundation Official Website - www.ngcf.org (Accessed January 2026)
2. "NGCF Grant Programs" - North Georgia Community Foundation - https://www.ngcf.org/nonprofits/ngcf-grant-programs/ (Accessed January 2026)
3. "Meet Our Team" - North Georgia Community Foundation - https://www.ngcf.org/who-we-are/our-team/ (Accessed January 2026)
4. "Meet Our Board" - North Georgia Community Foundation - https://www.ngcf.org/who-we-are/our-board/ (Accessed January 2026)
5. "A Conversation with Michelle Prater, President and CEO of the North Georgia Community Foundation" - Inside Philanthropy, June 2024 - https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/2024-6-14-a-conversation-with-michelle-prater-president-and-ceo-of-the-north-georgia-community-foundation (Accessed January 2026)
6. "NGCF awards more than $545K in community grants to North Georgia nonprofits" - Now Habersham (Accessed January 2026)
7. "RECORD-BREAKING TOTAL GRANT AWARDS EXCEEDING $692,000" - North Georgia Community Foundation - https://www.ngcf.org/2024-grant-awards/ (Accessed January 2026)
8. North Georgia Community Foundation Profile - GuideStar (EIN: 58-1610318) - https://www.guidestar.org/profile/58-1610318 (Accessed January 2026)
9. "Forsyth County Community Foundation" - North Georgia Community Foundation - https://www.ngcf.org/who-we-are/fccf/ (Accessed January 2026)
10. "Contact Us" - North Georgia Community Foundation - https://www.ngcf.org/explore/contact-us/ (Accessed January 2026)