The Peyton Anderson Foundation Inc
Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $5.5 million (2024)
- Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
- Decision Time: 3-4 months
- Grant Range: Varies by program
- Geographic Focus: Central Georgia
Contact Details
- Website: www.peytonanderson.org
- Phone: 478-743-5359
- Email: grants@pafdn.org
- Address: 577 Mulberry Street, Suite 830, Macon, GA 31201
- Grant Inquiries: cstokes@pafdn.org
Overview
Founded in 1989, The Peyton Anderson Foundation is an independent, place-based foundation with assets exceeding $82 million that serves as a cornerstone philanthropic institution for Central Georgia. The foundation was established through the estate of Peyton T. Anderson Jr., who believed "The money I have is not mine" and sought to give back to the community that enabled his success. Since inception, the foundation has awarded over 1,694 grants totaling more than $121 million, plus over $4 million in scholarships to local students. The foundation's philosophy of "reward good doers, not do-gooders" guides their strategic approach to strengthening community vitality and improving quality of life for Central Georgia residents.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
The foundation operates grant programs in five core areas:
- Community Development - Infrastructure, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization
- Education - K-12 and higher education initiatives, plus separate scholarship program for Bibb County students
- Health - Healthcare access and public health initiatives
- Arts & Culture - Cultural organizations and arts programming
- Human Services - Social service organizations and basic needs support
Priority Areas
- Place-based initiatives in Central Georgia
- Projects that strengthen community vitality
- Organizations demonstrating measurable impact
- Collaborative efforts addressing systemic issues
- Capacity building for nonprofit organizations
What They Don't Fund
- Grants to individuals (except through scholarship program)
- Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
- Projects outside Central Georgia region
Governance and Leadership
President: Karen J Lambert Board of Trustees:
- Reid Hanson Jr
- Kathryn H Dennis
- R Kirby Godsey
- Marc T Treadwell
The founder's philosophy continues to guide the board's decisions, with Peyton T. Anderson Jr.'s belief that successful community members have an obligation to give back remaining central to the foundation's mission.
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
- Online application portal opens January 15th for April 1st deadline
- Online application portal opens July 15th for September 1st deadline
- Applications submitted through grantee portal at peytonanderson.org/grants/application/
- Required documents include:
- Personal narrative
- Project budget
- Two letters of support
- Board authorization
- Board of Directors list
- Current operating budget
- 501(c)(3) IRS qualification letter
- Recent financial statements
Decision Timeline
- Approximately 3-4 months from submission to decision
- Trustees meet after each deadline to review applications
- Notification provided via email and portal
Success Rates
Not publicly disclosed
Reapplication Policy
Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in subsequent grant cycles. The foundation encourages organizations to strengthen their applications based on feedback.
Application Success Factors
- Follow instructions precisely: "Do not include any forms or information other than what is required" - late or incomplete applications will not be considered
- No direct trustee contact: Applications should go through proper channels; trustees should not be personally contacted
- Demonstrate community impact: Align projects with foundation's focus on improving quality of life in Central Georgia
- Show collaboration: Projects involving multiple organizations or addressing systemic issues are viewed favorably
- Be prepared for site visits: Foundation staff may conduct site visits and meetings as part of evaluation process
- Focus on sustainability: Demonstrate how project will continue beyond grant period
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- The foundation has substantial assets ($82M+) and distributes approximately $5.5M annually in charitable disbursements
- Two application cycles per year with fixed deadlines (April 1 and September 1)
- Strong emphasis on place-based giving within Central Georgia region
- Foundation values "good doers" - organizations with proven track records of impact
- Clear application requirements with no tolerance for late or incomplete submissions
- Personal contact with trustees is explicitly discouraged - work through official channels
- The foundation has a long history (35+ years) and deep roots in the Macon community
References
- The Peyton Anderson Foundation Official Website (www.peytonanderson.org) - Accessed December 2024
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The Peyton Anderson Foundation Inc (EIN 58-1803562) - 2024 financial data
- GuideStar Profile - The Peyton Anderson Foundation Inc - Accessed December 2024
- CauseIQ Foundation Profile - 2020 financial data
- Charity Navigator - The Peyton Anderson Foundation Inc profile - Accessed December 2024