Community Foundation of Central Georgia Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $600,000+ (in competitive grants)
• Total Assets: $179.3 million
• Grant Range: $500 - $25,000 (varies by program)
• Average Grant: $10,000 - $15,000 (Nonprofit Grant Program)
• Decision Time: 3 months from deadline
• Geographic Focus: 21 counties in Central Georgia
• Charity Navigator Rating: 4/4 Stars (100% score)
• Grants Awarded: 991 grants in 2023

Contact Details

Address: 577 Mulberry Street, Suite 1600, Macon, GA 31201

Phone: 478-750-9338 | Toll-free: 866-750-9338

Email: info@cfcga.org

Website: www.cfcga.org

Grant Inquiries: Contact Darius Maynard for questions about grant applications

Scholarship Inquiries: Contact Monique Pitts-Taylor at mtaylor@cfcga.org

Online Grant Portal: Applications submitted through CFCG's online portal (registration required at least one business day before deadline)

Overview

Founded in 1993 by a group of citizens interested in encouraging philanthropy and strengthening communities, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia (CFCG) became tax-exempt in January 1994. With assets of $179.3 million, CFCG provides donors a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving across 21 counties in Central Georgia. The foundation has earned Charity Navigator's highest Four-Star rating with a 100% score for accountability and financial management, and is recognized by the Council as complying with National Accountability Standards. CFCG's vision is a Central Georgia where philanthropy thrives, communities are strong, and citizens work toward common goals. The foundation awards more than $600,000 annually through competitive grant programs, plus additional funds through donor-advised and designated funds, totaling 991 grants in 2023. Recent strategic priorities include leveraging their culture of philanthropy to strengthen relationships with traditional donor groups, increasing their donor base by geography and inclusivity, and serving as a positive force for community change through collaboration.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Nonprofit Grant Program

• Amount: Up to $25,000 maximum
• Average: $10,000 - $15,000
• Deadlines: Noon on June 30 and December 31
• Notifications: Late September (for June deadline); Late March (for December deadline)
• Application: Online portal
• The flagship competitive grant program for nonprofits across the 21-county service area

Central Georgia Empowerment Fund

• Amount: Up to $5,000
• Geographic Focus: Bibb, Houston, and Jones counties only
• Deadline: Noon on July 18
• Notifications: August (after grant finalist presentations)
• Purpose: A giving circle supporting inclusion of Black leadership and nonprofits serving the Black community
• Special Process: Finalists give two-minute presentations at a grant event

High Five Program

• Amount: Up to $5,000 per request
• Application Period: Opens September 30; closes October 14
• Purpose: Connects nonprofits needing funding for unique, tangible items beyond operating budgets with individual donors who choose which projects to fund
• Q&A Session: Virtual session held on October 2 at 10:30 AM

Perot-Fiero Foundation Fund

• Deadlines: Noon on June 30 and December 31
• Notifications: Typically within 3 months
• Purpose: Supports organizations and churches providing community services including tutoring, meal programs, transportation, assistance to disabled individuals, and home repairs

Ozzy's Fund

• Deadlines: Noon on June 30 and December 31
• Notifications: July (for June deadline); January (for December deadline)
• Purpose: Animal welfare grants
• Amount: Usually not exceeding $2,000

Clayton and Carol Paul Fund

• Deadlines: Noon on June 30 and December 31
• Notifications: Within two months of deadline

Community Foundation of Coffee County Grant Program

• Geographic Focus: Coffee County organizations only
• Notifications: Within 3 months of application deadline

On The Table Mini-Grants

• Amount: $27,500 awarded across 28 projects (approximately $1,000 per project)
• Purpose: Community-led projects inspired by On The Table conversations
• Process: Irregular/special initiative tied to community engagement events

Priority Areas

CFCG prioritizes projects that:

• Reach a broad segment of the community and address widespread needs
• Address needs not met by existing services, filling gaps in the social service landscape
• Demonstrate innovation in approaches to solving community issues
• Encourage matching gifts and collaborations with other organizations
• Yield substantial benefit for resources invested, showing strong impact-to-cost ratios
• Encourage self-help and/or self-sufficiency among disadvantaged or disabled individuals
• Demonstrate ability to scale proven solutions rather than unproven concepts
• Have direct relevance to the Central Georgia region

Recent grant awards (Spring 2025) showcase priority areas including:

• Civil legal services for low-income residents
• Senior programs and arts education
• Student transportation and educational programming
• Veterans' services and homelessness support
• Museums and cultural programming
• Youth development and STEM education
• Healthcare facility improvements
• Foster care support
• Food security initiatives
• Home repairs for those in need

What They Don't Fund

• Operating expenses are usually not funded through the Nonprofit Grant Program
• Projects outside the 21-county service area (Baldwin, Bibb, Bleckley, Butts, Coffee, Crawford, Dodge, Houston, Jasper, Jones, Lamar, Laurens, Monroe, Peach, Pulaski, Putnam, Spalding, Taylor, Twiggs, Upson, and Wilkinson counties)
• Capital campaigns and endowments are not funded through competitive grant programs (though organizational endowment services are available separately)
• Faith-based organizations can only apply for non-sectarian, community outreach programs (for programs like the Central Georgia Empowerment Fund)
• Organizations with consecutive funding restrictions: Organizations with two years of consecutive funding must wait two years before submitting additional applications

Governance and Leadership

Staff Leadership

Kathryn Dennis, President

• Joined CFCG in June 2002
• Previously served as Senior Vice President at SunTrust Bank, Middle Georgia, where she led the Wealth Management Division for 15 years
• Works closely with the Foundation's Board, staff, and donors to encourage philanthropy and strengthen communities

Hazle Hamilton, Executive Vice President

• Part of the senior management team

Julia Wood, Vice President of Development and Donor Services

• Joined CFCG in 2008
• Assists potential donors and their professional advisors in establishing funds at the Foundation

Monique Pitts-Taylor, Scholarship Program Manager

• Manages the Foundation's 20 scholarship funds
• Primary point of contact for students, high school counselors, and scholarship selection committees

Darius Maynard

• Grant program contact for questions about applications and awards

Board of Directors

The Board is composed of deeply engaged volunteer leaders representing a cross-section of the 21 counties served by CFCG. Board members are selected to bring strong vision, integrity, and shared commitment to strengthening the region.

Current Leadership

• Cynde M. Dickey: Chair-Elect & Audit Committee
• Myrtle S. Habersham: Immediate Past Chair & Nominating Committee (Bibb County)
• Rachel S. Ayres: Development & Donor Services Committee
• David A. Danzie, Jr.: Grants Committee
• Casey L. Paulk: Board Member

The Board is committed to transparent and responsible governance and stewardship of CFCG's $179.3 million in assets. The Finance Committee monitors investment managers, while various committees oversee grants, development, audit, and nominating functions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Registration Required All applicants must register for a User ID and Password to access the online grant portal. Registration takes at least one business day to process—do not wait until the week of the deadline to register.

Application Submission All grant applications are submitted through the CFCG online grant portal at the foundation's website (cfcga.org).

Required Documentation

• Completed online application form with project details
• Project Budget Summary: Must include all revenue sources (requested, pending, and received) and expenses for the specific project
• Board Authorization Letter: Statement from the organization's Board of Directors authorizing the request and agreeing to complete the project if funded
• Prior Grant Final Report: Organizations that have received prior CFCG funding must have a final report on file before submitting a new application

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (or fiscally sponsored equivalent)
• Must serve the Central Georgia region (specific counties vary by program)
• Cannot have received two consecutive years of funding from CFCG without a two-year waiting period
• Must be current on all reporting requirements from previous grants

Application Deadlines by Program

Nonprofit Grant Program: Noon on June 30 and December 31

Central Georgia Empowerment Fund: Noon on July 18

High Five Program: October 14 (opens September 30)

Perot-Fiero Foundation Fund: Noon on June 30 and December 31

Ozzy's Fund: Noon on June 30 and December 31

Clayton and Carol Paul Fund: Noon on June 30 and December 31

Community Foundation of Coffee County: Contact foundation for specific deadlines

Decision Timeline

Nonprofit Grant Program

• June 30 applications: Board decision communicated in late September
• December 31 applications: Board decision communicated in late March
• Total timeline: Approximately 3 months from deadline to notification

Other Grant Programs

• Most programs notify applicants in writing within 3 months of the application deadline

Due Diligence Process After the application deadline, CFCG staff performs due diligence on all grant applications. This process includes a conversation with the grant contact to gather further information that helps the Grants Committee and Board of Directors make informed decisions.

Review Schedule CFCG reviews submitted grant applications quarterly in January, April, July, and October.

Success Rates

While CFCG does not publish specific success rate percentages, the foundation made 991 grants in 2023 and 825 grants in 2022, indicating robust grant-making activity. In Spring 2025, CFCG awarded $342,500 through the Nonprofit Grant Program to 21 organizations, with individual grants ranging from $18,000 to $25,000 for that cycle.

The average grant size in the Nonprofit Grant Program ranges between $10,000-$15,000, though the maximum is $25,000, suggesting that most applicants receive funding at moderate levels rather than maximum amounts.

Reapplication Policy

Consecutive Funding Restriction: Any organization that has received two consecutive years of funding from the Community Foundation must wait two years before submitting another application.

Prior Grant Completion: Organizations with previous CFCG funding must have a complete final report on file before being eligible to submit a new application.

No Penalty for Unsuccessful Applications: There is no indication of restrictions on reapplying after an unsuccessful application—only the two-consecutive-years funding rule applies.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with CFCG Priorities

CFCG explicitly prioritizes projects that:

• Scale proven solutions rather than test unproven concepts—demonstrate your track record
• Collaborate with other nonprofits to provide innovative, efficient approaches—partnerships strengthen applications
• Address unmet community needs that aren't duplicated by existing services—show the gap you're filling
• Benefit a broad segment of the community rather than narrow populations
• Encourage self-sufficiency among beneficiaries, not just temporary assistance

Geographic Relevance is Critical

Applications must demonstrate "direct relevance to the Central Georgia region." Be explicit about which of the 21 counties you serve and how many residents benefit. Recent awards went to organizations serving multiple counties or major population centers within the service area.

Project-Specific Funding Approach

CFCG focuses on funding specific projects, not general operating support. Your application should clearly define:

• A discrete project with beginning and end points
• Specific deliverables and outcomes
• Project budget separate from organizational operating budget
• How the project advances your mission beyond day-to-day operations

Strong Board Engagement Required

The requirement for a Board Authorization Letter signals that CFCG wants to see board-level commitment to proposed projects. Boards that actively authorize and oversee grant-funded work demonstrate organizational readiness.

Collaboration and Innovation Valued

Spring 2025 grants included multiple organizations working on complementary issues (homelessness, education, food security). Projects that coordinate with other organizations or bring fresh approaches to persistent problems align with CFCG's stated priorities.

Budget Realism and Matching Funds

CFCG prioritizes projects that "encourage matching gifts," suggesting that applications showing other funding sources and reasonable budgets fare better than those requesting 100% funding from CFCG. Recent grants typically covered partial project costs.

Relationship Building

The due diligence process includes conversations with applicants, indicating that CFCG values dialogue and relationship. Being responsive, transparent, and communicative during the review process matters.

Community Impact Evidence

Recent Spring 2025 awards went to organizations demonstrating substantial community reach: Museum of Arts and Sciences (80,000+ served annually), Boys & Girls Clubs serving hundreds of youth, legal services across seven counties. Quantify your impact where possible.

Responsiveness to Emerging Needs

CFCG's COVID-19 Response & Recovery Fund and partnerships with United Way show they respond to urgent community needs. Applications that address current, documented community challenges (evidenced through needs assessments, community input, or data) align with their adaptive approach.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Focus on specific projects, not operating support: CFCG explicitly states that operating expenses are usually not funded—frame your request as a discrete project with clear outcomes
• Demonstrate innovation and collaboration: Priority goes to projects that bring fresh approaches and partner with other organizations for greater efficiency and impact
• Show proof of concept: CFCG prefers to scale proven solutions rather than fund untested ideas—emphasize your track record and evidence base
• Meet the two-consecutive-year rule: If you've received funding for two years running, you must wait two years before reapplying—plan your application strategy accordingly
• Register early for the online portal: System registration takes at least one business day, and technical issues close to deadlines can't be accommodated
• Complete prior grant reporting: Any outstanding final reports from previous grants will disqualify you from consideration—stay current on all reporting obligations
• Build relationships through the due diligence process: Staff conversations during review are opportunities to clarify your project and demonstrate organizational capacity—be prepared and responsive
• Time your application to the 3-month decision cycle: Plan for approximately three months from deadline to decision, and factor this into your project timeline and other fundraising
• Leverage the foundation's community engagement initiatives: Participating in On The Table conversations or other CFCG community events can help you understand regional priorities and network with potential collaborators
• Consider geographic specificity: Projects serving multiple counties within the 21-county area or addressing needs in underserved rural counties may align well with CFCG's inclusive growth priorities

References

• Community Foundation of Central Georgia Official Website: https://cfcga.org/ (Accessed February 27, 2026)
• GuideStar Profile - Community Foundation of Central Georgia: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/58-2053465 (Accessed February 27, 2026)
• Charity Navigator Rating - Community Foundation of Central Georgia: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/582053465 (Accessed February 27, 2026)
• CFCG Nonprofit Grant Program Page: https://cfcga.org/grant/nonprofit-grant-program/ (Accessed February 27, 2026)
• CFCG About Page - History and Mission: https://cfcga.org/about/history-and-mission/ (Accessed February 27, 2026)
• CFCG Service Area - Our Counties: https://cfcga.org/about/counties/ (Accessed February 27, 2026)
• CFCG Leadership - Our Team: https://cfcga.org/about/our-team/ (Accessed February 27, 2026)
• CFCG Board of Directors: https://cfcga.org/about/board-of-directors/ (Accessed February 27, 2026)
• CFCG Grant Programs Overview: https://cfcga.org/for-nonprofits/grants/ (Accessed February 27, 2026)
• 41NBC News: "Community Foundation of Central Georgia gives $342,500 in grants to nonprofits across Middle Georgia" (Spring 2025): https://www.41nbc.com/community-foundation-of-central-georgia-gives-342500-in-grants-to-nonprofits-across-middle-georgia/ (Accessed February 27, 2026)
• Central Georgia Empowerment Fund: https://cfcga.org/grant/central-georgia-empowerment-fund/ (Accessed February 27, 2026)
• High Five Grant Program: https://cfcga.org/grant/high-five/ (Accessed February 27, 2026)
• On The Table Central Georgia Initiative: https://cfcga.org/about/on-the-table/ (Accessed February 27, 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Community Foundation of Central Georgia: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/582053465 (Accessed February 27, 2026)
• Candid Foundation Directory Profile: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=CENT175 (Accessed February 27, 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/community-foundation-of-central-georgia-inc (Accessed February 27, 2026)