Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation

Quick Stats

• EIN: 87-2546864
• Founded: 2021 (from strategic combination of Floyd and Atrium Health)
• Total Assets: Over $240 million
• Annual Giving: Approximately $1.3 million per year in community grants
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $100,000 (with occasional larger awards up to $2 million)
• Success Rate: Highly competitive (record number of applications, 60% increase in 2025)
• Decision Time: Approximately 16 weeks (February deadline, May announcement)
• Geographic Focus: Floyd, Polk, and Chattooga counties in Georgia; Cherokee County, Alabama

Contact Details

Foundation Office:

• Phone: 706-509-3287
• Email: donna.martin@atriumhealth.org
• Website: floyd.org/floydpolkfoundation
• Grants and Program Manager: Donna Martin

Overview

The Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation was established in 2021 as a result of the strategic combination between Floyd Medical Center and Atrium Health, with an initial endowment of approximately $141 million that has grown to over $240 million in assets. The Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, making grants through Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center and Atrium Health Floyd Polk Medical Center to support community agencies addressing healthcare access, social determinants of health, and health equity throughout northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama. To date, the Foundation has invested more than $11 million in the community. The Foundation's approach goes beyond traditional grantmaking, positioning itself as a convener, collaborator, and resource hub that offers educational support, capacity building, and networking opportunities to strengthen the entire nonprofit ecosystem in its service area.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Impact Grant Cycle (Annual)

• Amount: Typically $5,000 - $100,000 per organization
• Total Pool: Over $1 million distributed annually
• Application Method: Online application at floyd.org/floydpolkfoundation
• Schedule: Annual cycle (January opening, February deadline, May announcement, June awards)
• Restrictions: One proposal per organization per grant cycle

Special Project Grants (Occasional)

• Example: $2 million awarded to Rome-Floyd YMCA for 25th Anniversary Capital Campaign
• Process: Typically by invitation or special consideration

Priority Areas

The Foundation focuses on projects that address long-standing challenges and resolve root causes rather than immediate needs:

1. Mental Health and Behavioral Health

   • Teen suicide prevention
   • Mental health services for children and youth
   • Substance abuse programs
   • School-based virtual therapy programs

2. Social Determinants of Health

   • Food access and food security (hunger relief programs, food pantries)
   • Housing security and safe discharge programs
   • Transportation barriers to healthcare

3. Healthcare Access

   • Services for underinsured and uninsured populations
   • Health disparities in underserved communities
   • Preventative health strategies

4. Educational Opportunities

   • Health equity education
   • Youth development programs
   • Anti-smoking and anti-vaping education

5. Heart Health and Cancer Support

Recent Grant Recipients

2025 Recipients (43 agencies, $1.3 million total):

• Rising Sun Recovery: $100,000
• Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries: $87,000
• Global Impact International (Restoration Rome): $70,000
• Hospitality House for Women: $45,070
• Community Resource Center of Chattooga: $40,000
• Harbor House Northwest Georgia Child Advocacy Center: $32,019
• Free Clinic of Rome: $30,000
• A Teen's Choice: $20,000
• Georgia Health Family Alliance: $15,000
• 100 Black Men of Rome: $10,000
• CASA of Polk and Haralson Inc.: $10,000

2024 Recipients (33 agencies, $1.3 million total):

• Northwest Georgia Housing Authority: $100,000
• Boys and Girls Clubs Project Learn: $85,000
• Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries Backpack Buddies: $80,000
• Restoration Rome TRBI: $75,000
• Bloom Our Youth: $50,000
• Rebecca Blaylock Nursery School: $50,000
• Children's Advocacy Center of Cherokee County, AL: $45,000
• A Teen's Choice CASH program: $34,510

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly detailed, the Foundation's focus is clear:

• Geographic restriction to Floyd, Polk, and Chattooga counties (GA) and Cherokee County (AL)
• Projects must align with healthcare and social determinants of health
• Religious and civic organizations considered only if grants used for strictly charitable purposes
• Preference for root-cause solutions over immediate relief

Governance and Leadership

Foundation Leadership

Dan Bevels, MBA - President

• Quoted: "Our mission is to champion work that truly transforms lives."
• Quoted: "We believe our role goes far beyond funding. We want to be a catalyst for collaboration and a source of knowledge and support."
• Quoted: "We want to help our communities thrive — not just survive. That means supporting nonprofits in ways that allow them to address the underlying issues that create barriers to health, opportunity, and well-being."
• Quoted: "Every grant we award is an investment in hope—a belief that together we can create healthier, stronger communities."

Donna Martin - Grants and Program Manager

• Primary contact for all grant inquiries
• Quoted: "The most difficult part of this process is choosing among so many organizations doing extraordinary work."
• Quoted: "Last year, we received a record number of applications—a clear sign of both need and innovation in our communities. While we can't fund every project, the Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that will have the greatest impact and create lasting change."

Nancy Creel - Operations Manager

Board of Directors

The Foundation has a Board of Directors with 16 members representing the interests of the community and the four founding partners (Floyd Healthcare Management, Inc., Polk Medical Center, Inc., The Hospital Authority of Floyd County, and The Cedartown-Polk County Hospital Authority). Specific board member names are not publicly listed on the Foundation's website.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Eligibility:

• Nonprofit entities with tax-exempt status (501(c)(3))
• Public charities
• Educational institutions
• Governmental agencies (for strictly charitable purposes)
• Religious and civic organizations (for strictly charitable purposes)
• Must serve citizens in Floyd, Polk, or Chattooga counties (GA) or Cherokee County (AL)

Application Process:

1. Visit floyd.org/floydpolkfoundation to access the online application portal
2. Review complete list of requirements for applicants
3. Submit one proposal per organization per grant cycle
4. Contact Donna Martin (donna.martin@atriumhealth.org or 706-509-3287) with questions

Decision Timeline

Annual Grant Cycle Schedule:

• Early January: Application portal opens (January 5 for 2026 cycle)
• Early February: Application deadline (February 6 at 11:59 PM for 2026 cycle)
• February-May: Review and evaluation period (approximately 16 weeks)
• Late May: Grant recipients announced (May 27-29 typical timeframe)
• June: Grant Recipient Reception and award presentation

Historical Timeline:

• 2024 Cycle: Opened Jan 25, closed Feb 23, announced May 31
• 2025 Cycle: Closed Feb 28, announced May 30
• 2026 Cycle: Opened Jan 5, closes Feb 6, announcement May 27

Success Rates

While specific numbers are not disclosed, the Foundation has noted:

• "Record number of applications" received in 2025
• Nearly 60% increase in applicants for 2025 cycle
• Highly competitive selection process
• 33 grants awarded in 2024 from inaugural cycle
• 43 grants awarded in 2025 (30% increase in number of grants)
• Foundation notes "we can't fund every project"

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly documented. Organizations should contact Donna Martin for guidance on reapplication after an unsuccessful application.

Application Success Factors

Foundation's Stated Priorities

The Foundation explicitly seeks projects that:

1. Address Root Causes: "Projects that address long-standing challenges, focusing on resolving the root causes of issues rather than immediate needs"

2. Create Lasting Change: "Initiatives that will have the greatest impact and create lasting change" (Donna Martin)

3. Drive Transformation: "Support creative approaches... to drive transformational change in health and well-being for all"

4. Build Sustainable Solutions: "Our goal is to be a partner in building lasting solutions, not just short-term relief" (Dan Bevels)

Evidence of Successful Projects

Based on funded projects, successful applications demonstrate:

Strong Alignment with Health Priorities:

• Mental health and substance abuse programs receive significant funding (Rising Sun Recovery: $100,000; Bloom Our Youth: $50,000)
• Food security programs consistently funded (Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries: $80,000-$87,000)
• Youth-focused interventions prioritized (Boys and Girls Clubs, A Teen's Choice, school-based therapy)

Geographic Distribution:

• Foundation funds across all four counties (Floyd, Polk, Chattooga, Cherokee)
• Chattooga County recipients received $65,000 collectively in 2024
• Mix of large regional organizations and smaller community-specific agencies

Variety of Service Models:

• Direct service programs (Free Clinic of Rome, Cancer Navigators)
• Capacity building (Children's Centers, Activity Centers)
• Prevention and education (anti-vaping programs, preventative health)
• System navigation (Safe Patient Discharge, Cancer Fighting Food Pantry)

Strategic Advice

From Foundation Leadership:

• Focus on transformational rather than transactional change
• Demonstrate how your project addresses underlying issues creating health barriers
• Show commitment to creating lasting impact in the community
• Align clearly with one or more priority areas (mental health, food security, housing, access to care)

Operational Considerations:

• Only one proposal per organization per cycle—make it count
• Foundation seeks to be a partner, not just a funder
• Consider how your organization could benefit from Foundation's educational resources and collaborative opportunities beyond the grant

Beyond Grantmaking: Additional Support

The Foundation has positioned itself as more than a traditional funder:

Grant Writing Academy

• Partnership with Georgia Clinical & Translational Science Alliance (Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine, Georgia Tech, University of Georgia)
• Provides nonprofit leaders with grant writing tools and training
• Aims to build long-term organizational capacity
• Recognizes many nonprofits lack access to specialized training

Capacity Building Philosophy

Dan Bevels: "By equipping them with the tools to secure funding, they're also helping them build long-term capacity to address deeper, systemic challenges."

The Foundation serves as a:

• Convener bringing organizations together
• Collaborator on community solutions
• Resource hub for educational opportunities
• Source of knowledge and support

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Focus on Root Causes: The Foundation explicitly prioritizes solutions addressing underlying causes rather than band-aid approaches. Frame your project around systemic change.

2. Mental Health is Top Priority: Particularly programs serving children and youth with mental health, behavioral health, or substance abuse needs consistently receive significant funding.

3. Show Lasting Impact: Use language emphasizing "transformational change," "lasting solutions," and "sustainable impact" rather than short-term relief.

4. One Shot Per Year: With only one application allowed per cycle, ensure your strongest, most aligned project is submitted. Don't rush—take time to craft a compelling case.

5. Highly Competitive: With record applications and a 60% increase in submissions, standing out requires exceptional alignment with priorities and clear demonstration of community impact.

6. Think Beyond the Grant: The Foundation offers educational resources, networking, and collaborative support. Express interest in partnership beyond just funding to align with their broader mission.

7. Geographic Specificity Matters: Clearly demonstrate how your project serves residents of Floyd, Polk, Chattooga, or Cherokee counties with specific data and examples.

8. Contact Donna Martin Early: With questions about fit, eligibility, or approach, reach out to the Grants and Program Manager before applying rather than guessing.

References

1. Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation Official Website: https://www.atriumhealthfloydharbin.org/community/floyd-polk-foundation (Accessed February 2026)

2. Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation Information Page: https://www.floyd.org/about-floyd/floyd-polk-foundation/Pages/default.aspx (Accessed February 2026)

3. "Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation Issues $1.3 Million in Grants," Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic News, June 2025: https://www.atriumhealthfloydharbin.org/news/2025/atrium-health-floyd-polk-foundation-issues-13-million-in-grants

4. "Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation Awards $1.3 Million in Grants to Benefit Area Groups," Rome CEO, September 2024: https://romeceo.com/news/2024/09/atrium-health-floyd-polk-foundation-awards-13-million-grants-benefit-area-groups/

5. "Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation Announces 2026 Grant Cycle," WRGA Local News, January 2026: https://www.wrganews.com/2026/01/08/atrium-health-floyd-polk-foundation-announces-2026-grant-cycle/

6. "Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation Announces More than $1 Million in Community Impact Grants Expected to be Awarded," Coosa Valley News, January 2026: https://coosavalleynews.com/2026/01/atrium-health-floyd-polk-foundation-announces-more-than-1-million-in-community-impact-grants-expected-to-be-awarded/

7. Floyd-Polk Healthcare Foundation Inc, GuideStar Profile (EIN 87-2546864): https://www.guidestar.org/profile/87-2546864 (Accessed February 2026)

8. Floyd-Polk Healthcare Foundation Inc, ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/872546864 (Accessed February 2026)

9. "Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation launches new education effort," Northwest Georgian News, July 2025: https://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/polk_standard_journal/news/local/atrium-health-floyd-polk-foundation-launches-new-education-effort/article_c964c9e7-8a13-42ee-b893-7e86ceff97e2.html

10. "Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation President Knows Needs of Community," Northwest Georgian News, January 2026: https://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/atrium-health-floyd-polk-foundation-president-knows-needs-of-community/article_1486918a-f3be-11ef-a05a-73e0bef16e1c.html