Central Georgia Empowerment Fund (Community Foundation of Central Georgia)

About this program

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia’s Central Georgia Empowerment Fund is a member-funded giving circle that awards grants up to $5,000 to non-sectarian projects improving quality of life, sustainability, opportunity, and self-sufficiency for African American communities in Bibb, Houston, and Jones counties; half of member contributions are awarded annually while the remainder is placed in an endowment. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, government entities, higher-education institutions, and religious organizations for non-sectarian community projects, and organizations must have annual operating budgets under $500,000 and, if applicable, a final report on file for prior Community Foundation grants. Priority is given to Black-led (African American executive director and ≥30% African American governing board) and Black-serving (≥50% of services/projects benefit the African American community) organizations; finalists must deliver a strict two-minute pitch at an August finalist event, awards are announced in late September, funds must be expended by July 1 of the following year, and applications (with IRS determination letter, audit or Form 990, current budget, project budget, board list, and photo) are submitted via the CFCG Grants Portal.