Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta: How It Supports Metro Atlanta and How You Can Get Involved

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta is one of the key organizations helping shape philanthropy, nonprofit support, and long‑term community investment in the Atlanta region. If you live in Atlanta, are moving here, or simply want to give back locally in a smart way, understanding what this foundation does can be very useful.

This guide explains what the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta is, who it serves, how it works, and how Atlanta residents, visitors, and local organizations can connect with it.

What Is the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta?

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta is a regional philanthropic foundation that connects people and resources to community needs across metro Atlanta.

It primarily:

• Manages charitable funds for individuals, families, and businesses
• Provides grants and other support to nonprofits
• Leads and participates in regional initiatives that address local challenges (such as housing, education, arts, and economic mobility)
• Helps residents plan local, long‑term giving that benefits Atlanta communities

Unlike a single‑issue charity, the foundation works across many topics but always with a focus on Greater Atlanta.

What Areas of Atlanta Does It Serve?

The foundation’s work generally covers the broader Atlanta metro area, often referred to as Greater Atlanta, which typically includes:

• City of Atlanta
• Parts of Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton and other nearby counties
• A wide network of neighborhoods, from Downtown and Midtown to South Atlanta, Westside, and suburban communities

If you’re giving through the foundation or seeking funding, you’ll usually find that projects with clear benefits for metro Atlanta communities are the priority.

Where Is the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta Located?

The foundation is based in the City of Atlanta, in the central business district, making it accessible from most parts of the metro area.

Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta (Main Office)

• Address: 191 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Located in the Peachtree Center / Downtown Atlanta area, close to major MARTA stations and government buildings

For the most accurate details on hours, parking, or building access, it’s best to contact the foundation directly before visiting.

What Does the Foundation Actually Do in Atlanta?

1. Manages Charitable Funds for Donors

Many Atlantans want to give back but don’t know the best way to structure their giving. The Community Foundation offers options such as:

• Donor‑advised funds (DAFs):
  Individuals, families, or businesses can set up a fund, contribute to it, and then recommend grants to eligible nonprofits over time.
• Designated funds:
  Donors can support specific Atlanta nonprofits, such as a neighborhood food pantry or arts organization.
• Field‑of‑interest funds:
  Focused on areas like education, arts and culture, housing, racial equity, or youth development in Greater Atlanta.
• Scholarship funds:
  Often support Atlanta‑area students with post‑secondary education costs.

These tools allow donors to keep their giving local and strategic, while the foundation handles administration, investment management, and due diligence on qualified charities.

2. Grants and Support for Nonprofits

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta is also a funder and partner for nonprofits working across the region. It often provides:

• Competitive grant programs for nonprofits serving Greater Atlanta
• Capacity‑building support, such as leadership development or organizational planning
• Connections with donors, peer organizations, and regional initiatives

Nonprofits based in Atlanta or serving Atlanta residents frequently look to the foundation as one of the key local grantmakers.

3. Community Leadership and Regional Initiatives

In addition to funding, the foundation frequently:

• Convenes local leaders, nonprofits, businesses, and residents to address regional issues
• Supports multi‑year efforts related to affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, the arts, education, economic mobility, and equity
• Collaborates with city agencies (such as the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office), local governments, and other foundations on shared priorities

If you follow civic conversations about the future of Atlanta—such as how to support the Westside, strengthen South Atlanta neighborhoods, or improve opportunities for young people—you will often see the Community Foundation involved in some way.

Who Typically Works With the Community Foundation?

The foundation serves several main groups in Greater Atlanta:

Atlanta Residents and Families

People who:

• Live in Atlanta and want to give back locally
• Have a family tradition of philanthropy and want structure and guidance
• Recently sold a business, inherited assets, or had another financial change and want to do tax‑smart, strategic giving in the region

Business and Corporate Donors

Atlanta‑area companies may:

• Set up corporate giving programs or funds
• Create employee‑matching or workplace giving funds
• Support community initiatives tied to neighborhoods where they operate

Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofits in the Atlanta region work with the foundation to:

• Apply for grants
• Join capacity‑building programs
• Connect with donors and partners who care about similar issues

Professional Advisors

Local financial planners, estate attorneys, accountants, and wealth advisors often turn to the Community Foundation when their Atlanta‑based clients want to:

• Add charitable giving to estate or tax planning
• Set up long‑term philanthropic structures that stay rooted in Atlanta

Key Ways Atlanta Residents Can Engage

If you’re in Atlanta and want to participate, here are the most common paths:

1. Start a Charitable Fund

For Atlantans looking to make ongoing charitable contributions, the foundation can help you:

• Decide what type of fund fits your goals (e.g., donor‑advised fund for flexible giving)
• Focus your giving on Atlanta neighborhoods or causes you care about
• Take advantage of charitable tax deductions within current law (always confirmed with your own tax professional)

This is especially useful if you:

• Want your giving to be organized and tracked
• Support multiple nonprofits across Fulton, DeKalb, and other metro counties
• Want help evaluating local organizations and opportunities

2. Give to Existing Community Funds

You do not have to create your own fund to participate. Many Atlantans choose to:

• Contribute to existing community funds that support multiple local nonprofits
• Focus on issue‑based funds, such as education, arts, or housing in Greater Atlanta

This can be a good fit if you live in Atlanta and want your donations to have local impact but prefer a simpler approach.

3. Support or Partner as a Nonprofit

If you work with a nonprofit based in or serving Atlanta, you might:

• Monitor foundation announcements for grant opportunities
• Join learning sessions, workshops, or networking events the foundation may host
• Explore potential collaborations with other grantees

4. Learn About Local Needs and Opportunities

The Community Foundation often shares insights on regional needs, such as:

• Neighborhoods where additional investment could transform outcomes
• Types of programs that are making measurable differences in people’s lives
• Emerging local priorities related to housing, health, transportation, or education

If you are new to Atlanta or trying to refine your philanthropic focus, these perspectives can help you understand where your support might matter most.

What Kinds of Issues Does the Foundation Focus on in Atlanta?

Focus areas can evolve, but they often include issues that are highly visible in daily life in Atlanta. Examples include:

• Affordable housing and neighborhood stability
• Education and youth development, including support for students in Atlanta Public Schools and surrounding districts
• Arts and culture, including small arts organizations and community arts programs
• Economic mobility and workforce development for residents across the metro area
• Equity and inclusion, especially for historically under‑resourced communities

The exact programs change over time, but the common thread is improving quality of life and opportunity in Greater Atlanta.

How the Community Foundation Compares to Other Local Resources

Here’s a quick snapshot of how the Community Foundation fits into the broader Atlanta landscape of giving and community support:

For someone interested in local impact, the Community Foundation often serves as a starting point to learn about and access a wide range of Atlanta nonprofits and initiatives.

Practical Tips for Atlantans Considering the Foundation

Here are a few simple guidelines if you live in or around Atlanta and want to get involved:

• Clarify your focus.
  Decide whether you care most about a neighborhood (e.g., Southwest Atlanta), a type of work (like youth programs), or a population (such as seniors or new Americans).
• Think long‑term.
  Many donors in Atlanta use the foundation for multi‑year giving plans, not just one‑time gifts.
• Coordinate with your advisor.
  If you have a financial planner, accountant, or attorney in Atlanta, ask how a charitable fund might fit into your overall financial and estate planning.
• If you’re a nonprofit, stay informed.
  Track the foundation’s priorities and application timelines so you can apply when your work clearly aligns.
• If you’re new to Atlanta, start broad.
  You can begin by supporting pooled community funds and then narrow your focus as you learn more about local neighborhoods and organizations.

How to Contact the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta

For the most accurate and up‑to‑date information on programs, grant cycles, and donor services, you can reach out directly.

Typical contact options include:

• Mailing / Office Address
  Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
  191 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1000
  Atlanta, GA 30303

• Phone
  A main office phone line is generally available during business hours for:

  • Donors and prospective donors
  • Nonprofits with grant or partnership questions
  • General public inquiries about the foundation’s role in Greater Atlanta

Exact phone numbers or department extensions can change, so it is best to confirm current details through official channels or a directory service before calling or visiting.

For anyone who cares about Atlanta’s future, the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta serves as a central resource to organize giving, strengthen nonprofits, and support long‑term community change across the metro area. Whether you’re an individual donor, a business, a nonprofit, or a new resident looking to plug in, it is one of the key institutions to know in Greater Atlanta’s civic and philanthropic landscape.