Community Foundation gives $2 million in grants

By Shelia M. Poole

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta said it has awarded $2 million in grants during so far this year to strengthen nonprofits.

Grants ranged from $1,500 for smaller neighborhood programs to more than $120,000 to help refugee women and children.

The foundation wants to help "high- impact nonprofits that have a strategic plan, diverse board and a variety of fund development," said Lauren Norton Welsh, a spokeswoman for the Atlanta foundation.

Grants were awarded through a variety of programs including one designated for organizations that help people living with HIV/AIDS  and prevention programs. The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta and the Partnership Against Domestic Violence received grants through the Grants to Green program to help them become more energy and water efficient.

Our House, a Decatur-based nonprofit that serves homeless children and their families, received $100,000 through the foundation's Common Good Fund for general operating support.

Tyese Lawyer, executive director, said the organization faces possible funding cuts at a time of more demand. The money will help programs such as its pre-K, Head Start, counseling for homeless parents and job training.

In 2010, the Community Foundationawarded $99 million in grants overall, said Welsh. That was the third-highest year since the foundation's start in 1951.

She  expects 2011 to see steady donor contributions.

"We're seeing donors who are extremely active with their funds," she said. That is partly in response to seeing state and federal budgets cut, she added.