Atlanta Foundation Grant Program

The Atlanta Foundation is a private philanthropic fund established in 1921 by resolution of the Board of Directors of the Fourth National Bank of Atlanta, with the bank serving as the original trustee. Today, Wells Fargo Bank continues in that trustee role, administering the foundation’s assets and grantmaking processes. The foundation is governed by a committee of five Atlanta residents with demonstrated interest and knowledge in civic, educational, and community welfare issues. These committee members are selected with attention to diversity of perspectives and are subject to restrictions that prevent political officeholders from serving and limit representation from any single religious denomination. The purpose of the Atlanta Foundation is to support charitable and educational institutions that serve residents of Fulton County and DeKalb County, Georgia. Its mission is broad but clearly centered on improving the mental, moral, and physical well-being of community members. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote education, advance scientific research, provide care for vulnerable populations such as the sick and elderly, enhance living conditions, and expand access to recreational opportunities for all populations regardless of race, color, or creed. Funding is provided primarily through program grants and support for operating projects. While the foundation does not specify strict funding caps or floors, it emphasizes practical and impactful use of funds aligned with its charitable objectives. Allowable uses include programmatic activities, operational support tied to mission delivery, and projects that directly benefit residents within the designated counties. The foundation does not explicitly outline restrictions on indirect costs or specific budget categories, but all funded activities must align with charitable purposes and community benefit. Eligibility is limited to organizations that qualify as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and are located in or serve Fulton or DeKalb counties in Georgia. This geographic restriction is strictly enforced, and only organizations operating within these counties are considered. The foundation does not indicate eligibility for individuals, for-profit entities, or organizations outside the specified region. Faith-based organizations may be eligible if their programs serve the broader community without restriction based on religious affiliation. The application process is conducted online through the Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services platform. Applications are accepted year-round, but applicants must adhere to specific submission deadlines to be considered at scheduled board meetings. Required submission deadlines are March 1 for consideration at the April meeting and September 1 for the October meeting. Applicants receive an automated confirmation email upon submission. While specific application components are not detailed, applicants should expect to provide organizational information, program descriptions, and supporting documentation relevant to their request. The review and decision-making process occurs during biannual board meetings held in April and October. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation’s mission, the potential impact of the proposed project, and the organization’s capacity to execute the proposed work. While formal evaluation criteria are not explicitly listed, the foundation’s emphasis on community benefit and charitable impact suggests these factors are central to funding decisions. Notification timing is not specified but is assumed to follow board review cycles. Grant recipients are generally required to submit a progress report within six months of receiving funds, unless otherwise specified at the time of award. This reporting requirement ensures accountability and provides the foundation with insight into program outcomes and impact. For questions or support, applicants may contact Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services via email at grantadministration@wellsfargo.com or by phone at 1-888-235-4351. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle with consistent deadlines, allowing organizations to plan future submissions accordingly.