Betty and Davis Fitzgerald Foundation Grant

The Betty and Davis Fitzgerald Foundation is a private philanthropic organization that focuses its grantmaking on improving access to education and mental health services for children, youth, and families. The Foundation prioritizes systemic and structural improvements rather than direct service expansion, emphasizing long-term change through workforce development, policy and advocacy efforts, and cross-sector coordination. Its funding approach reflects a commitment to addressing inequities and supporting organizations that are rooted in or accountable to the communities most affected by disparities in access to education and mental health resources. The purpose of this grant opportunity is to support nonprofit organizations working within the Metro Atlanta region or statewide in Georgia to strengthen systems that influence access to education and mental health. The Foundation encourages proposals that enhance workforce capacity, improve system infrastructure, and facilitate coordination among organizations and sectors. Projects that primarily focus on direct service delivery are less competitive, as the Foundation prioritizes initiatives that create broader systemic impact over time. Funding is intended to support strategic efforts that can demonstrate measurable improvements in access and equity over a one- to three-year period. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or have a qualified fiscal sponsor. Organizations must operate primarily within the 21-county Metro Atlanta region or across the state of Georgia and must demonstrate a focus on improving access to education or mental health services. Additionally, applicants must show that their work strengthens systems or infrastructure and that they are accountable to the communities they serve. The Foundation places strong emphasis on equity and expects applicants to clearly articulate how their work addresses disparities affecting underserved populations. The application process begins with submission through the Foundation’s Blackbaud Applicant Portal, which requires users to create an account. The initial submission is a one-page proposal of approximately 500 to 750 words. This proposal should include an overview of the organization, the purpose and timeliness of the funding request, a description of how the proposed work strengthens systems or access, and the intended impact over one to three years. Applicants are also encouraged to describe partnerships and collaborative efforts that enhance coordination and access within their communities. Following submission, proposals are reviewed by the Foundation’s trustees during scheduled board meetings. A limited number of applicants are invited to advance to the next stage, which includes a site visit. During this phase, applicants may be asked to provide additional strategic or financial documentation and participate in a virtual, hybrid, or in-person meeting. After the site visit, Foundation staff synthesize findings and make recommendations to the appropriate committee, which informs final funding decisions. The grant operates on a recurring cycle with three application deadlines annually. For 2026, proposal submission deadlines are February 3, April 3, and August 3, each at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Notifications regarding advancement to the site visit stage are typically provided in late March, late June, and late September, respectively. Final funding decisions occur in the following quarter after board meetings, and approved applicants are notified within two business days. Funds are generally disbursed within 30 business days after completion of grant agreements and required documentation. Grantees are required to participate in a learning and reporting process at the end of the grant period or annually, depending on the grant type. Reporting may include a written narrative, optional photos, or a conversation with Foundation staff. The Foundation emphasizes shared learning and ongoing engagement with grantees. Organizations that are declined must wait one year before reapplying, while funded organizations must wait at least six months after the conclusion of their grant term before submitting a new proposal.

Consultations with staff or board are not required. Applicants should ensure strong alignment with focus areas before applying.