Some of our most frequently asked questions – with answers!

Eligibility is determined based on alignment with our priorities. Applicants must:

• Be aligned to the Mental Health and/or Education focus area
• Be classified as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
• Serve the 21-county Metro Atlanta region
• Work to benefit families with low incomes and living in historically marginalized or underserved communities

We focus on advancing equity in education and mental health for families experiencing low income, particularly in historically marginalized communities. Our grantmaking prioritizes efforts that strengthen talent pipelines for early childhood educators, K–12 teachers, and mental health professionals, advocate for systemic change to improve access and outcomes, and promote collaborative, community-based solutions that meet families where they are. Learn more about our grantmaking priorities.

Our online application gathers essential details about your organization and funding request. Applicants should be prepared to provide a concise narrative that includes:

• An introduction to your organization and its commitment to enhancing education or mental health equity.
• A clear description of the services to be funded, including measurable outcomes achieved or expected.
• Demographic information about the populations you serve and the communities benefiting from your work.
• Insights into the diversity of your leadership and staff, including the racial and gender composition of your executive director, board, and team.

The Foundation does not provide funding for special events, performances, or dinners (including sponsorships, tickets, or tables). It also does not support booster organizations, churches or religious entities, research, conferences, or seminars. Additionally, the Foundation does not make grants or loans to individuals.

Our Board of Directors makes funding decisions with input from Foundation staff. Proposals are assessed based on their alignment with our strategic priorities, potential impact, and organizational capacity. We invest in and collaborate with mission-aligned organizations dedicated to expanding opportunities for underserved communities and those with limited access to essential resources.

Grants typically range from $25,000 to $50,000, though requests outside this range are considered. As a small foundation, we generally do not prioritize multi-year grants, as they limit our ability to support a broader group of partners each year. Exceptions may be made in select cases. View grant history.

The Foundation provides support in a variety of forms, depending on the needs of our nonprofit partners. This may include program support (for new or expanded initiatives), general operating support, capacity-building efforts, and, in limited cases, capital campaigns. Our goal is to offer the type of support that best addresses the most pressing needs of the organizations we fund.

Yes, we encourage applicants to reach out should they have any questions before applying. A staff member will always be available to answer questions. For questions or to schedule a time to speak with a staff person, please email Angela Ballantyne.

If selected for a site visit, you’ll be notified via email. The Foundation will request detailed strategy and financial documents, then schedule a visit—virtual, hybrid, or in-person. Post-visit, a report is submitted to the Board by the staff, who then decide on grant approval and amount. View our grant process.

To support a culture of learning, we ask grantees to share a brief report at the end of the grant period—or annually for multi-year grants. This can be a short-written narrative with optional photos, or a conversation (virtual or in-person), depending on your preference. As the reporting period approaches, Foundation staff will reach out to confirm your preferred format and schedule a debrief meeting if helpful. Our goal is to reflect and learn together—not simply to collect data. Apply for a Grant.

If your organization’s grant application is declined, we request you wait one year before reapplying. For organizations that receive funding, a waiting period of at least six months after the grant term’s conclusion is required before submitting a new proposal. View our grant process.

Yes. The Foundation accepts proposals from organizations working with a fiscal sponsor, if the sponsor meets eligibility requirements, and the relationship is clearly defined.

Yes. You can save your work and return to it at any time. In the online application, click “Save and Proceed” before exiting. To return to your saved application, go to the Fitzgerald Foundation website and select “Review/Edit an Existing Application.” From there, choose your application to continue where you left off. Only select “Start a New Application” if you’re beginning a new proposal. If you have any questions or run into issues with the portal, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our staff—we’re happy to help.

For any questions at any time, please feel free to reach out to a member of our staff directly through our website.