Athens Area Community Foundation Inc
Athens Area Community Foundation Inc is a public charity based in Athens, Georgia. Established in 2008, it manages charitable funds and makes grants to qualified nonprofit organizations, with most grantmaking staying within its seven-county community: Athens-Clarke, Oconee, Barrow, Greene, Jackson, Madison, and Oglethorpe.
Athens Area Community Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Athens Area Community Foundation Inc gave $7.1M across 180 grants in 2025 (avg $40K), mostly in Georgia. 53% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $7,136,108
- +19.9% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 180
- +150.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $39,645
- -52.0% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $38,923,955
- +37.5% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 53% first-time grantees (94 of 178, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Georgia (91% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Athens Area Community Foundation Inc
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 1543, Athens, GA 30603
Phone: (706) 542-7044
Website: https://athensareacf.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Athens Area Community Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Extra Special People Inc ($467K). Together the top 10 received $2.5M.
Grant Size Distribution
549 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 461 grants of 549 (84%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation serves Athens-Clarke, Oconee, Barrow, Greene, Jackson, Madison, and Oglethorpe counties. It states that most of its grantmaking stays within this seven-county community, while donors may make grants to qualified charities anywhere in the country. In filing year 2025, 91% of grant dollars went to recipients in Georgia.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 180 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Athens Area Community Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
53%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 94 of 178 grantees (53%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $27K; repeat grants $55K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $20K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.7M (2019) to $7.1M (2025). In 2025 it made 180 grants totaling $7.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Special People Inc Watkinsville, GA | General Support | $467,100 |
| Athens YMCA Athens, GA | General Support | $334,000 |
| Vision Atlanta Inc dba Camp Grace Roberta, GA | General Support | $330,340 |
| Athens Resource Center for the Homeless Athens, GA | General Support | $300,000 |
| Boys and Girls Clubs of Athens Athens, GA | General Support | $249,843 |
| Family Promise of Athens Athens, GA | General Support | $197,000 |
| Project Safe Inc Athens, GA | General Support | $172,881 |
| Athens Area Habitat for Humanity Inc Athens, GA | General Support | $172,523 |
| University of Georgia Foundation Athens, GA | General Support | $159,850 |
| Brothers Keeper Veterans Foundation Inc Flowery Branch, GA | General Support | $150,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Athens Area Community Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Figures below are from the foundation’s Form 990 filings.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,923,955 | $15,763,923 | $9,829,941 | $7,136,108 | 180 | $597,397 |
| 2024 | $28,313,231 | $10,859,005 | $7,030,415 | $5,949,579 | 72 | $324,624 |
| 2023 | $21,056,504 | $4,249,622 | $3,799,649 | $3,041,432 | 107 | $334,198 |
| 2022 | $18,781,232 | $5,823,024 | $4,015,531 | $2,720,363 | 121 | $269,201 |
| 2021 | $18,324,439 | $3,399,070 | $2,569,396 | $1,815,294 | 69 | $364,182 |
| 2020 | $13,204,711 | $3,612,771 | $2,680,853 | $1,913,454 | 66 | $512,736 |
| 2019 | $11,384,660 | $3,452,625 | $2,233,736 | $1,683,391 | 51 | $530,298 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is to bring together people who care about Athens and surrounding areas and seek to improve the community’s quality of life and economic well-being through charitable gifts and involvement. It also describes its work as connecting donors with causes they care about and serving as an effective grantmaker in partnership with the community.
A listed grant opportunity, Resilient Northeast Georgia’s Trauma-Informed Communities Grant, is designed to support organizations working to prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) for children and families and increase trauma-informed awareness and care. Its stated priority areas are capacity building, expansion or scaling efforts, and program costs. Eligible applicants include publicly supported 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, schools, churches, and government entities serving Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, or Walton County.
The 2025 grantees illustrate the range of organizations receiving support. Extra Special People says it creates transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families. Family Promise of Athens describes work to help homeless families achieve sustainable independence through emergency housing, meals, and support services. Project Safe describes its work as domestic-violence support and assistance; Athens Area Habitat for Humanity says it provides affordable housing for low-income residents of the Athens area. Books for Keeps says it works to improve children’s reading achievement by addressing barriers to reading materials.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 180 grants totaling $7,136,108. Grants ranged from $5,200 to $467,100, with a median of $15,000. The listed grants were generally identified as general support.
Largest listed grants included $467,100 to Extra Special People Inc; $334,000 to Athens YMCA; $330,340 to Vision Atlanta Inc dba Camp Grace; $300,000 to Athens Resource Center for the Homeless; and $249,843 to Boys and Girls Clubs of Athens. Other notable grants included $197,000 to Family Promise of Athens, $172,881 to Project Safe, $172,523 to Athens Area Habitat for Humanity, and $159,850 to University of Georgia Foundation.
For its discretionary grants, the foundation requires end-of-year grant reports. Grants from donor funds do not require such a report unless requested. Its due diligence includes evidence of an organization’s qualification, analysis, evidence of program capacity, and evidence of commitment to the grant terms.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Myron Down as Chair; Amy Bement as Vice-Chair; Clark Brown as Treasurer; Alicia Battle as Secretary; Rhodes McLanahan and Sara Schramm as Immediate Past Chairs; and Bavan Hopper, David Bradley, Dr. Maurice Daniels, and Dr. Teresa McLean as board members.
Athens Area Community Foundation Inc is led by Sarah McKinney, CEO & President on every filing since 2019; 1 of 23 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Sarah McKinney
CEO & President
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$117K (2019) → $125K (2025)
Myron Down
Chair
Board Member → Vice Chair, 2023
Vice Chair → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Alicia Battle
Secretary
Board Member → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Bradley
Board Member
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer Frum
Board Member
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Clark
Board Member
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Patrick Garrard
Board Member
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rhodes McLanahan
Immediate Past Chair
Vice Chair → Chair, 2021
Chair → Immediate Past Chair, 2023
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sally Coenen
Board Member
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sara Schramm
Immediate Past Chair
Vice Chair → Chair, 2023
Chair → Immediate Past Chair, 2025
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tim Johnson
Board Member
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Clark Brown
Treasurer
Board Member → Treasurer, 2021
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kelly Girtz
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kirk Smith
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Amy Bement
Vice Chair
Board Member → Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bavan Hopper
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Roy Stowe
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Heidi Hensley
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jody Patton
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Erin Thompson Podvin
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Laura Welch
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Maurice Daniels
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Teresa McLean
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (21)
- Former: Bob Carson (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Dexter Fisher (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Jinx Patel (2019–2022) — Secretary
- Former: Justin Widener (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Lawton Stephens (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Phil Bettendorf (2019–2022) — Immediate Pa
- Former: Rod Rutledge (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Tawana Mattox (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Neil Stevens (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Pat Mercardante (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: R. Edward Perkins (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Rob Fezekas (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Alex Patterson (2019–2020) — Immediate Pa
- Former: G. Michael Smith (2019–2020) — Treasurer
- Former: Hank Huckaby (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Kelly Holloway (2019–2020) — Secretary
- Former: Bernard Saunders (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Cynthia Lester (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Kara Dyckman (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Kathy Kirbo (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Shriraj Shrikhande (2019) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $125K, to Sarah McKinney (CEO/President).
Frequently asked questions about Athens Area Community Foundation Inc
How much does Athens Area Community Foundation Inc give each year?
Athens Area Community Foundation Inc gave $7.1M across 180 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $5.9M across 72 grants.
What is Athens Area Community Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Athens Area Community Foundation Inc's median grant in 2025 was $15,000, and its average grant was $39,645, across 180 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Athens Area Community Foundation Inc that year got $27K on average.
Where does Athens Area Community Foundation Inc give grants?
Athens Area Community Foundation Inc gives mostly in Georgia: 91% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Athens, GA (80 grants), Atlanta, GA (9 grants), Watkinsville, GA (5 grants) and Winder, GA (4 grants).
Does Athens Area Community Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Athens Area Community Foundation Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (180 of 180) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Who are Athens Area Community Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Athens Area Community Foundation Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Extra Special People Inc ($467,100), Athens YMCA ($334,000) and Vision Atlanta Inc dba Camp Grace ($330,340), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 16% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Athens Area Community Foundation Inc?
Athens Area Community Foundation Inc reported $38.9M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $15.8M.
What does Athens Area Community Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to bring together people who care about Athens and surrounding areas and seek to improve the community’s quality of life and economic well-being through charitable gifts and involvement. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Athens Area Community Foundation Inc?
Athens Area Community Foundation Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check athensareacf.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Athens Area Community Foundation Inc's EIN?
Athens Area Community Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 26-1838979. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 29, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS March 29, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 8, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS April 22, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS March 11, 2020)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS April 27, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Athens Area Community Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Georgia
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta Inc
Atlanta, GA
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta funds nonprofits across areas including health, education, human services, arts, housing, and civic engagement, with an emphasis on equity and shared prosperity. Its itemized 2024 grants had a median of $21,000, and over 64% of its 2024 grant support stayed in the 23-county metro Atlanta region, though it also funds organizations nationally and internationally. Nonprofits can apply through the foundation’s Grants Portal for competitive opportunities; it also makes donor-advised grants, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.5B
Grants
1,414
Total Given
$152.3M
Georgia Power Foundation Inc
Atlanta, GA
Georgia Power Foundation supports programs and capital campaigns that improve quality of life, including work in health care, education, workforce development, arts, and community development, with a strong preference for Georgia organizations and communities. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $1 million, with a median of $10,000; requests of $25,000 or less are reviewed on an ongoing basis. It accepts online grant requests, as described in its filing.
Assets
$217.0M
Grants
517
Total Given
$18.6M
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Atlanta, GA
BGCA funds youth development through local Boys & Girls Clubs, supporting academic success, health, leadership, mentoring, and related programs. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,047 to $2,704,861, with a median of $81,098, and went to communities across the United States, Native lands, and military installations. Whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$95.2M
Grants
797
Total Given
$120.5M
Habitat for Humanity International Inc
Americus, GA
Habitat for Humanity International funds affiliates and other organizations working on affordable housing, including homebuilding, housing preservation, coalition building and advocacy. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,027 to $6.37 million, with a median of about $48,700, supporting work across the U.S. and internationally; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$760.0M
Grants
719
Total Given
$101.6M
The Arthur M Blank Family Foundation
Atlanta, GA
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation funds work in Atlanta’s Westside, democracy, the environment, mental health and well-being, youth development, and founder initiatives, with a focus on Georgia and Montana and some national impact. In 2024, grants ranged from $500 to $20 million, with a median of $50,000. It makes grants by invitation and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$466.3M
Grants
586
Total Given
$212.1M
American Cancer Society Inc
Atlanta, GA
The American Cancer Society funds cancer research, patient support, and advocacy, including grants to researchers, institutions, and related organizations. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,648 to $9.6 million, with a median of $15,000; research funding supports institutions across the United States. It accepts applications for specific research programs through ProposalCentral, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests generally.
Assets
$1.7B
Grants
509
Total Given
$23.1M
More similar funders
More Funders in Georgia
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Athens Area Community Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/athens-area-community-foundation-inc-morg_cfd9e567547e42d491e7f7e39767d66b
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_261838979_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Athens Area Community Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/athens-area-community-foundation-inc-morg_cfd9e567547e42d491e7f7e39767d66b},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-14. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Athens Area Community Foundation Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Athens Area Community Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?