Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions & Equity Grant

Funder: Drawdown Georgia (six Georgia-based family foundations: The Ray C. Anderson Foundation, The Ghanta Family Foundation, the Reilly Family Fund, The Tull Charitable Foundation, The Wilbur & Hilda Glenn Family Foundation, and one anonymous donor)

Geographic Scope: Thomasville, GA - Primary focus on Dewey City neighborhood

Focus Areas:

• Climate solutions with equity and justice focus
• Plant-based diet initiatives
• Residential solar energy solutions
• Food desert mitigation
• Community health improvements

Eligibility: Community development organizations with demonstrated commitment to climate justice and community priorities

Key Details:

• TCDC received grant in December 2024 as part of third cohort
• To date, $3.2 million awarded through program
• Two-part project structure:
  • Part 1 (Plant-based diet): Focus on 40 families in Dewey City (food desert area); partnerships with local farmers and community businesses; prepared plant-based meals distributed to community, particularly seniors; health assessments and education on plant-based nutrition
  • Part 2 (Residential solar): Installation of solar panels at renovated Douglass High School (52 low-income senior apartments) to power common areas and reduce utility costs for residents
• Over 2,000 meals distributed since program launch in April 2025
• 80%+ of participating seniors are diabetic or pre-diabetic
• Partnerships include local caterer Alvin Davis, Marathon Marketplace owner Rendall Mash, nurse practitioner Jasmine Calhoun, and licensed nurse Kuluvanda Cason
• Involves pre and post-health assessments to measure impact
• Selection process includes site visits from funder panel representatives

Contact Information:

• Thomasville Community Development Corporation
• Email: info@thomasvillecdc.org
• Phone: (229) 231-1199
• Address: 401 S Broad Street, Thomasville, GA 31792