R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation Grant

The R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation Grant aims to enhance educational opportunities, access to health services, and environmental stewardship in Georgia. Focused on public K-12 education, the foundation prioritizes innovative teaching practices, professional development, and scalable projects. Additionally, it supports equitable conservation efforts and health initiatives, particularly in maternal and adolescent mental health. The foundation welcomes inquiries from public charities under 501(c)(3) status, emphasizing operational support for mission-critical functions.

Once you've reviewed this website, and believe we may be a potential fit for your work,  we encourage you to contact the Foundation coordinator  to have an introductory conversation before submitting a Letter of Inquiry (LOI). During this initial conversation, we will learn more about your work, help you better understand our process, and determine if your request is a promising fit.
After the conversation, if we’ve confirmed that your request represents a good fit, you’ll be encouraged to submit a Letter of Inquiry .Please see the full process here.
Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation is to support educational opportunities, improve access to health services, and promote environmental stewardship. The Foundation is committed to honoring the legacy of R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. through its work.
The Foundation seeks to strengthen teaching quality and classroom outcomes by investing in the development of new and veteran educators with an emphasis on innovative practices and the delivery of a 21st century education. The Foundation will place priority on projects with potential for scaling and replication.
The Foundation works state-wide on behalf of the environment and will occasionally consider education and health inquiries that serve other parts of Georgia.
Education
The Foundation seeks to strengthen teaching and learning in public K-12 districts in Georgia by investing in educators through high quality professional development, equitable practices that support relevant and effective pedagogy and recruitment and retention initiatives. The Foundation will place priority on projects with potential for scaling and replication.
Environment
The Foundation invests in a culture of equitable conservation across Georgia with a priority on the coast; builds capacity for conservation of the Longleaf pine ecosystem; and makes selective investments in high value conservation initiatives across the state.
Health
The Foundation seeks to expand access to basic health services (i.e. primary, behavioral, oral, vision) through evidence-based approaches, and will prioritize capacity building investments to improve maternal health and child and adolescent mental health across the State of Georgia.

Eligibility

Applicants must be classified as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. An IRS determination letter certifying this tax status will be required.We will focus exclusively on provision of operating support with priority placed on maintenance of mission critical functions and viability.The Foundation's grantmaking is focused in Georgia so we welcome inquiries from all parts of the state. The majority of environmental funding is allocated outside metro Atlanta.

Ineligibility

The Foundation will not consider funding for special events, performances, or dinners (i.e., sponsorship, tickets and/or tables); booster clubs; churches or religious organizations when the project in question primarily serves members; or requests to retire accumulated debt resulting from operating deficits. The Foundation does not make grants or loans to individuals.