The COVID-19 Community Response Fund, hosted by the Athens Area Community Foundation in partnership with United Way of Northeast Georgia, announced its third round of grant distributions to 16 nonprofits today. Informed by data from United Way of Northeast Georgia’s 211 and the Athens Wellbeing Project, community insight, and county government knowledge, the third round of fund deployment will go to organizations that are providing positive youth development opportunities this summer, as well as organizations keeping kids and youth safe and healthy. This round of disbursements totals $71,000 - 32% of the entire COVID-19 Community Response Fund.

The recipients of the third round of grants include:

Brightpaths

Children First, Inc.

Piedmont CASA, Inc.

Northeast Georgia CASA

Athens Area Diaper Bank

Boys and Girls Club of Athens

Boys and Girls Club of Winder-Barrow County

Madison-Morgan County Boys and Girls Club

Boys and Girls Club of Jackson County

Athens YMCA

YMCA of Georgia’s Piedmont – Brad Akins Branch

Extra Special People, Inc.

Books for Keeps

Chess and Community

East Athens Development Corporation

Drug Free Athens 

“The upheaval for families with children when schools closed was daunting enough. Without options this summer for educational and positive life skill development, many of our youth will face even more challenges,” said Kay Keller, President and CEO of United Way of Northeast Georgia. “We know that many of our children are missing the interactions with other kids, some are facing unsafe or unstable environments, and many are lacking interactions with positive role models who can focus their attention on their growth and success. We believe these organizations are providing opportunities for that, in spite of the pandemic.”

“Understanding opportunities in education and positive youth development, and making investments accordingly, is one of the most important functions of our work as a grant maker,” said Sarah McKinney, President and CEO of the Athens Area Community Foundation. “The youth in our region need every opportunity to connect, grow, and learn. We are pleased to make grants in this round of funding to local organizations providing exceptional programming to do just that.”

The Athens Area Community Foundation and United Way of Northeast Georgia are grateful for the financial stewardship of more than 370 individuals, organizations and businesses. We are especially thankful for the major gifts and contributions from CareSource Foundation, First American Bank & Trust, Foundation for the Carolinas, Georgia Power Foundation, Ross & Leigh Campbell with Georgia Skin Cancer & Aesthetic Dermatology, South State Bank, The Caterpillar Foundation, The Huffer Foundation, The Wilbur and Hilda Glenn Family Foundation, Truist, Zeist Foundation, and Athens Area Community Foundation Fundholders.

The fund is still open and accepting donations. Anyone can help by making a donation to the COVID-19 Community Response Fund. To make a donation, please visit www.athensareacf.org. Funds will be granted to highest needs areas and to organizations based on data and community insights and assessments. The funding will not be restricted to current United Way of Northeast Georgia- or other collective nonprofit-funded organizations.