WellCare of Georgia, a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc., announced that it will award $20,000 in micro-grants to support social service organizations in Georgia that address needs related to cultural competency, eating disorders, autism and utility assistance. Nonprofit and 501(c)(3) organizations that offer services in these areas are encouraged to apply. The micro-grants will be awarded in denominations of $500, $1,000 and $1,500.

"WellCare wants to do its part to sustain the social safety net by supporting organizations that make positive changes to improve the quality of life within our communities," said Veatrice Futch, manager of WellCare of Georgia's Community Advocacy team. "We want to help our members get access to non-medical services that could improve their health."

WellCare launched The CommUnity Commitment with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging and other partners to support America's social safety net that offers services to address social barriers to accessing health care. Through this effort, WellCare is building partnerships with community organizations that offer assistance in meeting basic needs and evaluating their impact on health outcomes.

Qualifying organizations can apply by completing a short application online at http://www.thecommunitycommitment.org/micro-grant-request-submission.

The application period is open until Sept. 30, 2016. Awardees will be notified in October.