Morgan County’s landscape and natural areas are known throughout the region. Agriculture is strong in the county and continues to be a major source of pride and income for residents. The county’s rich agrarian roots can be seen in every facet of local life. Morgan County is home to Georgia's largest state park, Hard Labor Creek State Park, and its Oconee National Forest is a national protected area.
Key Demographics:
- Population: 17,868
- Median Household income: $44,845
- Percent below poverty level: 14.6
- Number of nonprofit organizations: 127
- Cities/towns include, Madison, Rutledge, Buckhead
Sources: US Census, Guidestar
The Morgan Fund
The Morgan Fund of The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta was established in 2003 to bring together donors, nonprofits and community members to make philanthropy happen in Newton County. The Morgan Fund offers an annual grantmaking program, philanthropic learning opportunities, community awareness activites and an annual volunteer service award.
Since 2003, the Morgan Fund has granted more than $191,000 to area nonprofits to respond to the changing needs of the community. Past grantees include Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy, Camp Twin Lakes, The Caring Place, Humane Society of Morgan County, and Madison/Morgan Cultural Center.
To learn more about the Morgan Fund, please click here.
Applying for a Grant
The Morgan Fund grant program aligns with The Community Foundation's Common Good Funds grant program. The Letter of Intent (LOI) is the first step in the application process. Morgan Fund Advisory Committee and program staff will then review all LOIs and invite organizations to submit FInal Applications.
Deadlines
August 14: Online session
September 6: Letter of Intent due at noon
October 22: FInal Applications due (by invitation only)
February 2014: Grants awarded
Online Orientation
The Morgan Fund will conduct an online orientation session to discuss the Morgan Fund grant process, guidelines and application. Registration is required. Before participating, please read the guidelines and instructions and review the application materials.
Registration for the orientation session will be available in April.
Grants and Support
In 2010, the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia used a general operating support grant from the Morgan Fund as scholarship assistance for membership dues, helping nearly 50 children to participate in the after-school program and 26 to participate in the summer program.
Harvest of the Heart Garden’s food is grown, harvested and distributed for free to those in need and living below the poverty line in Morgan County. Over 8,000 recipients were provided with fresh, healthy produce in 2010.Over 8,000 recipients were provided with fresh, healthy produce in 2010. Historically, the organization has been volunteer-run, but in 2010, it used a general operating support grant from the Morgan Fund to hire its very first employee, who works to sustain the daily needs of the organization’s gardens.
Grants from the Morgan Fund have helped theSteffen-Thomas Museum to fund school programs at Morgan County CrossRoads School. In 2010, a grant from the Morgan Fund grant allowed the Steffen-Thomas Museum to expand the hours of their staff in order to continue this "Op Art" program and to implement it at the Morgan County Boys and Girls Club. During 2010, 120 students were reached through these efforts.
Recent Press & Other News
Community Awards
Morgan County Citizen, 3/14/2013
Morgan Fund hosts event to strengthen philanthropy in Morgan County
Press release, 10/26/2011
Morgan Fund awards grants and honors community volunteer
Press release, 2/18/2011
Morgan Fund announces grant opportunities for nonprofits & exciting challenge for community
Press release, 8/10/10
Morgan Fund gives grant to the Children Ferst Foundation
Morgan County Citizen, 6/25/09
Morgan Fund gives grant to Morgan County CrossRoads School
Morgan County Citizen, 5/28/09
Leadership
To include a local perspective in this work, the Morgan Fund has created an Advisory Committee of members comprised of knowledgeable leaders representing diverse segments of the community. Committee members live and work in Morgan County and are committed to developing local philanthropy and responding to the needs of their community.
Chris Lambert, Chair
Harry Beverly, Vice Chair
Joe Cardwell
Weyman Hunt
Kim Jackson
Bobby Mackey
Susan McCullar
Karen Robertson
Phyllis Clark Smith
Emmie Smock
For more information about the Morgan Fund, please call Jasper Tanner, program officer, at 404-526-1103 or email morganfund@cfgreateratlanta.org.