Newton County, centrally located between the cities of Atlanta, Augusta and Athens, is uniquely positioned for positive expansion and growth. Newton County’s strong industrial base continues to grow the level of employment and the local economy. Arts, culture and recreation also play a large role in attracting newcomers to the area.
Key Demographics:
- Population: 99,958
- Median Household income: $54,286
- Percent below poverty level: 11.7
- Number of nonprofit organizations: 252
- Cities/towns include, Covington, Mansfield, Newborn, Oxford, Porterdale
Sources: US Census, Guidestar
The Newton Fund
The Newton Fund of The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta was established in 2000 to bring together donors, nonprofits and community members to make philanthropy happen in Newton County. The Newton Fund offers an annual grantmaking program, philanthropic learning opportunities, community awareness activities and an annual volunteer service award, the Pat Patrick “Big Heart” Award.
Since 2000, the Newton Fund has granted more than $283,000 to area nonprofits to respond to the changing needs of the community. Past grantees include Arts Association, FaithWorks, The Learning Center, Newton County Special Olympics, Project Adventure, Rainbow Community Center and Willing Helpers Medical Clinic.
To learn more about the Newton Fund, please click here.
Applying for a Grant
The Letter of Intent (LOI) is the first step in the application process. Newton Fund Advisory Committee and program staff will then review all LOIs and invite organizations to submit Final Applications.
2011 Grantmaking Calendar:
- September 22: Online Orientation (see below)
- September 30: Deadline for Letter of Intent
- October 26: Notification of declination or invitation to submit Final Application
- November 14: Final Application due (invitation only)
- December 9-16: Site Visits
- Late February: Grants awarded
Documents:
2012 Pat Patrick Community Service Award
The Newton Fund is looking for the most outstanding volunteer in the community for the fourth annual Pat Patrick Big Heart Award. Local nonprofits as well as individuals and other community-based organizations are asked to nominate individuals who have made a measurable difference in the county through selfless endeavors. Along with recognition, the winner of the award, named in honor of the founding chair of the Newton Fund, will receive a $2,000 award grant to be designated to a charity of choice.
To nominate an individual for the award, please adhere to the following Guidelines and complete the Nomination Form. Click here to download materials.
The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, February 10, 2012.
Grants & Support
The Newton Fund awarded a general operating support grant to The Center for Community Preservation and Planning in 2010. The grant was used to update its technology and broaden its education and outreach efforts to facilitate and strengthen public involvement. This grant helped The Center offer information in a variety of formats that promote collaboration and encourage public input as a means for citizen and public officials to collaborate on public policy.
FaithWorks also received a grant in 2010 for general operating support. FaithWorks provides emergency financial aid to Newton County citizens in need. In 2010, the organization invested more than $133,000 in 901 households, impacting the lives of 2,552 individuals in the Newton community.
In 2010, the Community Arts Association of Newton County received a gift designated by the Mary Arnwine, the 2010 honoree of the Pat Patrick “Big Heart” Award. Funds were used to provide scholarships for four children to participate in the Young Artists Program.
Recent Press & News
Newton Fund awards grants and honors community volunteer
Press release, 2/23/2011
Newton Fund announces upcoming grant cycle - September 1 deadline
Press release, 8/6/2010
Students present grants to local organizations
Newton Citizen, 4/22/10
Montessori School students give grants to local nonprofits
Covington News, 4/21/10
Morgan named chair of CFGA Newton Fund advisory board
Covington News, 3/21/10
Community Foundation awards grants to 10 nonprofit groups
Newton Citizen, 1/14/10
Leadership
To include a local perspective in this work, the Newton Fund has created an Advisory Committee of members comprised of knowledgeable leaders representing diverse segments of the community. Committee members live and work in Newton County and are committed to developing local philanthropy and responding to the needs of their community.
Barbara M. Morgan, Chair
Lisa Hanson
Clay Newman
Sallie Paschal
Lisa Peters
Keith Phillips
Scott Willis
Margaret Washington
For more information about the Newton Fund, please call Jasper Tanner, program officer, at 404-526-1103 or email newtonfund@cfgreateratlanta.org.