Spotlight State: Georgia
Georgia was the last of the 13 original colonies to join what would become the United States. This peachy state has been key to numerous notable historical achievements. For instance, it was the first southern state and the fourth in the nation to ratify the Constitution. Georgia was also a pivotal center of the civil rights movement, led by figures like Martin Luther King, Jr. Today, Georgia is a leader in several industries, and it proudly carries the nickname The Peach State, renowned for its nationwide supply of peaches. Peanuts are another significant crop, contributing to the state’s agricultural prominence. However, Georgia’s contributions extend beyond agriculture; it is also a leader in the automotive industry, providing thousands of jobs and generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue.
GrantWatch aims our spotlight on Georgia’s diverse industries and international partnerships. To support the state’s ongoing economic achievements, GrantWatch offers a list of grants tailored to fostering Community and Economic Development in Georgia. With over 1,800 grants available in this category, along with numerous national and international listings, GrantWatch is committed to helping communities flourish and succeed.
Georgia’s Milestones
- Stone Mountain: Formed over 300 million years ago, it is entirely made of granite. It’s also the largest solid mass of exposed granite in the world. It also continues underground for 9 miles.
- Atlanta: The city has been home to many prominent figures throughout history, with none having as significant an impact on the U.S. as Martin Luther King Jr. Born on January 15, 1929, he became one of the most important figures in the civil rights movement.
- Georgia: The state is deeply connected to U.S. history from the beginning. Colonized by British in 1732 (in the name of King George II), Georgia was 13th British colony in North America, making it the last of the original settlements in U.S. history.
- The Declaration of Independence: was written in 1776, but the U.S. Constitution wasn’t written until the fall of 1787. To become law for the entire nation, all the states needed to ratify it. In January of 1788, Georgia was the first southern state to do this, and fourth overall. (destguides.com, “50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Georgia State You Should Know“)
Interesting Facts About Georgia
- Coca-Cola was invented here! In 1886, Atlanta pharmacist Dr. John S. Pemberton invented a syrup that would later develop into the beverage we know and love today.
- Most of the lakes in north Georgia are artificial. Georgia has plenty of natural lakes and other bodies of water. That fact hasn’t stopped the state from adding more.
- Georgia is the largest U.S. producer of peanuts. 45% of all peanuts sold and used in the U.S. come from Georgia. The industry accounts for about $600 million of the state’s annual revenue.
- Georgia had the first college in the world that accepted women. While able to get an education, women weren’t permitted to attend universities or get a degree. In 1836, Wesleyan College became the first college given the authority to allow women to pursue a degree.
- Georgia was the first state to lower the voting age to 18. Before 1943, a person had to be 21 to vote. However, that year, Georgia became the first state to pass a law that lowered this age to 18. This did not become a federal law until 1971. (destguides.com, “50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Georgia State You Should Know“)
- “Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite,” This famous ‘goodnight phrase,’ started in Georgia. Ropes once used to keep bedframes together. Due to less-than-ideal mattress conditions, bed bugs were common. In the late 1800s, the phrase began in Georgia and quickly caught on.
- Georgia was originally meant to be a penal colony. Debtors were sent to Georgia to work off their debt and learn skills. It functioned essentially as an early type of work-release program.
- Atlanta wasn’t always called Atlanta. Though founded in 1837, Atlanta didn’t become the city’s official name until 1845. It was initially named Marthasville after the then governor’s daughter Martha. Also nicknamed Terminus, as it was an important railway hub at the time. (destguides.com, “50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Georgia State You Should Know)
Below is a current list of grants and other funding to benefit communities and individuals in the State of Georgia.
State of Georgia Community and Economic Development Grants and In-kind Support
- Grants to eligible Georgia nonprofits for financial-literacy/young-people’s well-being. Funding is for programs in the areas of education, financial literacy, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and STEAM (addition of the Arts), arts education, and health. Moreover, projects will enhance the physical and financial well-being of young people.
- There are grants to eligible Georgia nonprofits to benefit communities. In fact, funding is for activities in the focus areas of community; education, entrepreneurship, and empowerment; and financial literacy. Priority is for National-level nonprofits to apply.
- In addition, grants to eligible Georgia nonprofits for community benefit programs. Funding is for projects within the focus areas of arts and culture, health, human services, education, and community development. Projects will have measurable and lasting results, and will collaborate with other nonprofits to provide innovative, efficient approaches to solving community issues.
- Grants and in-kind donations to eligible Georgia nonprofits to benefit local communities. In fact, donation types include products, gift cards, cash, and sponsorships.
- There are grants to eligible Georgia organizations to promote sporting events to stimulate the economy and encourage local tourism. Funding is to enhance the quality of life and promote tourism. As a result, the goal of the program is to attract new events and enhance current programs to attract overnight visitors.
- Also, grants to Georgia nonprofits, government agencies, and tribes for programs to prevent/minimize youth/young-adult homelessness. Additionally, required registrations will take several weeks to complete. Funding supports activities that help to fulfill the stated objectives, including building national momentum, promoting equity, and supporting youth leadership. The program’s purpose is to support selected communities in the development and implementation of a coordinated community approach to end homelessness among youth up to age 24, including unaccompanied youth and pregnant or parented youth who are experiencing homelessness.
An Opportunity, Additional Georgia Community and Economic Development Grants, and In-kind Support
- Opportunity for Georgia early-stage companies to participate in a business development program. Applicants will receive coaching and mentorship, deals and perks from a variety of companies, opportunities to pitch to investors, and after-program follow-up support. Additionally, eligible applicants will be businesses with a focus on AgBioScience.
- There are grants to eligible Georgia organizations for projects in the areas of community-environment/population-growth. New applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI). Eligible projects will improve the quality of life or address the impact of human population growth on the environment. Nationally, the Foundation supports efforts to address the issue of human overpopulation. The Foundation’s work reflects its deep roots. Efforts will focus on remediating environmental damage resulting from a history of heavy industry and to support continuation of the state’s rich cultural heritage.
- In addition, grants of $10,000 and in-kind donations valued at up to $500 to Georgia minority-owned small businesses. Funding is to promote entrepreneurship and support business owners who are women, people of color, and of low to moderate income. As a result, grants are to support those who often struggle to secure capital and resources, as they are repeatedly shut out from traditional financing.
- Lastly, grants to Georgia local, state, and Tribal governments for projects to increase transportation safety. Required registrations will take several weeks to finalize. Funding is for planning and infrastructure projects for highway-rail grade or pathway-rail grade crossing improvements focusing on improving the safety and mobility of people and goods.
The Bottom Line
To conclude, we hope you’ll get the opportunity to visit Georgia and experience for yourself some of the many sights and experiences that make Georgia so unique!
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