Grant Applications
The deadlines for grant applications are February 15, June 15, and October 15. All funding requests must be submitted through the online application portal. The Foundation may require additional information or a site visit.
We value the strong and meaningful relationships our leaders have developed with nonprofits in areas where we do business. A key consideration when assessing funding requests is existing relationships. Below are guidelines for the types of programs we typically do and do not support.
Our grants DO support:
- Capital campaigns
- e.g., building construction, renovation or equipment
- Program expansion
- Capacity-building efforts
- Special projects
Successful grant applicants share these characteristics:
- Strong executive and volunteer leadership
- Track record of sustainable operations
- Broad base of financial support
- Proven program effectiveness
Our grants DO NOT support:
- Scholarships for individual students, or nonprofit organizations for the purpose of granting scholarships benefiting an individual
- General operating expenses, including annual programs
- Seed money, or as the only funding source of an organization
- Endowment funds
- Debt relief
- Fundraising events, sponsorships, conferences and seminars
- Organizations whose primary purpose is to influence legislation
- Political causes, candidates, organizations or campaigns
- Religious organizations for general operating support, sanctuary construction/renovation or mission-focused work. However, we do consider requests from religious organizations with 501(c)(3) status to provide project-specific social services/outreach programs that are not limited to a specific religious affiliation
Dates & Process
Only one request will be considered per organization during a 24-month period.
| applications received by: | will be considered in: | you will receive a response by: |
|---|---|---|
| February 15 | April | May 15 |
| June 15 | September | October 31 |
| October 15 | December | December 31 |
Organizations Outside of Atlanta
Organizations must be federally tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code with non-private foundation status or an equivalent government entity under section 170 (c)(1). Organizations must be located in the United States where Cox Enterprises or one of its subsidiaries operates a business.
Organizations located outside of the greater metro Atlanta area must have a letter of endorsement from a regional manager or equivalent leader at the local Cox business. This letter of endorsement must be submitted with the application. It is essential for any organization submitting a grant request to have an existing, meaningful relationship with a Cox business in their location. Foundation staff cannot provide names or contact information for Cox leaders. Organizations submitting applications without an existing Cox relationship will not be considered.
Organizations or programs that discriminate based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, or physical disability are not eligible for funding.
For additional information about letters of endorsement, please see the FAQs.