Grantmaking for Education and Mental Health is sponsored by Betty and Davis Fitzgerald Foundation, Inc.. The Fitzgerald Foundation focuses its grantmaking on efforts that strengthen and sustain the education and mental health workforce, improve the conditions that shape access to services, and advance aligned systems and policy solutions in Georgia.

Apply for a Grant - Betty and Davis Fitzgerald Foundation, Inc. Together, we can shape a brighter tomorrow by expanding opportunities for underserved communities. Cultivating Talent : We invest in developing and retaining highly trained, culturally competent early childhood and K-12 educators and mental health professionals in areas with the greatest need.

Our efforts focus on: Expanding career pathways for underrepresented groups by reducing credentialing barriers. Supporting internships, residencies, and apprenticeships to create opportunities for real-world practice. Recruiting, preparing, and retaining professionals in underserved areas to develop a sustainable workforce.

Providing on-the-job training that enables professionals to serve children and families effectively. "> Promoting Collective Action : We invest in evidence-based collaborative models and community-driven approaches to break down barriers to education and mental health access in underserved areas. Our priorities here include: Supporting organizations that lead cross-sector collaborations to design and implement effective solutions.

Advancing strategies that integrate mental health services into schools, primary care, and trusted community settings, making it easier for families to access the support they need. "> Advancing Systemic Change : We support advocacy and policy initiatives that expand access to high-quality education and mental health services while strengthening the workforce delivering them.

Our goals include: Amplifying community voices to shape local, regional, and state policies that better serve families, students, workers, and individuals. Advocating for public investments and systemic improvements to enhance access to essential education and mental health services. Strengthening organizational capacity to engage in advocacy and effectively mobilize communities.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility Before applying, please ensure your organization and proposal meet our grantmaking criteria. If aligned, you are welcome to apply through our open process. For help with the grant amount, contact the Foundation’s staff.

Note: Consulting with staff or board members before application submission is not required. If you can answer “yes” to all the following requirements, you are welcome to apply through our Blackbaud Applicant Portal.

Your organization a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or you have a fiscal sponsor Your work primarily takes place within the 21-county Metro Atlanta region or statewide in Georgia Your organization focuses on improving access to education or mental health for children, youth, or families Your work primarily strengthens systems or infrastructure (e.g., workforce development, policy/advocacy, coordination, navigation, shared pathways) Your organization is rooted in or accountable to the communities most affected by inequities in education or mental health access The Foundation has transitioned to a new Blackbaud portal where grantees can manage applications across different funders that use this platform with a single Blackbaud ID.

First-time users should create an account using an email and a password. Read our FAQs for more information . Access the Blackbaud Applicant Portal Step 2: One-Page Proposal We welcome proposals that strengthen the workforce, improve the systems that shape access, or coordinate efforts across organizations and sectors.

Proposals focused primarily on delivering or expanding direct services are less likely to advance to the site visit stage.

In your 500–750 word proposal, we suggest including the following , as relevant to your work: A brief overview of your organization and its role in the education or mental health ecosystem The purpose of the funding request and why this grant is timely How your work strengthens access through workforce development, systems improvement, policy/advocacy, or coordination How your organization’s approach advances equity, particularly for populations most affected by disparities The impact you aim to achieve over the next one to three years Any key partnerships or coordination efforts that improve access or navigation for the communities you serve (Not all elements apply to every organization.

Please focus on what best represents your work.) The Foundation has transitioned to a new Blackbaud portal where grantees can manage applications across different funders that use this platform with a single Blackbaud ID. First-time users should create an account using an email and a password.

Read our FAQs for more information . Access the Blackbaud Applicant Portal Step 3: Proposal Review Process Trustees review all submitted proposals during scheduled board meetings. Typically, a small number of proposals are selected for further evaluation through a site visit, with funding decisions made in the following quarter.

Applicants whose proposals do not move forward will be notified after the board meeting. Proposals may be declined due to alignment with funding priorities or limited grantmaking capacity, and such decisions are not a reflection of an organization’s value or the importance of its work. If selected for a site visit, applicants will be notified by email.

The Foundation will request additional strategic or financial materials in advance of a virtual, hybrid, or in-person visit. Following the visit, staff will synthesize findings and make a funding recommendation to the appropriate committee. Final funding decisions consider the organization’s needs and the Foundation’s available grantmaking resources.

Step 5: Notification, Payment, and Reporting of Grant Decisions Approved grantees will be notified by email within two business days of the Board’s decision. The Foundation will then prepare grant agreements and gather the necessary information for the fund transfer. Once all required details are received, funds are typically transferred within 30 business days.

Step 6: Learning and Reporting To support shared learning and reflection, organizations are asked to share updates at the end of the grant period or annually, depending on the grant type. Updates may take the form of a brief written narrative with optional photos, or a virtual or in-person conversation, based on the organization’s preference.

Foundation staff will reach out as the reporting period approaches to confirm the preferred format and coordinate timing. The Foundation currently administers three open grant cycles. Applications are accepted year-round.

However, those submitted past a cycle’s deadline will be reviewed in the subsequent grant cycle. Grant Application Milestones ↓ Proposal Submission Deadline for Current Cycle by 5:00 p. m.

Notification of Invitation to Site Visit Phase or Decline Board Meeting for Funding Consideration The staff will communicate the status of submitted applications according to the above timeline via email. If your organization’s grant application is declined, we request you wait one year before reapplying.

For organizations that receive funding, a waiting period of at least six months after the grant term’s conclusion is required before submitting a new proposal. The Foundation has transitioned to a new Blackbaud portal where grantees can manage applications across different funders that use this platform with a single Blackbaud ID. First-time users should create an account using an email and a password.

Read our FAQs for more information . Access the Blackbaud Applicant Portal Learn More " data-length="7" data-type="popup-banner" data-color="#ffc540" data-text="black" data-link="#bsc_announcement-6c4887fb5a8c7db89012e51ebd5cea78"> 2025 tested the resilience of organizations working at the intersection of education, mental health, and equity.

In response, the Betty and Davis Fitzgerald Foundation listened closely, acted with intention, and clarified how we will continue to partner in a changing landscape—sharing lessons learned and sharpening our focus on strengthening education and mental health systems. This letter reflects on that journey and outlines our path forward.