Apply for a Grant

The Jackson EMC Foundation is a 501©3 organization created to represent the members of Jackson EMC and award the funds collected through Operation Round Up® for charitable purposes. Local community leaders serve on the Jackson EMC Foundation Board of Directors to review and award grants.

Organizations may receive one grant award from the Foundation each year; awards are limited to $20,000 for organizations.

Individuals may receive a one-time grant up to $5,000 for assistance.

Who Can Apply?

Any individual or organization in any of the counties served by Jackson EMC – Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Franklin, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison and Oglethorpe – may apply for a Jackson EMC Foundation grant. Based on Foundation guidelines, nonprofit organizations, community-based or volunteer organizations, civic organizations, shelters, hospitals, and families and individuals may apply.

To be considered for a Jackson EMC Foundation grant, an organization must:

• have filed a Form 990 tax return with the IRS within the last year or have audited financial statements by an independent accountant within the last 18 months;
• serve residents in counties served by Jackson EMC – Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Franklin, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison and Oglethorpe; and
• complete an application online and respond to any additional questions or clarifications from Foundation staff.

Grants are not awarded for:

• Organizations that discriminate in the delivery of programs and services on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, or disability
• Influencing legislation and/or elections; for political candidates, political campaigns
• Payment of electric or gas bills
• Fundraising dinners or events
• Gift cards
• Animal welfare
• National organizations that don’t serve residents in Jackson EMC’s service area
• Schools and preschools, except for programs they may provide outside the scope of traditional education and the institution’s normal budget, which meet one of the approved causes

Our Process

To apply for a Jackson EMC Foundation grant, we ask you to take the following steps:

FIRST

Take an eligibility quiz. Six short questions will review your eligibility to apply for a grant.

We know how valuable your time is and understand the time commitment involved in completing a grant application. By completing an eligibility quiz, you can see if a Jackson EMC Foundation grant is a fit for you.

Organizations: See if You're Eligible

Individuals: See if You're Eligible

SECOND

If you’re eligible, submit your grant application online during the specified application window for the type of grant you’re requesting.

Before starting the online application, you can view a sample application to prepare.

During this process, you will:

1. Submit a formal application
2. Provide audited financial statements and other documents
3. Provide information about your organization, program, leadership and staff, vision and strategy, and financial health and outlook
4. Respond to any follow-up questions or requests from Jackson EMC Foundation staff.

You’ll receive automated emails during the process. Be sure to keep emails you receive during the application process for reference.

THIRD

Now, it’s our turn. We’ll review your application and conduct due diligence on your organization and grant request. Our review can take up to 4 months. During that time, we may ask you to provide additional information or clarify information about your request.

FOURTH

A decision about your grant request will be sent to you. The Jackson EMC Foundation Board of Directors meets bi-monthly to review applications.

When to Submit Grant Applications

The Jackson EMC Foundation Board of Directors considers specific types of grants at specified times of the year. Each type of grant has an application window to apply. Organizations are encouraged to submit early in the period to ensure there’s sufficient time in the review process.

Applications for individuals in need are always accepted.

Official notification of the decision of the Jackson EMC Foundation Board of Directors is provided by email.

Grant Application Deadlines

Need Assistance?

For assistance with the online application, please contact [email protected].

Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency

The Jackson EMC Foundation has earned the prestigious Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, which provides comprehensive data and insights about the social sector. Visit the Jackson EMC Foundation’s nonprofit profile on Candid to learn more about our work in the community.