Savannah Standard

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has announced the allocation of nearly $2 million in grants to support nonprofits in Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia. This initiative is part of SCAD's ongoing commitment to its local communities through the SCAD SERVE Community Fund.

The fund is distributing financial aid to organizations such as the City of Savannah, America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, Greenbriar Children’s Center, and City of Refuge. These grants range from $100,000 to $1 million and are intended for projects focusing on food, shelter, safety, and education.

SCAD president and founder Paula Wallace stated: “The SCAD SERVE Community Fund shines SCAD love across our hometowns of Savannah and Atlanta with resources that uplift our fellow citizens and address profound needs by achieving research-based outcomes.” She added that the fund exemplifies a new model of community service in higher education by providing both funding and expertise.

America’s Second Harvest received a grant for a mobile grocery store project aimed at providing healthy food to those in need. A team from SCAD will design this grocery store on wheels. City of Refuge was granted funds for its Technology Transformation Academy in Atlanta, which serves over 1,000 individuals annually.

In Savannah, the city will use its grant to enhance public safety measures benefiting residents, students, and visitors. Greenbriar Children’s Center will expand its gymnasium into a community center with the help of a SCAD grant.

In 2024, SCAD had allocated $10 million to establish this fund aimed at supporting local organizations primarily serving residents in Savannah and Atlanta. The fund seeks to build vibrant communities through design innovation.

Penelope McPhee from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation commented: “Over the last 20 years, I have witnessed the transformative power of SCAD’s community investment for years.” She praised the new fund for equipping Georgia organizations with essential resources for meaningful change.

Nonprofits interested in applying for future grants can find more information on eligibility criteria online.