Areas of Focus
The Zeist Foundation has established a reputation in Atlanta for its “Place-Based Philanthropy” in the Edgewood neighborhood where it created the Whitefoord Community Program in the 1990s. While the foundation continues its commitment to the Edgewood neighborhood, it also seeks to support signature projects that align with its holistic approach to serving children, youth and families, such as the Urban Health Initiative launched by Emory University School of Medicine.
Traditional Grantmaking
Foundation and Nonprofit Leadership Reflections
Watch our video for more information about grantmaking.
Our Process
The foundation staff makes a concerted effort to respond to all inquiries and appreciates grantseekers’ understanding that the Foundation’s commitment to its mission and its focus on funding opportunities that align with the Foundation’s priorities.
Grant Applications
Grant applications are accepted through an invitation only process.
At the request of either a foundation staff or a board member, an organization may submit an on-line letter of inquiry through Foundation Source, our web-based application platform. Upon review of the submitted information, the foundation staff works closely with the applicant conducting research and due diligence which may involve the need for additional information and a site visit by the foundation staff and board. Subsequently, the foundation may ask for a formal grant application, once again to be submitted through Foundation Source. The completed application will be viewed and discussed by the Board for funding consideration during one of our semi-annual proposal reviews.
Interested grant seekers should carefully review the contents of this web site before contacting the foundation. We appreciate grant seekers’ understanding that the foundation’s commitment to its mission and its focus on funding opportunities that align with the Foundation’s priorities.
The foundation partners with public and private sector organizations.
Funding Stipulations
The Foundation seeks to build relationships with grantees and understand their impact before investing in organizations long term.
- New organizations may apply for a single year gift not to exceed $100,000 or 10% of their operating budget and they cannot request multi-year funding.
- Existing grantees that apply for renewal funding can request more than $100,000 as long as it does not exceed 10% of the organization’s budget.
- Existing grantees that have received foundation support for three or more years are subject to a “funding gap” which means that the foundation may choose not invite the organization to apply for funding for the following year.
- A renewal applicant can request a multi-year grant that is spread out over two years but there is no guarantee that a grant will be renewed once it expires.
Geographic Target Areas
- City of Atlanta
- Metro Atlanta
- State of Georgia