Overview

The Community Partnership Program (CPP) is an annual grant program created by the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County (ACCGov) to support nonprofit organizations that directly serve residents of our community. The program is managed by the Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) and is aligned with the goals of the ACCGov FY23–FY25 Strategic Plan.

CPP provides general fund dollars to nonprofit agencies through a competitive application process. These funds are awarded to support programs and services that address key community needs—such as homelessness, poverty, neighborhood revitalization, economic stability, and prevention or intervention services.

FY2025 was the first year of the Community Partnership Program. The second funding cycle, FY2026, supports program activities from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

About the Program

The Community Partnership Program was designed to make funding more transparent, equitable, and impact-driven. Rather than distributing funding by request or tradition, ACCGov now uses a formal application process open to eligible nonprofit organizations based in Athens-Clarke County.

Each year, the Mayor and Commission approve a set amount of funding. For FY2026, up to $1,000,000 in general funds were awarded through CPP. All applicants had to clearly demonstrate how their proposed program supports ACCGov’s strategic goals and benefits local residents.

The application process works as follows:

1. Application Submission
   Nonprofit agencies submit proposals through ZoomGrants, ACCGov’s online application platform. Applications must include legal documentation, financial records, program details, and measurable outcomes.
2. Review and Evaluation
   Applications are evaluated by the Vision Committee, a group of local residents appointed by the Mayor and Commission. The committee uses a standardized scoring system to review proposals based on need, community impact, program quality, and alignment with ACCGov priorities.
3. Recommendations and Approval
   The Vision Committee submits funding recommendations to the Mayor and Commission, who make the final decisions about which agencies will receive funding and in what amounts.
4. Award and Implementation
   Once approved, agencies enter into a contract with HCD. Services must be delivered during the approved funding year, and agencies are required to submit reports and meet performance expectations throughout the contract period.

Eligible Program Areas

Agencies may apply under one of the following categories:

Eligibility Requirements

To apply, organizations must:

• Be a legally formed 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Athens-Clarke County
• Provide services that directly benefit ACC residents
• Submit audited financials or CPA-prepared statements (or a certified P&L if annual expenses are under $100,000)
• Be in good standing with ACCGov (if previously funded)
• When providing direct assistance, serve clients earning 30% AMI or less

Funding Priorities

CPP supports the ACCGov Strategic Plan, including goals to:

• Reduce homelessness and expand housing options
• Increase access to equitable and effective services
• Strengthen community and nonprofit capacity
• Improve neighborhood conditions and economic opportunity

How to Apply

The application cycle typically opens each fall, with submissions due by late November. Applications are submitted online through ZoomGrants. HCD provides training, support, and technical assistance throughout the process.