Grantmaking Priorities

Our Values

Christian Unity

Specifically efforts towards the reunification of the Orthodox and Catholic Churches and efforts to join the Judeo-Christian traditions in dialogue

Economic Empowerment

Efforts to provide a fair chance for low-income youth and their families to overcome barriers of poverty and become self sufficient and gain the skills necessary to take control of their personal finances

Education

Efforts to improve the quality of education (K-12)

The Environment

Strategic efforts to improve the quality of life in the state of Georgia, particularly in metropolitan Atlanta and North Georgia.

Grantmaking Limitations

A minimum of 2 years is required between each grant request from the same group or organization. This does not prevent the Foundation from proactively funding organizations previously funded.

The Foundation prefers to direct its funding to Georgia, with an emphasis on metropolitan Atlanta. The Foundation will generally not provide operating support and prefers to support programs that can demonstrate tangible results over the life of the grant.

The Foundation does not fund:

Individuals
Political Causes
Independent Schools, except where trustees or other family members have a relationship or special interest
Activities considered "anti-Christian" by the Board of Directors

Application Process

Organizations interested in being considered for funding from the Patterson Family Foundation should complete the short form.

Complete our Inquiry Form

Those organizations that align with the interests of the Foundation will be invited to submit a full application form. Inquiry Forms are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year; however, an Inquiry Form must be received 30 days before a Board Meeting to be considered at that meeting.

If a request is to be considered, the Executive Director or a Board Member will research the organization and may request follow-up meetings, calls, or a site visit. Applicants are notified within three months of their application whether their requests has been funded.