We are so excited to announce the 2026 grant recipients! Thank you to Macon-Bibb County and the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, and to all of these groups for your great work.
In total, these groups are receiving $400,000 to help prevent violent crime in our community.
2026 Recipients
100 Black Men of Macon-Middle Georgia
Academy to Inspire Readers/A.I.R. 100
This project will implement the A.I.R. 100 (Academy to Inspire Readers 100) initiative at Bruce Elementary School to strengthen reading proficiency among early elementary students. It will use structured, school-based literacy instruction to support students who are not yet reading at grade level. The program is designed to improve daily reading habits and comprehension skills through consistent engagement.
Appleton Episcopal Ministries
Free to Read® Program
This project will offer an intensive after-school literacy program for up to 36 rising 2nd and 3rd grade students at John R. Lewis Elementary and Ballard-Hudson Middle Schools. It will focus on foundational reading skills through targeted instruction and small-group support. The program is designed for students who need additional academic reinforcement outside the school day. Its goal is to improve reading proficiency and readiness for upper elementary grades.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of Georgia
Big Futures Macon
This project will provide structured professional mentoring and family support services to youth and caregivers in Bibb County. It will focus on addressing the impacts of poverty, gang activity and youth violence through coordinated intervention. The program emphasizes relationship-building and consistent engagement with families. Its goal is to strengthen protective factors and improve long-term stability for participating households.
Campus Clubs
Pathways to Peace
This project will strengthen violence-prevention efforts through Campus Clubs by engaging youth in character development and therapeutic support. It will combine weekly group sessions with role-based learning and counseling services. The initiative addresses behavioral challenges that interfere with learning and safety. Its goal is to promote positive decision-making and reduce incidents of school-based violence.
Central Georgia Council, Boy Scouts of America #096
Empowering Communities through Scouting in Macon-Bibb County
This project will deliver the Empowered to Lead program through the Central Georgia Council, Scouting America, in Macon’s highest-need ZIP codes, including 31201, 31204, 31206 and 31217. It will focus on leadership development, teamwork and character education for youth participants. The program emphasizes structured activities that build confidence and civic responsibility. Its goal is to prepare youth for positive community involvement and long-term success.
Crisis Line & Safe House of Central Georgia
Camp HOPE Central Georgia
This project will provide trauma-informed services for youth impacted by exposure to violence. It will focus on emotional regulation, resilience and healthy coping strategies through structured therapeutic programming. The initiative is designed to interrupt cycles of trauma that contribute to future risk behaviors. Its goal is to support healing while promoting safer developmental outcomes.
Diamond On Our Minds Foundation, Inc
A C.H.A.N.C.E: Creating Hope & Nurturing Community Engagement for Males
This project will mentor young men through a structured program focused on leadership, accountability and personal responsibility. It will provide consistent guidance and positive role models to support healthy decision-making. The program aims to redirect participants toward productive academic and life pathways Its long-term goals are improved social outcomes and reduced involvement in harmful behaviors.
Epsilon Beta Lambda Foundation, Inc.
Alpha Esquires Mentoring
This project will support at-risk young men by integrating mentoring with mental and emotional skill-building. It will focus on stress management, emotional awareness and positive peer relationships. The program is designed to address challenges that interfere with academic and personal success. Its goal is to strengthen resilience and long-term well-being.
Family Counseling Center of Central Georgia
The Better U Project
This project will strengthen youth and family well-being through coordinated mentoring and supportive services. It will address mental, emotional and relational needs that affect long-term stability. The initiative reinforces positive behaviors while engaging both youth and caregivers. Its goal is improved outcomes for families facing persistent challenges.
Girls Dig Deeper Initiative
The Winners’ Mindset 2.0
This project will provide specialized mentoring services for justice-involved girls in a structured detention setting. It will focus on personal growth, accountability and skill development tailored to the needs of detained youth. The program is designed to support rehabilitation and positive identity formation. Its goal is to reduce recidivism and support successful reentry.
Lead With Literacy
Macon Family Time
This project will expand the Lead With Literacy program by recruiting and retaining 30 families to participate in Macon Family Time. It will provide families with books, guided activities and weekly reading expectations to promote literacy in the home. The initiative emphasizes caregiver involvement as a key driver of early learning success. Its goal is to strengthen home-based literacy routines and long-term reading habits for participating children.
Victory Church of Macon
Living Bread Restoration Outreach, Inc.
Victory Academy After-School Program and Mentoring to Mastery
This project will expand Victory Academy’s STREAM and aviation-focused programming for youth. It will integrate academic instruction with leadership development and Mentoring to Mastery. The initiative emphasizes preparation for post-secondary education and career pathways. Its goal is to build long-term academic and workforce readiness.
Macon Hope, Inc.; First Tee Middle Georgia
Partnering for Peace
This project will expand First Tee Middle Georgia’s youth development programming by hiring a dedicated program director who will deliver weekly after-school sessions that integrate golf, life skills and character education. The funding will support consistent program delivery and expansion in order to increase youth participation and developmental outcomes.
Men About Change, Inc.
Supporting a “Learning for Life” Approach
This project will provide hands-on instructional programming for youth ages 5-18, with a focus on STEM learning and skills development. It will combine experiential education with consistent mentorship to reinforce academic growth and problem-solving abilities. The program is designed to support both younger children and teens through age-appropriate instruction. Its intended outcome is improved academic engagement and long-term skill building.
Next Level Community Development Center, Inc.
(NLCDC) DBA Camp Zion
This project will reduce youth violence in Macon-Bibb County by addressing academic, behavioral and family-related risk factors. It will deliver year-round programming that includes academic support, mentoring and summer learning opportunities. The initiative targets youth most at risk of involvement in violence and disengagement from school. Its goal is to improve academic achievement while promoting safer outcomes for families and neighborhoods.
Pace Center for Girls, Inc.
Empowering Girls Against Violence
This project will support girls and young women through Pace’s trauma-informed education, counseling and advocacy services. It will address factors contributing to delinquency, academic disruption and instability. The program emphasizes healing alongside skill development and academic support.This grant will provide prevention, intervention and diversion services to middle and high school girls at-risk for juvenile justice involvement, focusing on those with multiple adverse childhood experiences.