GeorgiaForward

GeorgiaForward: Convener, Connector, Catalyst

GeorgiaForward exists to strengthen Georgia’s future by empowering people, fostering civic engagement, and developing leaders across our state. 

We bring together business, government, and community leaders to break the cycle of poverty, improve literacy, and build thriving communities.

Why It Matters:

• Nearly 800,000 Georgia adults have low literacy skills, limiting opportunities for them and their children.

• 13.5% of Georgians live in poverty, with 133 of 159 counties above the national poverty rate.

• Fewer than 1 in 3 young adults feel prepared to lead in their communities.

Our Impact:

• As a Convener: 
  • Over 500 teenagers are engaged in 40+ Youth Councils across the state.
  • Over 130 of Georgia’s mayors are implementing Mayor’s Reading Clubs that impact more than 6,500 students each year.
  • Young Gamechangers annually convenes around 50 emerging young professionals from all over the state to focus on solving challenges for one community.
• As a Connector: 
  • We connect with our Youth Councils twice per year to train and empower youth participants and their adult facilitators.
  • Since 2010, several forums have connected more than 700 leaders to discuss the state's far-reaching economic issues and develop solutions for their communities.
  • Elected officials are apprised of tools and support to ensure children and family well-being through quarterly webinars and meetings that connect to statewide resources and agencies.
  • GeorgiaForward is helping connect Mayors and their cities to receive more than 4,000 books collected through Georgia’s Lt. Governor’s book drive.
• As a Catalyst:
  • More than 500 Young Gamechanger alumni are making an impact in their communities and organizations across Georgia.
  • 13 host communities are benefitting from the investment and attention of the Young Gamechangers program.
  • GeorgiaForward has awarded $3,500 in placemaking grants to support eight youth council projects, catalyzing local community investment valued at over $15,000.

Your Gift Builds Georgia’s Future.

By supporting GeorgiaForward, you invest in literacy, leadership, and community-driven solutions that uplift both urban and rural communities.

Together, we can ensure every Georgian has the opportunity to learn, lead, and thrive. Your partnership, whether as an individual donor, corporate leader, or foundation, fuels a statewide movement to ensure every Georgian has the opportunity to thrive.  

Our hope is in our people, and with your investment, we will build a stronger Georgia, together. Join us. 

Together, we can ensure that Georgia’s next generation of leaders is prepared, communities are empowered, and literacy and civic engagement are prioritized statewide.