MENLO– The Tillotson Menlo Charitable Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 grant cycle.

Completed applications must reach Administrative Coordinator Carol Mitchell by 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23. The foundation will announce grant recipients in December.

Foundation Has Awarded More Than $8.4 Million

The foundation began in 2005 with a $1 million donation from Tillotson Corporation. Over the following five years, the corporation contributed another $9 million.

Consequently, the company’s total contributions to the foundation reached $10 million. The foundation generally bases each year’s available grant funding on interest earned from its principal.

During the past 20 years, the foundation has awarded $8,448,814 for 921 projects.

According to its mission statement, the foundation seeks to serve Menlo, Chattooga County, and some surrounding areas. Specifically, it supports, promotes, improves, and maintains health, educational, and cultural institutions serving those communities.

Funding Priorities

To advance that mission, the foundation may provide financial assistance for projects involving:

• Educational and individual skills improvement
• Health care
• Economic development
• Community enhancement
• Individual and human development
• The arts, culture, and social welfare
• Environmental improvement

Additionally, the foundation hopes to award grants during the 2026 cycle and encourages all eligible organizations to apply.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Organizations recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code may apply. Public agencies are also eligible for consideration.

However, every 501(c)(3) applicant must attach written verification of its current tax-exempt status. Therefore, organizations should secure that documentation before submitting an application.

Religious programs, individuals, and start-up organizations generally do not qualify for support.

Applicants must use the current application form because the foundation will reject every previous version. As a result, organizations should obtain a new form even if they applied during an earlier cycle.

Current blank applications are available in the lobby entrance of the Tillotson Menlo Charitable Foundation office. The office is located at 3056 Highway 337 in Menlo.

Questions about the grant process should go to Administrative Coordinator Carol Mitchell. Finally, Mitchell must receive every completed application by the Oct. 23 deadline.

Foundation Leadership

Board members include Zep Tambasco of Atlanta, Georgia, and Heather Stokes of Greensboro, Georgia. Eddie Robertson of Centre, Alabama, and Jeffrey Richardson of Cedar Bluff, Alabama, also serve on the board.

Meanwhile, Bill Alico of Buffalo, New York, serves alongside Menlo Mayor Kris Willis and Menlo School Principal Richard Rutledge.

Robert McWhorter and Arch Farrar, both of Summerville, Georgia, are also members. In addition, Chattooga County Probate Judge Gary Woods of Summerville serves on the board.

Carol Mitchell of Menlo serves as the foundation’s administrative coordinator.