GIVING IN ACTION
As Georgia’s land- and sea-grant institution, the University of Georgia is entrusted with the public’s resources to improve and enrich the lives of all Georgians—not only our students, alumni, and faculty, but communities and residents across the entire state. This public investment is magnified by the generous private contributions of corporations, foundations, individuals, and families whose participation fuels this mission. Below we celebrate just a few of these powerful partnerships, built on the shared belief that only together can we lift one another to new heights. If you are interested in helping to power UGA’s Public Service and Outreach mission, please contact the Public Service and Outreach development office at pso@uga.edu.
Parents Leadership Council supports student experiences in rural communities
Thanks to the support of donors, including the University of Georgia Foundation, the UGA Parents Leadership Council and the Harley Langdale Foundation, the PROPEL Rural Scholars program has expanded opportunities for students and strengthened communities across Georgia.
“Rural communities are vital to the health and well-being of our state. Our Foundation is proud to support and encourage rural development opportunities through PROPEL and the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government. It’s exciting to see what’s happening in these communities,” Langdale Foundation Executive Director Donnie Warren said.
The PROPEL Rural Scholars program is part of the PROPEL (Planning Rural Opportunities for Prosperity and Economic Leadership) program led by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government. The PROPEL Rural Scholars program provides undergraduate students interested in rural economic and community development the opportunity to work alongside an Institute of Government mentor and community leaders from across the state. Students conduct research relevant to rural Georgia communities over two semesters. The program equips students with knowledge and experience that will empower them to take roles in economic development, community development and civic leadership.
“Through PROPEL, I have met people who are as passionate as I am about preserving the unique history and environment of rural areas, and I have seen the impact that UGA is already making on communities just like my hometown,” said Macy Hall, a 2024-2025 PROPEL Rural Scholar from Tazewell in Marion County. “I’m setting my sights on rural development as a possible career.”
By the Numbers
3,427
total donors to Public Service and Outreach
$9.73M
raised for Public Service and Outreach programs
299
UGA faculty and staff gave to Public Service and Outreach
115
UGA students donated to
Public Service and Outreach
1,016
first time donors to
Public Service and Outreach
3,354
total gifts to
Public Service and Outreach
Wells Fargo partners with the Small Business Development Center to help business owners launch their dreams
For the past 17 years, the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) and Wells Fargo Bank have partnered to strengthen small businesses across Georgia.
Wells Fargo first supported the StartSmart program, launched in rural communities and later expanded into Metro Atlanta. Today, StartSmart is offered online, making it accessible to entrepreneurs statewide. Through this collaboration, thousands of Georgia business owners have launched and grown their companies, with many securing the financing needed to expand. Wells Fargo also supports the UGA SBDC’s Finding Your Financing Fit program, which helps entrepreneurs understand their funding options.
To date, Wells Fargo has contributed more than $800,000 in support of these initiatives, reflecting a shared commitment to empowering Georgia’s small business community and driving economic growth across the state.
Chick-fil-A invests in youth leadership development throughout Georgia
“Today’s young people are our future, which is why Chick-fil-A is proud to support Youth LEAD Georgia and its leadership development efforts across our state,” said Brent Fielder, senior director of corporate social responsibility for Chick-fil-A, Inc.
“This program provides an opportunity to overcome geographic barriers and socioeconomic differences by creating a network of young leaders throughout Georgia and teaching them essential leadership skills, like integrity, conflict resolution and strong communication, so they can positively influence their communities.”
Embark Georgia empowers students from foster care and homelessness to overcome barriers, build leadership and thrive in college and beyond
The Embark Georgia Center is a statewide network dedicated to supporting students in Georgia who have experienced foster care or homelessness, helping them access and succeed in postsecondary education. Coordinated by the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, the center collaborates with state agencies, colleges and community partners to deliver resources, leadership training and comprehensive support systems for both students and the professionals who guide them.
“Our family has always been strongly committed to ensuring that all students have access to higher education. We are continuously impressed with the work of the Center and the systems that they have built to support students who have experienced foster care or homelessness,” said Embark Georgia supporters Gail and David Kurtz.
The Embark Georgia Center provides programming for students including summer programs, leadership programming and administers the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program through a partnership with the Georgia Department of Family and Children's Services. The Embark Georgia Center also provides programming for the professionals that support students, including a leadership conference, regional coalitions and cross sector communication. Finally, the Embark Georgia Research Consortium is a multidisciplinary group of researchers pursuing a research agenda to enhance our understanding on how to best support students and promote retention and graduation. Since its launch in 2012, Embark Georgia has generated over $25 million in ETV funds directed to educational support for students with foster care experience.
Additional support for the Embark Georgia Center comes from the individual donors, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation, and partner donors including Communities 4 Children and the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO).
STORIES OF GENEROSITY
Quirk family supports rural internships in south Georgia
Through the Elizabeth V. Wight Southwest Georgia Internship, students are working with communities in the region to address their most pressing concerns, like health care and wellness, youth issues, downtown development, workforce and other quality of life concerns. Elizabeth “Lib” and Neal Quirk provided a generous donation to support the creation of the internship, which is named in honor of Lib’s mother, Elizabeth Wight.
The Delta Air Lines Foundation supports hospitality program
The Delta Air Lines Foundation has committed $5 million to the University of Georgia Hospitality and Food Industry Management program. The investment will expand hands-on learning opportunities for students by launching the renovation of the Georgia Center for Continuing Education and Hotel — the primary training ground for HFIM students — to include teaching facilities for event management, culinary arts and hotel operations.
Yamaha Rightwaters™ repowers fleet, improves health of Georgia coast
Yamaha Rightwaters is partnering with UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant to repower and support its research and education fleet over the next five years. The partnership, which began with the donation of three outboards, will continue through 2027 with four additional engines to keep the vessels running efficiently. These boats play a vital role in the conservational and educational work of Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant.
Nancy and Glenn Black's generosity transforms the Botanical Garden
Nancy and Glenn Black are two of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia’s staunchest supporters, giving generously both with their time and personal resources. Nancy has lent her talents to the garden since 2002 and serves on the board of directors of the Friends of the Garden. Glenn, a UGA alumnus, shares Nancy’s passion for the state’s botanical treasure. Together, the couple made three major gifts to the garden this past year.
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