GIVING CIRCLES MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Savannah Philanthropic Partners is a women's collective giving circle that amplifies the impact of local philanthropy by pooling annual donations to make significant, strategic grants to local nonprofits. Each year, SPP identifies a critical area of need related to the mental and physical well-being of women, children, or underserved populations in the Greater Savannah area.
NEW!
Savannah Philanthropic Partners Announces 2025 Grant Recipients Supporting Workforce Development and Advancement
Savannah, GA — November 14, 2025 — Savannah Philanthropic Partners (SPP), a women-led giving circle dedicated to improving the well-being of women, children, and underserved communities across the Greater Savannah area, has announced its 2025 grant recipients: Hospice Savannah and Goodwill Southeast Georgia.
Together, these organizations were awarded a total of $80,000 in community grants to support programs advancing workforce development, economic mobility, and access to essential care services for Savannah residents.
Grant checks were presented during a ceremony held on Friday, November 14, where SPP members gathered alongside representatives from both nonprofits to celebrate local collaboration and the impact of collective giving.
Hospice Savannah, under the leadership of CEO Kathleen Benton, will use its $50,000 grant to launch a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program in partnership with Savannah Technical College and Senior Citizens, Inc. The program will offer weekend classes, scholarships, and wraparound support including meals and childcare to help working adults and caregivers earn vital healthcare certifications.
The training also includes specialized instruction in dementia and end-of-life care—two critical needs in Savannah’s rapidly aging population. Participants will graduate fully credentialed and job-ready, addressing both the region’s workforce shortage and the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population’s access to stable, living-wage careers.
“This generous grant represents the very definition of what true work force development in healthcare should look like.” - Dr. Kathleen Deloach Benton, President & CEO of Hospice Savannah. “This initiative is one of few in our community that addresses the many social and economic barriers for those represented in the Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed program, otherwise known as “ALICE”. This idea could not become reality without the finances to support our efforts. Thanks to this grant, we will be able to offer this opportunity to many more applicants in our area.”
Goodwill Southeast Georgia, led by President & CEO Jason Marshall, will apply its $30,000 grant toward expanding its Mobile Mission Outreach initiative, an innovative model that brings job training, adult education, and wraparound services directly into Savannah neighborhoods. The program aims to eliminate barriers such as transportation, childcare, and work-hour conflicts, enabling more residents to access free training and credentialing opportunities.
Goodwill currently serves nearly 5,000 individuals annually, providing certifications in healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics. With SPP’s support, Goodwill will expand these offerings through digital platforms and flexible delivery models, with the goal of reaching 10,000 participants each year.
“Savannah Philanthropic Partners’ investment grants us the opportunity to launch our first virtual reality career exploration program, which will transform how we engage learners and reimagine the Goodwill mission experience.” said Jason Marshall, President & CEO of Goodwill Southeast Georgia. “Not only does this grant strengthens today’s programs but also sets us up for a successful future as we continue to grow and build partnerships that propel the lives of our community members.”
These grants reflect Savannah Philanthropic Partners’ commitment to building a stronger, more equitable community where education, opportunity, and care are accessible to all. By investing in organizations that remove barriers and empower individuals, SPP continues to amplify the impact of women’s collective giving across the region.
“A local Giving Circle has grown in numbers and impact.”
~ TIM GUIDERA,
HOST OF WTOC MORNING BREAK
In June, SPP member Blake Caldwell was interviewed on WTOC in Savannah, Georgia, about this year’s SPP grant topic: Adult Literacy and Job Development. Click to watch the interview.
Jeannie Ahrens of SPP presents checks
to the executive directors of the 2024 grant recipient orgainzations
Giving Circles Work!
Congratulations to the Savannah Philanthropic Partners’
2024 Awards Grant Recipients
$50,000 Kicklighter Academy
$30,000 Wesley Community Centers of Savannah, Inc.
Savannah Philanthropic Partners Awards $80,000 Grant to Support Local Childcare Organizations
SAVANNAH, GA — Savannah Philanthropic Partners (SPP) has awarded $80,000 in grants to two prominent childcare organizations in the area. The grants, which aim to enhance the region's early childhood education and care services, include a $50,000 award to Kicklighter Academy and a $30,000 grant to Wesley Community Centers of Savannah, Inc.
The funding will support a range of critical initiatives designed to improve the quality of childcare services and increase access to early childhood education for families in need.
Kicklighter Resource Center, a well-established institution dedicated to providing exceptional care and educational support for children with developmental disabilities, will use the $50,000 grant to expand its facilities and enhance its specialized programs. The grant will help Kicklighter hire additional staff, purchase necessary equipment, and further develop its curriculum to meet the diverse needs of its students.
"We are deeply grateful to Savannah Philanthropic Partners for their continued support," said Stacey Davis, Executive Director of Kicklighter Resource Center. "This grant will enable us to provide even more children with the high-quality education and care they deserve, particularly as we strive to expand our offerings for children with special needs."
Wesley Community Centers of Savannah, a nonprofit organization that has served the community for over 75 years, will use its $30,000 grant to improve its early childhood education program. This funding will help enhance its Drayton Street facility, provide professional development opportunities for staff, and ensure that children in the program have access to essential educational resources, with a Science, Texhnology, Engineering. Art and Math (STEAM) concept.
"This grant will strengthen our mission of empowering families and providing children with a solid foundation for their future," said Tammy Mixon-Calderon, Executive Director of Wesley Community Centers, Inc. "With this support, we are better equipped to continue providing quality early childhood education to the children and families who need it most."
The grants are part of SPP's ongoing efforts to address pressing community needs and invest in programs promoting children's well-being and success. By providing financial support to local childcare providers, SPP is helping to ensure that all children, regardless of their background, have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.