Governor Perdue Announces Hands On Georgia Challenge Grants

Communities across Georgia to mobilize local volunteer efforts

ATLANTA– Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the availability of challenge grants to communities wishing to implement the “ Han ds On” model of volunteer recruitment and management.  Communities who receive challenge grants will receive $100,000 in state funding, to be equally matched by locally raised funds, bringing the leveraged amount to $200,000.

“Year after year, Georgians have proven their generosity and great spirit of volunteerism,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.  “These grants will help communities harness and focus the volunteer efforts that already exist across our state.”

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has partnered with Han ds On Georgia to distribute the grant funds to local governments that partner with community agencies to use volunteers to transform communities and engage citizens in service. 

“Volunteers can provide many services to local agencies, schools and individuals, thus allowing local governments to allocate their resources to the most critical needs,” said Mike Beatty, DCA commissioner and member of the Han ds On Georgia Board.

“ Georgians across the state understand the importance of helping their neighbors.  These challenge grants will help to build infrastructure for sustainable programming to recruit, train and manage volunteers in local communities,” said Eric Tanenblatt , board chairman of Han ds On Georgia.

Han ds On Georgia is a statewide network that supports innovative volunteer approaches to meeting Georgia 's critical needs through service and civic engagement.  Han ds On Georgia calls upon the citizens of Georgia to help tackle tough issues in our state through volunteer service and engaged citizenship.  Han ds On Georgia currently has 12 affiliates including the communities of Atlanta , Columbus , Dooly County , Forsyth County , Hall County , Liberty County , Macon , Northwest Georgia, Rome/Floyd County, Savannah , Thomas County and Wayne County .  Han ds On Georgia's signature event, Han ds On Georgia Week, engaged more than 23,000 citizens in 400 service projects in 152 counties in September 2005.

Georgians interested in applying for a Han ds On Georgia and The Georgia Department of Community Affairs Challenge Grant can download the application from the Han ds On Georgia website at www.handsongeorgia.org .  For more information about Han ds On Georgia can be obtained by emailing info@handsongeorgia.org or calling (404) 979-2910.