James M. Cox Foundation – Community Grants (2027)

Corporate Foundation Grants for Capital Projects, Program Expansion, and Nonprofit Capacity Building in Cox Enterprises Communities

The James M. Cox Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations addressing critical community needs in areas where Cox Enterprises and its subsidiaries operate.

The Foundation supports capital campaigns, building construction and renovations, equipment purchases, program expansions, capacity-building initiatives, and special projects. Its funding priorities include environmental conservation, early childhood education, healthcare, and programs that help individuals and families achieve greater stability and success.

The Foundation places considerable importance on established relationships with Cox business leaders. Organizations outside metropolitan Atlanta must obtain a letter of endorsement from a regional Cox business leader before applying.

The next application deadline is February 15, 2027, with funding decisions communicated by May 15, 2027.

Organization: James M. Cox Foundation
Support Type: Corporate foundation grants, capital grants, and capacity-building support
Geographic Focus: U.S. communities where Cox Enterprises or its subsidiaries operate, with a strong emphasis on metropolitan Atlanta
Funding Amount: No standard minimum or maximum published
Application Deadline: February 15, 2027
Additional Deadlines: June 15 and October 15, 2027

About the Funder

The James M. Cox Foundation is the charitable foundation associated with Cox Enterprises, a privately held company with businesses in automotive services, broadband, technology, agriculture, and other industries.

Established in 1957 to honor former Ohio Governor James M. Cox, the Foundation continues the company’s longstanding commitment to community investment.

The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations addressing significant challenges facing people and the environment in communities connected to Cox businesses.

Since 2010, the Foundation reports more than $382 million in charitable giving and over 1,000 grants.

Its philanthropic strategy focuses on four priorities:

• Biodiversity, Conservation & Environment
• Early Childhood Education
• Health
• Empowering Individuals & Families for Success

What This Program Supports

Biodiversity, Conservation & Environment

The Foundation supports initiatives protecting natural habitats, conserving biodiversity, and improving environmental sustainability.

Priority activities include:

• Wildlife habitat protection
• Conservation of endangered species
• Preservation and restoration of rivers and natural areas
• Land conservation
• Development and enhancement of trails
• Parks and accessible green spaces
• Environmental restoration projects

Examples of previously supported organizations include Ducks Unlimited, the North Atlantic Salmon Fund, and the PATH Foundation.

The Foundation has made substantial investments in habitat conservation and trail development, including projects improving public access to outdoor recreation.

Early Childhood Education

The Foundation prioritizes early childhood education for children from birth through age five.

Its emphasis is on early literacy, educator development, and programs that prepare young children for long-term academic success.

Potential initiatives include:

• Early literacy development
• Preschool education
• Teacher training
• Language development
• Professional development for early childhood educators
• Educational programs improving kindergarten readiness

The Foundation has supported Cox Campus, an early language and literacy training platform, and early childhood initiatives associated with the East Lake Foundation.

Important: The Foundation’s education priority specifically emphasizes children ages birth through five, rather than general K–12 education.

Health

The Foundation supports programs that expand access to quality healthcare and improve patient experiences.

Potential projects include:

• Healthcare facility construction and expansion
• Medical equipment
• Expanded patient services
• Improved access to specialized care
• Patient and family support facilities
• Technology that improves healthcare delivery

Previously supported organizations include Shepherd Center in Atlanta and Banner Health in Arizona.

These investments demonstrate the Foundation’s interest in significant healthcare infrastructure and service improvements.

Empowering Individuals & Families for Success

The Foundation supports programs helping individuals and families meet essential needs and improve their quality of life.

Priority activities include:

• Food security
• Affordable housing
• Supportive services for vulnerable populations
• Programs expanding access to essential resources
• Community services that improve long-term stability
• Initiatives creating opportunities for individuals and families

Examples of previously supported organizations include Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Westside Future Fund.

The Foundation has funded affordable housing construction and technology initiatives that expand opportunities for underserved young people.

Eligible Support Types

Unlike many corporate foundations that focus primarily on annual programming, the James M. Cox Foundation explicitly supports several types of strategic investments.

Capital Campaigns

Funding may support:

• Building construction
• Facility renovations
• Equipment purchases
• Other qualifying capital needs

Program Expansion

Support for established nonprofit programs seeking to expand their reach, capacity, or impact.

Capacity Building

Investments that strengthen an organization’s ability to deliver effective services.

Special Projects

Defined initiatives aligned with the Foundation’s funding priorities and community investment strategy.

General operating support and routine annual programming are not eligible.

Eligibility & Preferences

Eligible applicants must be:

• Federally tax-exempt organizations recognized under IRS Section 501(c)(3), excluding private foundations; or
• Equivalent government entities under Section 170(c)(1).

Organizations must be located in a U.S. community where Cox Enterprises or one of its subsidiaries operates a business.

Characteristics of Competitive Applicants

The Foundation looks for organizations demonstrating:

• Strong executive leadership
• Effective volunteer leadership
• Sustainable operations
• Broad financial support
• Proven program effectiveness

Existing Cox Relationship

A meaningful relationship with Cox Enterprises or a local Cox business is a critical consideration.

Organizations outside metropolitan Atlanta must submit a letter of endorsement from a regional manager or equivalent leader at the local Cox business.

This endorsement must accompany the application.

The Foundation does not provide contact information for Cox business leaders to prospective applicants.

Organizations without an established Cox relationship will not be considered.

Application Frequency

Only one request per organization is considered during a 24-month period.

Organizations must wait at least 24 months from the date of their previous application before submitting another request, regardless of whether that application was approved or declined.

Geographic Eligibility

Eligible Country: United States

The Foundation funds organizations located in communities where Cox Enterprises or its subsidiaries operate.

Greater Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia

The Foundation has a particularly strong connection to metropolitan Atlanta.

Organizations located within the greater Atlanta area are not subject to the additional regional endorsement-letter requirement.

However, an established relationship with Cox remains an important consideration.

Other Cox Business Communities

Organizations outside metropolitan Atlanta may qualify if they:

• Are located in an area where Cox Enterprises or a subsidiary operates
• Have an established, meaningful relationship with a local Cox business
• Obtain a letter of endorsement from a regional Cox business leader

Cox Enterprises operates businesses in numerous states through subsidiaries such as Cox Communications and Cox Automotive.

The Foundation does not publish a definitive list of eligible states, counties, or cities.

The presence of a Cox business in a state does not automatically establish eligibility for every nonprofit in that state.

Organizations should confirm their local Cox relationship and endorsement eligibility before preparing an application.

Ineligible Requests

The James M. Cox Foundation does not support:

• Scholarships for individual students
• Grants to nonprofits for scholarships benefiting individual students
• General operating expenses
• Routine annual programs
• Seed funding or requests where the Foundation would be the organization’s only funding source
• Endowment funds
• Debt relief
• Fundraising events
• Event sponsorships
• Conferences and seminars
• Organizations primarily seeking to influence legislation
• Political causes, candidates, organizations, or campaigns
• Religious organizations seeking general operating support
• Religious sanctuary construction or renovation
• Religious mission-focused activities

Religious Organization Exception

The Foundation may consider requests from religious organizations with 501(c)(3) status for project-specific social services or community outreach programs that are not limited to members of a particular religious affiliation.

Non-Discrimination Requirement

Organizations and programs with discriminatory practices are not eligible for funding.

Funding Amounts

Standard Grant Amount: Not Publicly Specified

The Foundation does not publish a minimum or maximum grant amount.

Grant sizes vary based on the project, organizational needs, and available resources.

The Foundation has historically supported substantial capital and program investments.

Examples of previously announced commitments include:

• $10 million to Shepherd Center for expanded patient access and healthcare facilities
• $5 million to Westside Future Fund for affordable housing construction
• $6 million to the PATH Foundation for trail expansion
• $4.1 million to Cox Campus for early literacy educator training

These are examples of significant past investments and should not be interpreted as typical awards for new applicants.

Organizations should develop funding requests appropriate to their project scope, financial capacity, and existing relationship with Cox.

Timeline & Review

The James M. Cox Foundation has three application deadlines annually.

2027 Grant Calendar

The Foundation may request additional information or conduct a site visit during its review.

Application Frequency Restriction

Organizations may submit only one request within a 24-month period.

This restriction applies regardless of the outcome of the previous application.

Applicants should carefully select the project and funding cycle that offer the strongest opportunity for success.

Application / Request Process

All grant requests must be submitted through the Foundation’s online application portal.

Mailed or emailed proposals are not accepted.

Step 1: Review Funding Guidelines

Confirm that the proposed project aligns with one of the Foundation’s four priority areas.

Determine whether the request qualifies as a capital campaign, program expansion, capacity-building initiative, or special project.

Step 2: Confirm Geographic Eligibility & Cox Relationship

Verify that the organization is located in a community where Cox operates.

Organizations outside metropolitan Atlanta must secure a letter of endorsement from an appropriate Cox regional business leader.

Step 3: Create an Online Account

First-time applicants must create an account through the Foundation’s online grants portal.

The system allows applicants to save and return to unfinished applications.

Step 4: Complete the Eligibility Quiz

Applicants must complete an online eligibility assessment before accessing the full application.

Organizations that meet the eligibility requirements will be directed to the application form.

Step 5: Prepare the Grant Proposal

Applicants should be prepared to describe:

• Organizational mission and history
• Executive and volunteer leadership
• Financial sustainability
• Proposed project or capital need
• Community challenges addressed
• Anticipated outcomes
• Project budget and funding sources
• Program effectiveness
• Relationship with Cox Enterprises

The Foundation provides an option to preview the application questions before beginning.

Step 6: Upload Supporting Documentation

Submit all materials requested through the portal.

For organizations outside metropolitan Atlanta, the required Cox regional endorsement letter must be included.

Step 7: Submit Online

Complete the application before the applicable deadline.

Applicants should add mail@grantapplication.com to their email contacts to ensure that application confirmations and correspondence are received.

Apply / Learn More:

➡️ https://www.coxenterprises.com/our-impact/james-m-cox-foundation/grant-guidelines

Application Portal & Instructions:

➡️ https://www.coxenterprises.com/our-impact/james-m-cox-foundation/apply-for-funding

Foundation Contact: coxfoundation@coxinc.com

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This opportunity is particularly attractive to organizations that:

• Need capital funding for construction, renovation, or equipment
• Are expanding an established, effective program
• Seek capacity-building support
• Protect wildlife habitats and natural resources
• Develop parks, trails, and green spaces
• Improve early childhood literacy and education
• Expand healthcare access or patient services
• Provide affordable housing or essential family services
• Have strong financial management and organizational leadership
• Maintain an established relationship with Cox Enterprises

The James M. Cox Foundation is especially valuable for established nonprofits undertaking significant projects that may be difficult to fund through traditional annual program grants.

However, this is a relationship-driven funding opportunity. Organizations without an existing connection to Cox Enterprises are unlikely to qualify, particularly outside metropolitan Atlanta.

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Review Type: Three scheduled cycles annually
Next Deadline: February 15, 2027
Next Decision Date: May 15, 2027
Additional Deadlines: June 15 and October 15, 2027
Funding Amounts: Not published
Support Types: Capital campaigns, program expansion, capacity building, special projects
Geographic Focus: U.S. communities where Cox Enterprises operates
Priority Region: Greater metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia
Eligible Applicants: Established 501(c)(3) public charities and qualifying government entities
Relationship Requirement: Existing Cox relationship essential; regional endorsement required outside metro Atlanta
Application Limit: One request every 24 months, regardless of outcome
Best Suited For: Established nonprofits with strong leadership, diversified funding, proven impact, and substantial project needs
Application Strategy: Confirm the Cox relationship and geographic fit before investing time in the proposal. Prioritize a well-defined capital, expansion, or capacity-building project rather than general operating expenses.