Local Nonprofits Making a World of Difference - and How You Can Help!

The Lake Oconee area is not just a serene retreat for vacationers; it is also a community that thrives on giving back. With a multitude of nonprofits dedicated to various causes, this region is a hub of philanthropy and compassion.

From organizations focused on empowering youth and promoting arts and culture to those aiming to enhance healthcare and support the elderly, the Lake Oconee area is home to a vibrant non-profit sector that works tirelessly to uplift the community.

Consider donating your time or financial resources to these beloved nonprofits in the Lake Oconee. Help support the incredible initiatives that are creating positive change in our community.

Click HERE to learn about more nonprofits in the Lake Sinclair area!

GREENSBORO

Festival Hall

Originally built in 1939 as Greensboro's auditorium, Festival Hall is a unique performing and visual arts facility located in downtown Greensboro, Georgia. With its rich history and versatile space, it is the perfect venue for various events, such as performances, weddings, corporate parties, and workshops. The team at Festival Hall is dedicated to providing an exceptional experience for every event, paying close attention to detail and ensuring that all needs are met.

Greensboro Episcopal Church of the Redeemer

 Nestled in Downtown Greensboro, you’ll find a little red church with a very big heart. The church spearheads a number of initiatives to serve the underserved, and they invite others to join the cause! There are several ways to support their efforts, including the donation of handbags, jewelry and clothing for their annual Upscale Resale, which raises funds for local food pantries. Other projects include delivering food baskets for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter and seasonal gift baskets for children. The church is one of several in Greensboro who serve weekly meals at Our Father’s Kitchen.

Atlas Ministries

Atlas Ministries invite community members to share their passions and talents by volunteering to make a meaningful impact in Greensboro. Opportunities include engaging with kids and families during craft time, assisting with workshops, serving meals, or supporting their student program. During summer camps, volunteers can help with crafts, lunch preparation, or administrative tasks like greeting and signing in participants.You can also join “Hands of ATLAS”, a recurring donor program that helps children and their families thrive.

Circle of Love

The Circle Of Love Center, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that specializes in providing direct and support services to victims of domestic violence and their children in the five-county area of Greene, Morgan, Putnam, Baldwin, and Hancock counties. By offering both residential (shelter) and non-residential services, the center aims to assist families in need and make a positive impact on their lives. In addition to their services, the organization is committed to raising community awareness and understanding of domestic violence issues. Monetary contributions are crucial for covering essential operating expenses such as electricity, water, sewer, security, and routine maintenance projects and supplies for the shelter. Furthermore, the organization greatly appreciates donations of household items and clothing to help families who often leave volatile situations with little to nothing. To learn more about how you can contribute and support the Circle Of Love Center, please consider checking their "Wish List" provided on their website.

Circle Ranch

Circle Ranch Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing alternative housing for foster children in Lake Oconee and the surrounding areas. Their mission is to address the need for a home, a safe haven, and a structured family setting for these children. Circle Ranch Inc. aims to be a home away from home for foster children when they are removed from their family homes by the state.

First Call Pregnancy Center

First Call, an organization that has been operating since August 2005, aims to provide assistance to women in the community. They collaborate with various entities such as school nurses, doctor's offices, state agencies, churches, and the public, in order to support women facing unplanned pregnancies or parents seeking information on childcare. Their goal is to offer guidance and resources to individuals in need.

Greene County Christian Outreach

At GCCO, the mission is to bring together churches, businesses, civic organizations, service agencies, and individuals in Greene County to provide both material and emotional support to those in need. The efforts of the organization are guided by a dedicated Board of Directors, primarily consisting of pastors and other representatives of local churches, who aim to make a positive impact on the community.

Greene County Senior Center

Isolation, loneliness and food insecurity are often felt acutely by older adults in the community. The Greene County Senior Center provides vital services to seniors in need, including daily meals, socialization and material goods. The Senior Center and Meals on Wheels programs welcome volunteers and in-kind donations throughout the year. Find out how you can make a difference in the lives of seniors in the community.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) is a local service organization that was established in 2020 with the aim of assisting those in need in Greene and Putnam Counties. Unlike other organizations, NHN is dedicated to providing a hand-up instead of a handout. Their focus is on addressing critical needs such as home repairs, vehicle replacement, and providing beds for children who do not have one. NHN predominantly serves a diverse range of individuals, including older adults, children, single working mothers and their children, military veterans, developmentally and/or physically challenged individuals, and low-income families. Despite their short existence, NHN has already made a significant impact by delivering hundreds of beds to children in need, completing numerous home projects, and either repairing or replacing several vehicles.

Oconee Performing Arts Society

OPAS, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to offering a wide range of exceptional arts experiences to the public. By doing so, it aims to not only provide individuals with access to high-quality art but also create a sense of unity and community through artistic expression. OPAS strives to make the arts accessible and enjoyable for all, enriching the lives of those it serves.

Oconee Regional Humane Society

The Oconee Regional Humane Society (ORHS) is a notable organization that relies completely on the generosity of donors, without any government support. While their core mission involves facilitating cat and dog adoptions, ORHS goes beyond that by providing resources and services to help animals and their families outside of their facility. On this year's Giving Tuesday, ORHS aims to raise $20,000 to support vital community programs such as Spay & Neuter (S&N), Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR), and their Food Distribution Program. These programs benefit the animals and the people they serve in their local community.

Pete Nance Boys and Girls Club

The Pete Nance Boys and Girls Club in Greensboro, GA, serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for the local community. This club provides a safe and inclusive environment for children and teenagers to grow, learn, and thrive. With a dedicated team of professionals and volunteers, the club offers a wide range of programs and activities, including academic support, sports, arts and culture, and character and leadership development.

St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital

St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital, located in Greensboro, Georgia, is a 25-bed acute care critical access hospital serving the Greensboro and greater Greene County areas of East Georgia. The hospital is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to the community. Their Adult Auxiliary Volunteer Program and Hospice Volunteer Programs areare for those who enjoy being of service to visitors in both hospital and non-hospital settings. As members of a friendly, supportive auxiliary, you can meet new people, make lasting friendships, and feel great about making a valuable contribution to the mission of St. Mary’s.

EATONTON

The Artisans Village

The Artisans Village Art Gallery, Studio and Guild is a nonprofit corporation with a 501c(3) status, established as a venture in economic development and art tourism. Consisting of an art gallery, studio and guild, their aim is to advance the visual arts in order to strengthen the economy and enhance the quality of life in the Lake Country. The organization strives to bring artists together in a creative and expressive environment, creating value that will attract art enthusiasts to the area.

Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce

The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce is a valuable resource for over 300 investor businesses and organizations in the area. They bring together leaders from different sectors of the business community and offer professional development, networking events, discounts, and exposure opportunities for these businesses. The Chamber's main goal is to promote and support economic prosperity and tourism in Eatonton and Putnam County. They accomplish this by telling the story of the community and through various initiatives in areas such as tourism, community, workforce, and economic development.

Eatonton/Putnam County Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity of Putnam is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to assisting hardworking, low-income families in Putnam County, Georgia, by providing them with affordable opportunities to become homeowners. Through their efforts, they aim to empower families and improve the overall quality of life in the community. With the support of volunteers and the local community, Habitat for Humanity of Putnam is able to make a lasting impact on families in need.

Georgia Writers Museum

The Georgia Writers Museum in Eatonton, Georgia, is a nonprofit organization devoted to celebrating the state’s vibrant literary heritage. It pays tribute to iconic authors such as Alice Walker, Flannery O’Connor, and Joel Chandler Harris, all of whom launched their literary journeys near Eatonton. Through dynamic exhibits, educational programs, workshops, and community events, the museum inspires writers and readers alike while preserving the legacy of Georgia’s literary greats. Charitable donations are essential to sustaining its mission, funding programs, maintaining exhibits, and fostering a lifelong love of literature within the community.

The Plaza Arts Center

The Plaza Arts Center offers a variety of programs and events for people of all ages, including educational programs for children like summer art camp and Camp Broadway. The Plaza Arts Center also serves as a gathering place for local artisans and social and civic groups, making it a pillar of the community. With the Old School History Museum and The Plaza Alliance for the Performing Arts, there are countless opportunities for locals to get involved and support the center. Whether by becoming a member, sponsor, or making a one-time donation, individuals can help ensure the legacy of The Plaza Arts Center continues to thrive.

Uncle Remus Museum

The Uncle Remus Museum aims to educate its visitors about the life and work of Joel Chandler Harris through various means such as historical storytelling, period artifacts, dioramas featuring the beloved Uncle Remus characters, insights into local history during Harris' formative years, and informative tours. Donations play a crucial role in supporting the museum's mission to enhance visitor knowledge about Harris and his contributions. By providing financial contributions, individuals can actively contribute towards preserving the past and ensuring the continuation of immersive tours and engaging exhibits at the museum.

MADISON

Madison-Morgan Cultural Arts Center

The Madison-Morgan Cultural Arts Center, a nonprofit organization, serves as a hub for multidisciplinary performing and visual arts in Madison. This historic schoolhouse offers a range of artistic experiences, including performing arts and visual arts, all aimed at enriching the lives of local residents. With a mission to provide prestigious programming and educational opportunities in the arts, the center seeks to foster a vibrant arts community and inspire creativity in its patrons.

Morgan County Senior Center

The mission of the Morgan County Senior Center is to provide services which improve the quality of life for senior citizens. There are several ways to service, including becoming a Meals on Wheels volunteer or a friendly visitor to a senior at their home.

The Steffen Thomas Museum of Art

The Mission of the Steffen Thomas Museum of Art is to provide opportunities to engage, to learn, and to be inspired through Steffen’s life, art, and legacy. The Museum fulfills this mission by using its large permanent collection of the artist’s sculpture, paintings, mosaics, ceramics, furniture, works on paper, personal papers and artifacts documenting his life. Specifically, the Collection is used to demonstrate creative artistic expression, enable people of all ages to discover and develop their own talents, as well as achieve a deeper understanding of themselves and their connection of humankind with the environment and other living beings. The Steffen Thomas Museum and Archives, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and is open and staffed on a regular schedule.

Madison-Morgan Conservancy

The Madison-Morgan Conservancy's mission is centered around providing the public with education on conservation matters as well as safeguarding and improving the legacy and quality of life for the residents of Morgan County. Achieving this entails the preservation of historic sites, greenspace, farmland, and timberland.

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United In Pink

United in Pink is a breast cancer family resource provider in Central Georgia. They offer emotional, social, and financial support to individuals and their families affected by breast cancer. Their programs aim to address health disparities, improve quality of life, and increase positive cancer outcomes. United in Pink provides essential support services to help families cope with the distress of a breast cancer diagnosis, allowing them to recover, heal, and thrive.

These organizations are truly making a difference in our community, and we hope that you have found one that resonates with you and inspires you to get involved.

Whether it's through volunteering your time, making a donation, or simply spreading the word about their work, your support can make a meaningful impact. Let's come together to support these nonprofits and create a brighter future for the Lake Oconee area.

Let us know in the comments if we missed your favorite nonprofit to support in the Lake Oconee area!

Best Wishes,
Your Friends at Lake Oconee Life

P.S. Read more about the opportunities to support non-profits around Lake Sinclair area.