Updated on February 15th, 2024

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 nonprofit sector that is tirelessly working to uplift the community.

In this blog post, we will delve into the world of nonprofits in the Lake Oconee area and highlight the incredible initiatives they undertake to create positive change.

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

GREENSBORO

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.

Circle of Love

The Circle Of Love Center, Inc. is a non-profit 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.

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.

Oconee Performing Arts Society

OPAS, a non-profit 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

EATONTON

The Plaza Arts Center

The Plaza Arts Center, which opened in 2008, has quickly become a beloved fixture in the Lake Country. Drawing in over 50,000 visitors each year, the center offers a variety of programs and events for people of all ages. Children can benefit from educational programs 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. It's no wonder that the center is affectionately referred to as "the Heartbeat of Downtown Eatonton."

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 GA Habitat Restore

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.

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 non-profit 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.

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.

ONline

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.

Thank you for taking the time to explore the incredible nonprofits in the Lake Oconee area. 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,
The LOL Team

P.S. Click HERE to read about nonprofits around Lake Sinclair!