Who We Support
Communities within North America
While the Foundation will concentrate on charities within its community, the Board of Directors may from time to time choose to fund other worthy causes outside the immediate community, but within North America.
All funds disbursed from the Foundation will go to exempt purposes as defined in section 501 (c) (3).
What is Required?
Key Criteria
At Blue Bird School Bus Foundation, we offer financial support to organizations that meet our mission of supporting education, health and safety of children. In making its decisions on which organization will receive funds, the Foundation will consider the following key criteria:
- Is the organization exempt under 501 (c) (3)?
- Does the organization serve Blue Bird’s community in Central Georgia?
- Does the organization benefit student-age children (under 19 years old)?
- Does the organization directly support the needs and expenses of underprivileged or otherwise in-need constituents?
- What percentage of the organization’s funds go to administration, salaries, or advertising versus direct support of the cause?
- Does the mission statement of the organization align with our mission?
- What are the average annual incoming donations of the organization for the last three calendar years?
If you feel your charity qualifies for financial support from the Blue Bird Foundation, please fill out the form.
Maximum Grant Amount
Most of Blue Bird School Bus Foundation’s grants will not exceed $5,000. We are interested in supporting at least one large project each year with a maximum grant amount of $15,000.
Geographic Location
Priority will be given to non-profits that serve Peach and Macon County.
Funding Cycles
Preference will be given to organizations who have NOT received a Blue Bird School Bus Foundation grant in the last twelve months.
Grant Award Schedule
The Fall 2026 grant cycle is now under review.
Decisions are usually made and announced within two months of the deadlines.
Reporting Requirements
All recipients of a grant from Blue Bird School Bus Foundation must submit a final report with details on the outcome of the project and proof of how the grant funds were used. Final reports are due within sixty days after depletion of the grant funds, prior to submitting a new grant application, or no later than one year from the deadline date of the cycle in which you applied for your grant, whichever is earliest. For example, final reports for grants received in the March 31, 2025, cycle are due no later than March 31, 2026. You must have completed final reports or final letters for all previously awarded grants to be eligible to submit a new grant application.
All grant reports must be submitted on-line. Paper copies or letters will not be accepted.
How to promote your non-profit’s event or project
Please feel free to describe your funding as a grant from Blue Bird School Bus Foundation. You have permission to use Blue Bird School Bus Foundation’s logo on any materials you create to promote your project. You can download our logo by clicking here. Please include copies of all marketing materials in your final grant report.
We want to share your accomplishments with our employees and partners. When you invite the media or your partners on site, please include us. Tag Blue Bird on social media when you share information about your project.
