Bright Wings Foundation focuses its modest philanthropic resources on arts and cultural organizations, with a strong emphasis on supporting museums and performing arts for children. The foundation makes general operating grants and shows a tendency to concentrate funding in a few organizations, including repeat support for a major natural history museum.
Concentrated, small portfolio: few grants overall with a large share going to a single repeat grantee (Fernbank Museum) and one other arts organization; primarily unrestricted general operating support.
Bright Wings Fndtn Tr Ua gives repeated support to Atlanta’s Fernbank Museum of Natural History and The Piccadilly Puppets Company, showing a pattern of backing cultural institutions that reach children and families. Its recent grants also include general operating support for organizations such as the Atlanta Area Council Boy Scouts of Amer, The Study Hall, and Collective Learning Academy Inc, alongside environmental groups like The Georgia Conservancy Inc and Wylde Center. The foundation’s annual grantmaking is modest in dollar terms but steady enough to show clear preferences: arts, culture, youth-oriented programming, and nature-related organizations. Several grantees appear across multiple years, which points to ongoing relationships rather than one-time awards. The largest grants in the recent list are $20,000 awards, but the foundation also frequently gives at smaller levels, including recurring $4,000 to $5,000 grants. Its program language centers on family interests, with emphasis on youth and nature, and its grant history shows that those interests are reflected in the organizations it supports.
Arts and cultural organizations are a clear theme. Bright Wings Fndtn Tr Ua gave $20,000 to Fernbank Museum of Natural History in 2025 for general operating support, and it also awarded The Piccadilly Puppets Company $20,000 in 2025 for general operating support. In education and youth-serving work, the foundation gave $17,500 to Atlanta Area Council Boy Scouts of Amer in 2024 for general operating support and $5,000 to Collective Learning Academy Inc in 2025 for general operating support. Nature and conservation also appear in the grant list through $4,000 awards to The Georgia Conservancy Inc in 2024 and 2025, plus a 2024 general operating grant to Camp Sunshine in Decatur, GA. Smaller operating grants to groups like Wylde Center fit the same pattern of flexible support for local organizations.
The listed typical grant size is tightly clustered: p25 is $2,000, median is $3,000, and p75 is $3,000. That points to a small-grant model with a few larger awards layered on top. The foundation’s recent list also shows repeat support across years for several organizations, which suggests ongoing relationships rather than isolated gifts. Bright Wings Fndtn Tr Ua is a trust under U/A structure, and the active grant programs say trustees meet annually to consider qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. Those programs also accept unsolicited requests and use program or project support, while the recent grant record shows a separate pattern of general operating support.
$169K
$2.1M
$233K
$208K
Most grants fall between $2K and $3K, with a median of $3K.
25th Percentile
$2K
Median
$3K
75th Percentile
$3K
About 0% of grants go to recipients in GA.
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Notable grantees: Fernbank Museum of Natural History, The Piccadilly Puppets Company
Bright Wings Fndtn Tr Ua gives almost entirely within the United States, with 134 grants in the US and 0% to recipients in Florida. Georgia is the top state by grant count, and Atlanta appears frequently in the recent grants list, including Fernbank Museum of Natural History, The Piccadilly Puppets Company, Atlanta Area Council Boy Scouts of Amer, The Study Hall, and Collective Learning Academy Inc. Other Georgia recipients include Clarkston, Brookhaven, and Decatur. Outside Georgia, recent grants also went to Saint Paul, MN; Elburn, IL; Batavia, IL; and Portland, ME.
The foundation’s active programs focus on youth, nature, and family interests. In the recent grants list, that shows up in support for arts and cultural groups, youth-serving organizations, and environmental nonprofits such as The Georgia Conservancy Inc and Wylde Center.
Both appear in the data. Recent grants include general operating support for Fernbank Museum of Natural History, The Piccadilly Puppets Company, and Atlanta Area Council Boy Scouts of Amer, while the active grant programs describe program and project support for qualified 501(c)(3) organizations.
Yes. The active grant programs say the foundation accepts unsolicited requests, and trustees meet annually to consider qualified 501(c)(3) organizations.
The typical award is small: p25 is $2,000, median is $3,000, and p75 is $3,000. The active program materials also describe grant sizes in the $1,000 to $5,000 range.
Georgia is the top state by grant count, with Atlanta appearing repeatedly in the recent grants list. The recipient country distribution is entirely US-based, with 134 grants in the United States.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Current and upcoming funding from Bright Wings Fndtn Tr Ua that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Organizations applying through the High Point Community Foundation portal using the access code provided; priority giving remains focused on the High Point area of North Carolina.
Deadline: Deadline to submit a 2026 request is October 15th.
Who can apply: Applicants must fit within the guidelines described on the guidelines tab.
Deadline: October 31st.
Who can apply: Organizations exempt from federal tax under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Grants are not made to individuals. 509(a)(3) supporting organizations may be considered but must provide additional information.
Deadline: Annual deadline: applications must be submitted by August 15 to be considered at the trustees' annual fall meeting.
Who can apply: Applicants must fit within the guidelines described on the guidelines tab.
Deadline: August 15.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY | ATLANTA, GA | $21,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| THE PICCADILLY PUPPETS COMPANY | ATLANTA, GA | $10,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| FIRE ROCKETS | UPPER MARLBORO, MD | $7,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| ATLANTA AREA COUNCIL BOY SCOUTS OF AMER | ATLANTA, GA | $6,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| VAMOS ADELANTE FOUNDATION | ELBURN, IL | $5,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL NETWORK FOR GUATEMALAN SOLUTIONS | DENVER, CO | $5,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| FEET ON THE STREET MINISTRIES INC | ATLANTA, GA | $5,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| THE GEORGIA CONSERVANCY INC | ATLANTA, GA | $4,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| ATLANTA MUSIC PROJECT INC | ATLANTA, GA | $4,000 | 2026 | GENERAL |
| SYNCHRONICITY THEATRE | ATLANTA, GA | $3,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| THE SUMMIT COUNSELING CENTER | JOHNS CREEK, GA | $3,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| MURPHY-HARPST CHILDREN'S CENTERS INC | CEDARTOWN, GA | $3,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| A SQUASH | ATLANTA, GA | $3,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| BEARINGS BIKE SHOP INC | ATLANTA, GA | $3,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| ESSENTIAL3LIFE INC | ATLANTA, GA | $3,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| FAMILY HERITAGE FOUNDATION | CLARKSTON, GA | $3,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| OUR HOUSE | ATLANTA, GA | $3,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| RESTORATION ATL MISSION INC | ATLANTA, GA | $3,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| PRESENCIA | BROOKHAVEN, GA | $3,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| THE COTTAGE SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER INC | ROSWELL, GA | $3,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| TOOLBOX INC | ROSWELL, GA | $3,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| WYLDE CENTER | DECATUR, GA | $3,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| LIFECYCLE BLDG CENTER INC | ATLANTA, GA | $3,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| FOCUSED COMMUNITY STRATEGIES (FCS) | ATLANTA, GA | $3,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| GEORGIA RIVER NETWORK | ATHENS, GA | $3,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| ARIS INC | HAPEVILLE, GA | $3,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| THE FRAZER CENTER | ATLANTA, GA | $3,000 | 2026 | GENERAL |
| LAAMISTAD INC | ATLANTA, GA | $3,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER | LAGRANGE, GA | $2,500 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| DUNWOODY NATURE CENTER INC | DUNWOODY, GA | $2,500 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| LOSTINTHELETTERS INC | ATLANTA, GA | $2,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| QUEEN ACADEMY | JACKSON, GA | $2,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| GLOBAL GROWERS NETWORK INC | DECATUR, GA | $2,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| TIMANOUS FOUNDATION | SOUTH PORTLAND, ME | $2,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY FDN | ATLANTA, GA | $2,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| ELACHEE NATURE SCIENCE CENTER | GAINESVILLE, GA | $2,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| DRAKE HOUSE INC | ROSWELL, GA | $2,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| WILDERNESS WORKS INC | ATLANTA, GA | $2,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| TWINHEAD THEATRE INC | ATLANTA, GA | $2,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| WILLIAMS HOUSE INC | ROSWELL, GA | $2,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| FLY ON A WALL INC | ATLANTA, GA | $2,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| YOUTH VILLAGES GEORGIA | DOUGLASVILLE, GA | $2,000 | 2026 | INNER HARBOUR CANOE |
| JOEL CHANDLER HARRIS ASSOCIATION | ATLANTA, GA | $2,000 | 2026 | GENERAL |
| CANYONLANDS FIELD INSTITUTE | MOAB, UT | $2,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| ADAPTAVIE LEARNING CENTER | KENNESAW, GA | $2,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| GEORGIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA | MARIETTA, GA | $2,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| COBB SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA INC | MARIETTA, GA | $2,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| LUKES PLACE INC | BLAIRSVILLE, GA | $1,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| THE OBJECT GROUP INC | ATLANTA, GA | $1,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| CURE CHILDHOOD CANCER | ATLANTA, GA | $1,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING |
FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
$21,000GENERAL OPERATING
THE PICCADILLY PUPPETS COMPANY
$10,000GENERAL OPERATING
FIRE ROCKETS
$7,000GENERAL OPERATING
ATLANTA AREA COUNCIL BOY SCOUTS OF AMER
$6,000GENERAL OPERATING
VAMOS ADELANTE FOUNDATION
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING
GENERAL OPERATING
FEET ON THE STREET MINISTRIES INC
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING
THE GEORGIA CONSERVANCY INC
$4,000GENERAL OPERATING
ATLANTA MUSIC PROJECT INC
$4,000GENERAL
A SQUASH
$3,000GENERAL OPERATING
ESSENTIAL3LIFE INC
$3,000GENERAL OPERATING
FAMILY HERITAGE FOUNDATION
$3,000GENERAL OPERATING
RESTORATION ATL MISSION INC
$3,000GENERAL OPERATING
THE COTTAGE SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER INC
$3,000GENERAL OPERATING
TOOLBOX INC
$3,000GENERAL OPERATING
WYLDE CENTER
$3,000GENERAL OPERATING
FOCUSED COMMUNITY STRATEGIES (FCS)
$3,000GENERAL OPERATING
GEORGIA RIVER NETWORK
$3,000GENERAL OPERATING
ARIS INC
$3,000GENERAL OPERATING
THE FRAZER CENTER
$3,000GENERAL
DUNWOODY NATURE CENTER INC
$2,500GENERAL OPERATING
LOSTINTHELETTERS INC
$2,000GENERAL OPERATING
QUEEN ACADEMY
$2,000GENERAL OPERATING
TIMANOUS FOUNDATION
$2,000GENERAL OPERATING
WILDERNESS WORKS INC
$2,000GENERAL OPERATING
TWINHEAD THEATRE INC
$2,000GENERAL OPERATING
WILLIAMS HOUSE INC
$2,000GENERAL OPERATING
FLY ON A WALL INC
$2,000GENERAL OPERATING
YOUTH VILLAGES GEORGIA
$2,000INNER HARBOUR CANOE
JOEL CHANDLER HARRIS ASSOCIATION
$2,000GENERAL
CANYONLANDS FIELD INSTITUTE
$2,000GENERAL OPERATING
ADAPTAVIE LEARNING CENTER
$2,000GENERAL OPERATING
GEORGIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
$2,000GENERAL OPERATING
COBB SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA INC
$2,000GENERAL OPERATING
LUKES PLACE INC
$1,000GENERAL OPERATING
THE OBJECT GROUP INC
$1,000GENERAL OPERATING