Applications will be accepted from March 1–June 1, 2023

Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy was known to ask a simple question: "Why not your best?" This question served as the heartbeat of his personal life, career and service to his community.

With a firm belief in the unlimited potential everyone possesses, Cathy dedicated his life to inspiring and challenging young people to do and be their “very best” in all aspects of life. 
Created in 2015 to honour the late founder’s legacy of care, inspiration and service, the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards™ program provides annual grants to celebrate and support non-profit organizations making deep, lasting impacts in their communities. 

Since its inception, the program has awarded US$22 million to 250 organizations in 36 states across the U.S., Washington, D.C. and Canada. In 2022 alone, True Inspiration Award Winners received a total of US$5 million spanning two countries,  23 states, 39 cities  and 46 game-changing non-profits.

 Applications for the 2024 True Inspiration Awards Are available March 1 – June 1, and Chick-fil-A encourages non-profit organizations to apply in one of the four categories (below).

  • Caring for People: Programs or projects supporting educational initiatives, including fostering character and leadership development, academic excellence and community involvement in underserved youth.
  • Caring through Food: Programs or projects focused on addressing hunger and food insecurity facing children and their families.
  • Caring for Communities: Programs or projects focused on providing housing and other direct services to support young people and their families.
  • Caring for our Planet: Programs or projects that show care for the environment and the planet, or that demonstrate environmental stewardship through initiatives directly related to the other True Inspiration Awards categories of food, community and people (i.e., community beautification, education opportunities, community gardens, outdoor classrooms, etc.).

How does my organization apply for the True Inspiration Awards?

From March 1 through June 1 2023, eligible non-profit organizations can apply by filling out this application form. Organizations may also be nominated by Chick-fil-A Operators who wish to support local organizations in their community. Operators can nominate organizations here. 

When can I apply?

Applications for the 2024 True Inspiration Awards program will be accepted from March 1 to June 1, 2023.

What type of grants are awarded?

Grants will range between US$30,000 and US$350,000 within the following categories:

  • Caring for People
  • Caring through Food
  • Caring for Communities
  • Caring for our Planet

Twenty-nine organizations will be selected as 2024 Regional Winners for their work in one of the four categories. These organizations must be nominated by a Chick-fil-A Operator. 

One exemplary, Operator-nominated organization will be selected as the S. Truett Cathy Honoree  and the recipient of a US$350,000 grant. The S. Truett Cathy Honoree embodies the generous, innovative spirit of Chick-fil-A’s late founder – pioneering new ways to solve problems and serve others. Read more about our 2023 S. Truett Cathy Honoree, SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence, here. 

What type of organizations are eligible to apply?

Organizations must be either (i) a 501(c)(3) based in the U.S. or (ii) a Canadian T3010 charitable organization that can provide, prior to receiving the grant and upon our request, an opinion of counsel that confirms it is the equivalent of a U.S. 501(c)(3) public charity in its home jurisdiction. Organizations who received a True Inspiration Awards grant in 2022 or 2023 are not eligible to apply. 

Organizations must also have needs that align with our Corporate Social Responsibility priorities: Caring for People, Caring for Others through Food, Caring for Communities and Caring for our Planet.

Will all applicants receive a grant?

Unfortunately, not every organization that applies will receive a grant. We will award 46 grants in 2024.

Will grants be awarded on a first come, first served basis?

No - our team will thoroughly review and evaluate applications to help determine which organizations are selected to win each category. Winners will be announced in December 2023 or early January 2024. 

Does my organization need to be a certain size or serve a certain area?

There are no size limitations to eligible organizations, however, their work must fit within the four categories.

If I am selected as a recipient, how may my organization use the grant?

True Inspiration Awards grant recipients may use their grants as they wish to further the strength and depth of their organization’s impact. 

Ready to apply? Check here during the application period to get started. Best of luck, applicants!