SCAD Awards Nearly $700,000 to Savannah and Atlanta Nonprofits Through SERVE Community Fund

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Savannah College of Art and Design has awarded nearly $700,000 to nonprofits in Savannah and Atlanta through its SCAD SERVE Community Fund, continuing its investment in efforts addressing homelessness, public safety and access to essential services. This year’s recipients include Union Mission, the Atlanta History Center and the Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless.

Union Mission received $372,000 to implement SCAD student-designed plans for an 8,200-square-foot, trauma-informed Day Center for individuals experiencing homelessness, scheduled to open in June.

The Atlanta History Center was awarded $150,000 to install a student-designed wayfinding and visitor experience system across its 33-acre campus ahead of its centennial programming this summer.

The Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless received $150,000 to install student-designed self-service digital kiosks providing 24/7 access to essential services across Savannah later this year.

University officials said the projects were developed through SCAD SERVE Design for Good courses, applying classroom learning to real-world community needs. Established in 2024 with a $10 million allocation, the SCAD SERVE Community Fund has invested more than $2.6 million to date in initiatives supporting food access, shelter, safety and workforce development.

University leaders said the investment reflects SCAD’s continued commitment to strengthening the communities it serves through design-driven solutions and strategic partnerships.