True Inspiration Awards Grant

The True Inspiration Awards Grant, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, is a philanthropic initiative designed to honor the legacy of the company’s founder, S. Truett Cathy. The program reflects Chick-fil-A's long-standing commitment to community service and supports nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a tangible impact within their local communities. Through the annual grant cycle, Chick-fil-A aims to celebrate and elevate organizations whose missions align with their core pillars of global impact: Caring for People, Caring through Food, Caring for Communities, and Caring for the Planet. Grants awarded through the True Inspiration Awards program range from $35,000 to $350,000. For the 2027 award cycle, Chick-fil-A has committed over $6.5 million in funding to 61 recipient organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as international markets including Canada, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Organizations selected under this program are recognized for their excellence in serving children, youth, and families through educational advancement, hunger relief, community support services, and environmental stewardship. Each thematic pillar encompasses four U.S. recipients, and additional regional and global awards extend the program's reach and impact. To be eligible, organizations must be either a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) or an international equivalent with proper legal documentation confirming their public charity status. U.S. recipients must align with one of the program’s four thematic categories. Global and regional recipients may vary in their thematic focus but must operate within countries or regions where Chick-fil-A has a business presence. Notably, regional winners must be nominated by a Chick-fil-A Operator, and finalists are subject to a customer voting process via the Chick-fil-A One® app. One organization is annually selected as the S. Truett Cathy Honoree and receives the top award of $350,000 for exemplifying visionary, impactful service. The application process is straightforward, requiring interested organizations to submit their proposals through the official application portal. The 2027 application window opened in early 2026 and will close on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. There are no preliminary requirements such as a letter of intent or concept paper. Applicants should prepare to articulate how their programs address one or more of Chick-fil-A’s four core impact categories. U.S. regional category nominees will be contacted in August 2026 to prepare for the voting stage, which will take place in September within the Chick-fil-A app. Notification of grant decisions will be sent to all applicants by January 2027. While the application is open to a broad range of charitable initiatives, Chick-fil-A prioritizes efforts that foster leadership development, educational equity, hunger alleviation, environmental sustainability, and direct community services. The organization’s support is also extended to international nonprofits that mirror the impact and compliance standards of U.S.-based 501(c)(3)s. These grants serve as both recognition and investment in communities, creating opportunities for systemic change and scalable local initiatives.