The Newton Fund, a local fund of The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, will accept letters of intent for grant funding until Oct. 2.

Grants up to $5,000 for a 12-month period will be awarded through a competitive process to help qualified nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations meet the changing needs of the Newton County community.

In order to qualify for a grant, local nonprofit organizations must be located and providing services within Newton County.

The Newton Fund has redesigned its grant program for 2009 and will give both program/project and general operating support to sustain organizations as they pursue their missions. In this new process, applicants must complete a two-page letter of intent to apply for grant funding by Oct. 2. After all letters are reviewed, select organizations will be invited to submit a final application.

Nonprofits interested in funding should visit www.cfgreateratlanta.org to access important application materials, including letter of intent. For more additional information or questions, contact Jasper Tanner at jtanner@cfgreateratlanta.org.

This year marks the 10th year of the Newton Fund, which works with community members, nonprofits and other partners to encourage philanthropy in Newton County. One of four local funds of The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, the Newton Fund provides grants to nonprofit organizations making an impact in their community. Since 2000, the Newton Fund has granted more than $220,000 to area nonprofits.