Montessori School of Covington middle school students, in conjunction with the Newton Fund of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, are awarding $1,100 in grants to three Newton County nonprofit organizations at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 29.

The Newton Fund has matched money that the students raised through their annual scholastic book fair. Grants will be awarded to the Garden of Gethsemane Homeless Shelter, Willing Helpers Medical Clinic and the Humane Society of Newton County.

Community Foundation philanthropic adviser Barrett Krise visited the students in March to introduce the concept of philanthropy and assist students in identifying their philanthropic interests. Students then selected four nonprofit organizations to investigate through site visits and interviews with the organizations' directors. Working with middle school teacher Sara Vinson, students generated a list of questions and rating form to help in their evaluations. Students then used the site visits and interviews to analyze the types of services provided by each organization as well as current funding sources and needs.

At the reception, students will explain the grant-making process and present checks to the three organizations they have selected.