FY2024 Annual Report: Ripples of Change

Georgia Appleseed’s FY24 Annual Report is now available, featuring artwork from some of the children we work with, and offering an in-depth look at the impact of our work over the past year. From key legislative victories to pro bono partnerships and direct advocacy for children, the report highlights how we’re tackling the barriers that keep kids from thriving in school and at home.  

Key Takeaways from This Year’s Report  

New laws are protecting Georgia’s children – This year, we helped pass two major legislative reforms:  

• The Safe at Home Act (HB 404): Establishes minimum housing standards for rental properties, protecting families from unsafe conditions.  
• Fairness in School Discipline (SB 169): Ensures students facing long-term suspension receive timely hearings and uninterrupted access to education.  

Our legal advocacy is keeping kids in school – Through our FAIR Project, we provided direct legal support to over 200 children, helping them remain in school an average of 122 more days per student.  

We’re addressing mental health in schools – We expanded our school-based behavioral health initiatives, working with schools to connect students to essential mental health services and advocating for increased provider access across Georgia.  

Pro bono partnerships continue to multiply our impact – In FY24, 27 law firms contributed 2,077 pro bono hours, valued at over $1 million, to support policy research and advocacy.  

A historic investment in our mission fuels our impact – This year, we received a $1 million grant from MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving initiative, the largest single gift in our history. This transformational funding affirms the strength of our work and will allow us to expand programs that keep kids in school, secure stable housing, and avoid the juvenile justice system.  

The Numbers Behind the Impact  

• Each year, 21,000 students in Georgia do not graduate, putting them at higher risk of chronic illness, homelessness, and justice system involvement.  
• The economic impact is staggering: These students collectively lose $5 billion in lifetime earnings, and the state loses $290 million in tax revenue.  
• Keeping just one child in school increases their lifetime earnings by an average of $501,904 and saves the state $41,753 per year in reduced costs for healthcare, criminal justice, and lost productivity.  

Read the Report & Get Involved  

The work we do is only possible because of our dedicated supporters, pro bono partners, and advocates. We invite you to explore the full report and see how, together, we’re driving meaningful change for Georgia’s children.  

Read the full FY24 Annual Report

Support our Work

Thank you for being part of this mission. Your support makes a difference every day.