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On The Table Central Georgia

On The Table has brought people together for meaningful conversations about community life since 2018. Facilitated by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, this region-wide initiative is powered by everyday residents who volunteer to host conversations in workplaces, parks, churches, and community spaces.

2025 marks the fifth On The Table experience, with past events held in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2023. More than 700 residents participated at over 200 tables across the region this year.

The stories and priorities shared during On The Table 2025 are already moving into action. Scroll down to explore what we heard, what we learned, and the projects being funded through CFCG’s Conversation to Action mini-grants.

Because when we listen to each other, we grow stronger. Together.

See On The Table in Action

This short highlight reel features voices from across our region sharing what they talked about, why it mattered, and what they’re taking with them.

What We Heard from Central Georgians

Hundreds of residents joined this year’s event and helped us take the pulse of our community. The post-conversation survey gave us insight into what people are feeling hopeful about, what concerns remain, and what they believe will lead to lasting change.

Community Outlook

87% feel hopeful about the future of their community
(up 5 points from 2023)

34% said their quality of life has improved over the past year

78% feel their community is the perfect place for people like them

Residents also noticed improvements in key areas of public life:

  • Cleanliness and blight
  • Public parks and green spaces
  • Arts and cultural offerings
  • Confidence in local government and business leadership

Big Challenges Still Remain

Participants expressed concern about long-standing issues that continue to affect daily life:

  • Affordable housing was the top issue that people said has gotten worse
  • Poverty and limited economic mobility
  • Job availability and workforce access
  • Healthcare access and overall physical health

Top Priorities for the Future

When asked to rank the most important issues facing Central Georgia, participants named:

  1. Poverty and economic mobility
  2. Good-paying jobs and economic development
  3. Crime, violence, and public safety
  4. Mental health and illness
  5. Food insecurity
  6. Housing and homelessness

What Would Make a Difference

Participants also shared ideas for what would help their communities thrive. The most common solutions included:

  • Expanding access to mental health resources
  • Increasing access to healthy food and preventative care
  • Improving affordable healthcare
  • Supporting housing repairs and renovations
  • Offering workforce training and financial education for low-income residents

More than 86% of respondents said they are already involved in community activities — a clear sign that Central Georgians are ready to lead, not just talk.

From Conversations to Action: 2025 Mini-Grant Recipients

Inspired by On The Table conversations, 28 projects across Central Georgia received mini-grants to bring community ideas to life. These awards are intended as seed funding, offering small but catalytic investments to help local leaders test new ideas, launch pilot programs, and build momentum for broader impact. In total, CFCG awarded $27,500 across these community-led efforts.

478 Creatives

Building a Sustainable Artist Residency in Macon

Artspace Macon, LLC

Creative Pathways

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of Georgia

Mentoring Matters: Wilkinson County Kickoff

Centenary United Methodist Church

Community Arts for Unity: Mini Murals by Interfaith Mission Camp

Central Georgia Coalition of Black Businesses

The Confidence Connection: The Business of Healing Lab

Central Georgia Technical College

The Power of Partnerships in Developing Ambassadors

Crisis Line – Safe House of Central Georgia

Resilience Builders

ERIC Foundation

Cultural Harmony Through Music & Arts Education (Session 2)

Georgia College & State University

Rural Georgia Nonprofit Development Cohort

Girls Dig Deeper Initiative

Stand Strong for Respect: A Bullying Prevention Initiative

Greater St. James Church of God and Christ

Bruce Elementary School Parental Incentive Program

Keep Milledgeville Beautiful

2nd Saturday PUCU (Pop Up Clean Ups)

Lamar County Family Connection Collaborative

Improvement of Emotional Wellbeing of Our Families & Building Resilience In Our Youth

Loving Hands Community Development Corporation

Community Partnership

Macon AIM, Inc.

Transportation Assistance Program

MBT Collective, Inc.

EmpowerTech Community Cohort: Bridging the Digital Divide for Underserved Entrepreneurs

Macon Magazine

Creative Entrepreneurship Passport

Macon-Bibb County Transit

Passes for People II

Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority

Envisioning a Healthy Component for a Downtown Park

Middle Georgia State University Foundation

Saving Kits Project

Minds Eye Connections, Inc.

Art Hive Connections

Oconee River Greenway Foundation

Greenway Improvement Project Signage

River Edge Behavioral Health

Mothers with Mental Health

SEAL, Inc.

SEAL Parent University

United in Pink

United in Pink Resource Library

United Way of Central Georgia

211 Technology

United Way of Central Georgia

Listening Buds Pilot Project

United Way of Central Georgia

Community Schools United Ride Share Pilot Project

Be Part of the Next Conversation

Want to help shape the next On The Table event? Sign up to get updates on future conversations, opportunities to host, and ways to stay involved.

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