How does Georgia benefit from key federal programs & funding?
Shifting federal policies and budget priorities could have a profound impact on Georgia’s economy, financial security, and access to essential services. Dramatic reductions to key federal programs and departmental staff reductions targeting employment, social services, and small business funding are likely to negatively impact Georgia as a whole as well as areas of the state already facing economic hardship.
Potential reductions in Social Security, healthcare funding, and veterans’ benefits may put strain on seniors, low-income families, and those relying on safety net programs. Changes in education funding, small business support, and infrastructure investment could limit economic opportunities, affecting workforce development, entrepreneurship, and community growth. Cuts to agriculture and food assistance programs threaten rural economies and food security, while reductions in defense, disaster relief, and housing funds could weaken key economic clusters/industries, disaster preparedness, and affordable housing efforts.
At a state-level, Georgia has received more than $1.2 Trillion of federal obligations (which includes federal contracts, grants, direct payments, loans, and other payment types) from 2008 – 2025. What do these federal obligations enable for Georgians? Just to name a few…the Social Security Administration provides benefits to retirees and disabled individuals, ensuring financial stability for many residents. The Department of Health and Human Services funds Medicaid and public health programs, which are essential for accessible healthcare. The Department of Agriculture supports food assistance programs like SNAP, aiding families in need with food security. The Department of Transportation finances infrastructure projects, improving roads and public transit systems. However, recent federal funding freezes have raised concerns about the continuity of these vital services. For example, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has urged the administration to restore funding to prevent disruptions in affordable housing and public safety initiatives.
From 2008 – 2025, Georgian’s benefited from many federal programs and budgetary priorities. The top ten awarding agencies include:
| Awarding Agency | Obligation |
| Social Security Administration (SSA) | $ 499,863,053,437 |
| Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | $ 209,594,007,701 |
| Department of Defense (DOD) | $ 121,531,533,090 |
| Department of Homeland Security (DHS) | $ 96,147,054,982 |
| Department of Agriculture (USDA) | $ 69,574,282,449 |
| Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) | $ 68,850,570,222 |
| Department of Education (ED) | $ 53,541,484,898 |
| Small Business Administration (SBA) | $ 30,019,810,148 |
| Department of Transportation (DOT) | $ 24,089,933,260 |
| Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) | $ 15,358,958,074 |
Beyond reduced federal spending and cuts to key federal social service programs, Georgia may feel negative impacts amid threats to the nonprofit sector and key federal grant programs. As of 2022, Georgia nonprofits employed individuals 297,194. According to the Urban Institute’s analysis, 66% of Georgia’s nonprofits may be financially vulnerable if proposed federal funding and contract cuts go into effect. It’s reasonable to conclude that financially vulnerable nonprofits will be forced to cut community services and may downsize staff operations – leading to rising unemployment within the sector. For foundations, banks, local governments, and nonprofits, these shifts could mean increased demand for financial assistance, workforce support, housing solutions, and food security services. Business leaders and financial professionals may see ripple effects on consumer spending, lending, and local investments. To mitigate the risks of these federal shifts, Georgia must quickly mobilize a unified, strategic response on both the federal and statewide advocacy front to ensure that our communities have the public and private resources needed to build strong, resilient economies and neighborhoods.
