The Coca-Cola Foundation recently granted $3 million to the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, according to an announcement made by Coca-Cola Refreshments president and CEO Steve Cahillane and Chicago's Mayor Emanuel. The grant will support a number of programs that benefit both returning veterans and community wellness.

"The grant from The Coca-Cola Foundation will allow us to hire some of our nation's heroes and create exciting ways to get youth, adults and families active. It is one of many things that Chicago is doing to improve health in our neighborhoods," said Chicago Park District's Superintendent Michael Kelly.

Through the Park Families Wellness Initiative, the Chicago Park District can hire veterans for its Coca-Cola Troops for Fitness classes, which will train individuals in physical fitness skills, such as calisthenics, push-ups and sit-ups across 60 area communities. By 2016, the effort is expected to benefit more than 125,000 people each year.

The Coca-Cola Company is making other moves that promote healthier lifestyles for Chicagoans at the same time. Its Calories Count Vending Program is expected to launch at the start of the new year in the Windy City as well as San Antonio. In those areas, vending machines will display beverage calorie counts to encourage consumers to make the healthiest choices for themselves.

Organizations that are providing funds to multiple nonprofit organizations might find it easier to manage their large-scale efforts with fundraising management programs that can account for funds as they are disbursed to recipients.