The Healthcare Georgia Foundation recently announced more than $1.3 million in grants for 29 organizations and programs that help advance its goal of extending quality care to underserved communities across the state.

For the 2012 awards, the foundation took a new approach to grantmaking. In a departure from its previous method, the independent philanthropic organization started awarding grants in cycles. This effort is expected to simplify the application process for nonprofit organizations looking to raise funds.

"Healthcare Georgia Foundation is strongly committed, both internally and externally, to achieving better outcomes," said Gary D. Nelson, president of Healthcare Georgia. "Our new grantmaking approach, coupled with the launch of the ERC, will help ensure that we leverage our limited resources for maximum impact."

Some of the grants disbursed this year include $100,000 for Voices for Georgia's Children, $50,000 for Planned Parenthood Southeast, $42,000 for the Christ Community Health Services Augusta and $50,000 for the Wholistic Stress Control Institute.

Organizations launching a fundraising campaign may benefit from the use of nonprofit financial programs, which can help them track goals and measure their efforts.