Our Mission

Helping Communities

The Fanning Institute helps communities identify their goals and develop the capacity to achieve them.

We are champions of community. Our work is grounded in the University of Georgia's land grant tradition, and our drive to serve the public.  We support the improvement of communities of all types, whether they are defined by place, profession, or passion.  We recruit and develop faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds and interests so that we may better serve the needs of the diverse communities with which we work.

Skills. Strategies. Solutions.
In addition to programs and services that address specialized needs, the Fanning
Institute offers a comprehensive approach to community development that integrates
practical real-world experience in three primary areas:

Prosperous Economies
The Fanning Institute supports the University of Georgia’s economic development
efforts by helping communities become more attractive to the businesses they want
to recruit, grow, and retain. Fanning faculty work with local and regional leaders
to revitalize commercial areas, strategically plan for development, nurture local
enterprises, ensure the availability of a well-prepared workforce, and help create an
environment where business can flourish.

Engaged People
The Fanning Institute’s inclusive approach to community development empowers
individuals and groups of people to create and work towards a shared vision of
improvement for their community. We provide assistance and share information on
the principles of community development, such as how to draft a proposal and where
to find funds and other resources, and offer visioning and planning exercises to help
communities focus and achieve their goals.

Skilled Leaders
The Fanning Institute is proud to honor the tradition of J.W. Fanning by offering
leadership development programs that continue to be among the most relevant and
effective programs in the country. Fanning faculty deliver customized approaches
to enhancing leadership skills for people who are engaged in their communities
of place, profession, or passion. Our clients range from people who lead large
community service organizations to executive directors of non-profits, from professional
associations to grassroots organizations, and from interest groups to block captains in
neighborhoods.