[!WARNING]
2027 cycle closed; 2028 details not yet posted. Applications for the 2027 True Inspiration Awards have closed and recipients will be announced in early 2027. Chick-fil-A says 2028 application details will post "early next year" (source, retrieved 2026-05-17). Bookmark the page and check back in early 2027 for the next open application window.
What this is
The Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards are annual grants from $30,000 to $350,000, with over $6 million awarded in 2026 to 501(c)(3) nonprofits across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, the U.K., and Singapore (source).
Sixteen organizations are selected each year across four categories, plus one S. Truett Cathy Honoree and regional winners nominated by local Chick-fil-A Operators.
Who's eligible
- 501(c)(3) public charity based in the U.S. or Puerto Rico, or
- Canadian, U.K., or Singapore charitable organization that can provide an opinion of counsel confirming equivalence to a U.S. 501(c)(3) public charity
- Organizations that received a True Inspiration Awards grant in 2025 or 2026 are not eligible for the next cycle
Programs must align with one of four focus areas:
- Caring for People — youth education, character and leadership development, academic excellence in underserved communities
- Caring through Food — hunger and food insecurity affecting children and families
- Caring for Communities — housing and direct services for young people and their families
- Caring for our Planet — environmental stewardship, community gardens, outdoor classrooms
What to do now
- Confirm your organization is a 501(c)(3) in good standing (or equivalent in CA / UK / SG).
- Identify which of the four categories best fits your program — applications ask for a specific focus area.
- Watch the True Inspiration Awards page in early 2027 for the 2028 application opening. Past cycles have opened applications around March 1.
- For the regional track, build a relationship with your local Chick-fil-A Operator — regional winners must be nominated by an Operator, not self-nominated.
Skip if
- You're an individual seeking financial assistance (this is a nonprofit-organization grant only).
- Your program doesn't serve youth, food access, community/housing, or environmental work.
- You received a True Inspiration grant in the past two cycles.
Apply
When the cycle opens: cfa.smartsimple.com
Questions: trueinspirationawards@chick-fil-a.com