Georgia Natural Gas (GNG), Georgia's leading natural gas provider, announced today that it will award 13 Georgia nonprofit organizations a total of $50,000 in grants through its third TrueBlue Community Awards. The nonprofits include organizations from around the state that share the company's community outreach focus on children and education, seniors, energy assistance, and environmental sustainability. There will be one $10,000 award given, four$5,000 awards and eight $2,500 awards.

For 15 years, GNG has worked hard to demonstrate its deep commitment to the people, nonprofit organizations and communities of Georgia. The company has been recognized nationally and locally for its community outreach efforts. GNG also has donated millions of dollars to nonprofit organizations, and its employees have volunteered countless hours of time to schools and nonprofits. As it celebrates its Crystal Anniversary this year, GNG is giving even more through these awards.

"GNG is proud to recognize these extraordinary community organizations and the work that they do for Georgians," said GNG President and CEO Mike Braswell. "Their work to make Georgia a better place to live is truly inspiring, and we hope these grants will help them continue their efforts."

The finalists for the 2013 GNG TrueBlue Community Awards are as follows:

• The Altamaha Riverkeeper (Darien)
• Project Open Hand (Atlanta)
• The Reece Center (Palmetto)
• Carrie Steele-Pitts Home (Atlanta)
• Meals on Wheels (Coweta County)
• Urban Hope, Inc. (Savannah)
• Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, Inc. (Atlanta)
• Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Atlanta)
• Paine College (Augusta)
• Wesley Glen Mentoring (Macon)
• Visiting Nurse Health System (Atlanta)
• Wellspring (Fayette County)
• Senior Citizens of Augusta (Augusta)

An independent panel of community leaders selected the finalists for the awards. The TrueBlue Community Awards will be presented on Wednesday, October 23, at a special reception in the Georgian Ballroom of the Biltmore building, which is home to GNG headquarters in Atlanta. The reception and awards ceremony will be emceed by WXIA-TV's Karyn Greer.