Mental and Physical Health Grant

The Community Foundation of South Alabama is a regional philanthropic organization serving Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Monroe, Conecuh, Choctaw, Clarke, and Washington Counties in Alabama. Its 2025 Competitive Grant Guidelines provide funding opportunities for local nonprofits, with a particular emphasis this cycle on supporting mental and physical health initiatives. These grants are made possible through donor-directed designated funds, which means that available funding and priorities are determined by donor interests and allocations for specific geographic and programmatic areas. For the 2025 cycle, the foundation’s grantmaking focuses on increasing support for individuals and families dealing with trauma, whether due to isolation, economic stress, joblessness, intimate partner violence, or child abuse. It also covers those battling illnesses and chronic diseases such as alcoholism, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. A key priority is improving access to specialty care and services for under-resourced populations across the lifespan. Eligible projects must clearly demonstrate potential impact, strong planning and leadership, and address community needs or service gaps within the eligible counties. The grant cycle opens on June 2, 2025, when formal proposal invitations will be made available online. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the CFSA Online Application portal by July 31, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. CDT. Technical support for applicants is available until noon on the day of the deadline. Late or hard copy submissions are not accepted. After submission, proposals are evaluated during August and September, and may involve follow-up phone interviews or site visits, which are scheduled by the foundation as needed. Final funding decisions will be announced on September 25, 2025. CFSA offers three types of grants: program grants, capacity building grants, and capital project grants. Program grants fund specific projects or program expansions, focusing on sustainability and measurable community impact, but are limited to expenses related to project operation (no more than 20% may be used for indirect or administrative expenses). Capacity building grants support the enhancement of nonprofit operations—such as strategic planning, leadership training, and technology improvements—and are not tied to specific programs. Capital project grants fund physical facility projects, such as construction, renovations, or infrastructure improvements, but not general operating or campaign costs. Eligibility is restricted to organizations serving Baldwin and Mobile counties. Applicants must have 501(c)(3) status, be government entities, educational institutions, or religious organizations, or have an approved fiscal sponsor. Funding is not available for individuals, religious activities, fundraising expenses, political activities, or certain other restricted purposes. Grant amounts range from $5,000 to $25,000. Submitting an application does not guarantee funding, and proposals should include a realistic budget and demonstrate organizational financial health. Key evaluation criteria include the project’s potential impact, measurable outcomes, sustainability, leadership, and collaboration. Proposals that use research-based or innovative approaches and leverage additional resources are encouraged. Successful applicants must sign a grant agreement, adhere to reporting requirements, and attend an orientation. Additional questions about the process can be directed to Jena Berson at jberson@communityfoundationsa.org.

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate strong planning, leadership, sustainability, realistic budgets, and evidence of community support. Proposals that use research-based or innovative approaches and leverage additional resources are encouraged.