Good Roots Grants

The Alabama Power Foundation, a philanthropic extension of Alabama Power Company, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life across Alabama through a wide range of community-focused programs. One of its prominent initiatives, the Good Roots Grant program, supports community beautification through strategic tree planting. This initiative underscores the foundation’s broader mission of environmental stewardship, sustainability, and community development, aimed at making Alabama’s towns and cities more vibrant, livable, and environmentally conscious. The Good Roots Grant program is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible communities and organizations within Alabama to support tree planting and associated beautification projects. The program recognizes the multifaceted benefits of green spaces, including their role in enhancing public health, improving aesthetic appeal, promoting social cohesion, and contributing to ecological health. Grants of up to $1,000 are awarded to fund tree planting efforts that align with the foundation’s environmental enhancement goals. These grants are available through a single application cycle each year, emphasizing a focused, well-timed funding strategy. Projects considered for Good Roots funding must directly contribute to environmental improvement and demonstrate strong community engagement. A key criterion includes a commitment to the long-term care and maintenance of the trees, ensuring sustainability beyond the grant period. Furthermore, all tree planting must adhere to best practices as prescribed by the International Society of Arboriculture or the National Arbor Day Foundation. The program not only emphasizes environmental outcomes but also values projects that mobilize local support and collaboration. A letter of endorsement from a local government or nonprofit representative is mandatory, further ensuring alignment with community needs and accountability. The eligibility for the grant is clearly defined to include local governments—encompassing cities, towns, and communities of all sizes—as well as educational institutions such as school systems and universities. Additionally, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible, provided they hold valid tax-exempt status under the IRS Code. Importantly, grant funds are distributed directly to organizations, not individuals, and all applicants must demonstrate a commitment to nondiscrimination across various identity categories. The application for the 2026 cycle opens on October 5, 2026, and closes on October 23, 2026. There are no pre-application steps such as a letter of intent or concept paper required, simplifying the submission process. The foundation has not specified an exact notification or award timeline, but applications are evaluated based on environmental impact, community involvement, and maintenance planning. Evaluation is conducted by the foundation and its Good Roots partners, and applicants are advised to follow all guidelines to ensure compliance. While the program does not list recurring application dates explicitly, the structured annual cycle strongly implies recurrence. Applicants are encouraged to consult the Good Roots Resources and Tree Planting Guide provided on the foundation’s website for additional support. These resources ensure that applicants are equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to plan their projects in alignment with arboricultural standards and community expectations.