Alabama Power Foundation’s Gateway Grants

The Gateway Grants program, administered by Alabama Power Company, provides funding to support the economic and cultural development of communities across the state of Alabama. These grants are designed specifically for municipalities, including cities, towns, and communities, with the goal of helping them attract visitors, new industries, and future residents through community enhancement initiatives. By investing in aesthetically appealing and economically beneficial projects, Alabama Power seeks to foster civic pride and highlight the unique characteristics that each locality has to offer. The Gateway Grants focus on projects that promote local identity, enhance the visual appeal of public areas, and encourage community engagement through infrastructure improvements and promotional efforts. Specifically, eligible projects include the installation or renovation of town signage, upgrades or development of municipal websites, and the creation or distribution of marketing materials for cities or local events. The program aims to amplify tourism and commercial interest while reinforcing community spirit and attractiveness. Eligibility for Gateway Grants is restricted to municipalities within Alabama. Only cities, towns, and communities may apply, and the grant funds are awarded directly to the municipalities. Applicants must ensure their policies and practices are non-discriminatory with respect to race, color, creed, nationality, ethnic origin, or disability. The application process is limited to one cycle per year, and funding is awarded based on the project's alignment with program goals, potential for economic development, and impact on community pride and aesthetics. The maximum award available per project is $2,500. If a signage project exceeds this amount, the applicant must provide documentation of additional funding sources to ensure the project’s feasibility and completion. This stipulation ensures fiscal responsibility and leverages other resources to maximize the overall impact of the grant investment. There is no stated minimum funding amount, and the total program funding or number of grants to be awarded has not been specified. The 2025 application cycle opens on June 23 and closes on July 18. This is a fixed-cycle opportunity, and it is expected to recur annually. There is no mention of a rolling deadline or pre-application requirements. Additionally, no specific contact person, email, or phone number is provided in the source materials, nor are there any publicly available samples of previous recipients, detailed application forms, or evaluation rubrics. Applicants are advised to refer to the online application portal or download the sample application for further guidance. Gateway Grants offer an accessible entry point for Alabama municipalities seeking to enhance their local presence and stimulate economic activity through community-focused improvements. The program reflects Alabama Power’s strategic commitment to community development and supports a vision of empowered, proud, and thriving towns across the state.