Alabama Waterway Enhancement Grant Program

The Alabama Waterway Enhancement Program (WEP), administered by the Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT), is a community-focused grant initiative designed to strengthen freshwater recreation throughout the state. ASRT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages the longest National Recreation Water Trail in the U.S. and works with communities, agencies, and volunteers to enhance access, safety, education, and tourism across Alabama’s waterways. Established in 2008, ASRT's mission centers on collaboration with local groups to support recreation, economic development, and stewardship. Through WEP, the organization channels funding from the State of Alabama to develop water-based recreation as a tool for community enrichment and tourism growth. WEP targets Alabama-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with project-based grants of up to $5,000. These grants fund efforts such as kayak launch construction, water safety education, paddling events, and signage installations. The program especially welcomes applications from smaller or rural nonprofits and those with limited grant-writing experience. A core objective is to build organizational capacity by offering a supportive and accessible process for newcomers to grants management. The initiative recognizes that local organizations are often best positioned to identify and implement effective waterway solutions tailored to their communities. The 2026 application cycle opens on January 13, 2026, with submissions due by March 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM CST. Award notifications will be sent on April 20, 2026, and projects must be implemented between May 15 and November 15, 2026. A midway progress report is due on August 14, 2026, and a final report is due by December 1, 2026. ASRT emphasizes complete transparency and timely communication throughout the grant lifecycle. Any proposed changes in scope or budget must be submitted in writing and approved prior to implementation. Eligible applicants must be Alabama-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing and capable of completing the proposed project within the grant period. Organizations outside the state may apply only if partnered with a qualified Alabama-based fiscal sponsor. For those reapplying in their second year, matching or leveraged funds are strongly encouraged and weighed as part of the evaluation, though they are not mandatory. First-year applicants are not required to provide matching funds. Ineligible applicants include individuals, for-profit entities, and those without appropriate nonprofit status or fiscal sponsorship. Projects are evaluated by the ASRT WEP Committee based on alignment with ASRT’s mission, community impact, organizational readiness, project feasibility, clarity of budget, and sustainability. The application process involves submitting a completed online form and a set of supporting documents, including a project budget, IRS Form 990, optional audit, and any additional materials such as photos or partner letters. Final funding decisions rest with the review committee, and partial funding may be awarded at ASRT’s discretion. ASRT encourages early inquiries for clarification on eligibility, project design, or documentation. Contact Martha Grace Mize, Director of Growth and Development, at [email protected] or (205) 523-5834 for assistance. All awards are contingent upon signing a grant agreement, and funds may be revoked if the terms are not fulfilled. Post-award requirements include project execution within the grant cycle and completion of two structured progress reports. The program underscores accountability, community benefit, and capacity-building as guiding principles in awarding and administering WEP funds.

Clearly show community impact and project readiness; First-time applicants welcomed; Second-year applicants should demonstrate growth.