Alabama Arts Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to small and mid-sized nonprofit arts organizations in the southeastern U.S. for professional development activities that enhance staff skills and organizational effectiveness.

This grant provides financial support and professional development opportunities to exceptional scriptwriters residing in the Southern United States, celebrating their contributions to the region's cultural landscape.

This grant provides financial support to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and schools for community events that promote cultural enrichment, connection, and civic engagement.

This grant provides financial support to Southern writers and independent publishers for literary projects that celebrate the region's unique traditions and voices.

This grant provides financial support and recognition to exceptional visual artists in the Southern U.S. to enhance their artistic practice and promote their work through exhibitions and residencies.

This initiative provides funding to support large-scale economic development projects across the Appalachian region, focusing on workforce development, business growth, infrastructure improvements, and community capacity building.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Pensacola, Florida, and Alabama that support children, indigent Native Americans, and the care of neglected animals, across various charitable initiatives.

This funding initiative provides financial support to community-based organizations, local and tribal governments in eight southeastern states to address environmental justice issues and promote healthier environments.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and local governments in rural Southern communities for engaging professional artists in various artistic disciplines.

This grant provides funding to U.S.-based non-profit organizations to support projects that promote Japanese arts and culture, particularly in areas with limited access to such events.

The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge is a national challenge that exists to jumpstart innovations in the field of career-connected learning (CCL), working to ensure that learners ages 11-22 have access to transformative career-connected learning that integrates education and career, allowing them to discover their aptitudes and leading them to rewarding careers. Donor Name: Catalyze State: Alabama County: Bibb County (AL), Blount County (AL), Chilton County (AL), Jefferson County (AL), Saint Clair County (AL), Shelby County (AL), Walker County (AL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Since 2021, the national Catalyze Challenge (“Catalyze”) winners have impacted more than 45,000 students, drawing on $13+ million in grants across 50+ organizations. Catalyze grantees work across the U.S. to plan, pilot, and implement innovations that provide students with career-connected learning opportunities and pathways into fulfilling careers. More specifically, they award competitive grant funding to forward-looking organizations with groundbreaking solutions for specific career-connected learning challenges, particularly those faced by (a) learners navigating career pathways and (b) both individuals and organizations working within education and industry. Open to innovators across the United States, Catalyze seeks novel approaches to career-connected learning that are aligned with one of two challenge-related themes: Career Exploration for Young Adolescents and Activating Employer Partnerships. These themes are deliberate opportunities to close existing gaps in the market and to enable learning experiences and outcomes that challenge the status quo. Career-connected learning innovations will build learners’ skills and agency to effectively navigate lifelong career journeys, and grantees will be part of a wider effort to build an evidence base around these themes while addressing practical challenges in their communities and beyond. Catalyze Birmingham Challenge will fund, learn from, and share bold ideas that rethink the connections between the education system, postsecondary education, vocational programs, apprenticeships, and employment for young people in the Birmingham Region. While they encourage innovative ideas across a broad spectrum, the outcomes for this Birmingham challenge must be innovative, specific, and clear, with proposals directly impacting the career opportunities and potential success of local participants through career-connected learning. The Birmingham coalition will operate the challenge, and with the help of a regional evaluation and selection committee, it will engage, source, evaluate, and fund high-potential innovations. Funding Information The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge will award pilot grants between $50,000 and $250,000 each to power 12-24 months of exploratory implementation. Eligibility Criteria Eligible applications will serve learners who live, learn, or work in the Birmingham region, defined as Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, and Walker counties. For more information, visit Catalyze.

The Alabama RC&D Grants program focuses on enhancing human and natural resources to improve the quality of life for citizens across all counties in Alabama. This initiative, supported by the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils, provides grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with funding information specifying awards between $5,000.00 and $25,000.00. The program aims to align with a mission of fostering community well-being through strategic project investments. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are local Alabama citizens, with a broad impact goal of improving their overall quality of life. The program achieves this by supporting projects in various key areas, including natural resources conservation, community facilities and services, tourism, and economic development. These projects are intended to create tangible benefits that directly address community needs and promote sustainable growth. The program's priorities for FY 2024-2025 are structured into three main categories: General Funds, Education Funds, and Workforce/Community Training. General Funds prioritize projects related to natural resources conservation, community facilities and services, and tourism and economic development. Education Funds focus on K-12 outdoor education, education benefiting small farmers and community gardens, and K-12 technology. Workforce/Community Training emphasizes projects covering multiple council regions, with a preference for those submitted by RC&D councils or partnering organizations. Expected outcomes include enhanced natural environments, improved community infrastructure, stimulated local economies, and increased educational opportunities. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the broad impact goals, the focus on distinct project categories suggests that success will be measured by the successful implementation and observable benefits within these areas. Eligibility requires applicants to be registered 501c3 non-profits or governmental units/sub-units, ensuring that funded projects are implemented by established and accountable entities. The program has clear restrictions, disallowing funding for operational/administration phases, salaries, endowment campaigns, religious purposes, individuals, development/public relations activities, land/property purchases, or post-event situations. These restrictions help ensure that grant funds are directed towards new, impactful projects rather than ongoing operational costs or activities outside the program's core mission. This strategic allocation of resources reflects the foundation's theory of change, which posits that targeted project funding in these key areas will lead to a better quality of life for Alabama citizens.

The City of Chico Arts Grant Program aims to support local arts organizations and artists, enabling them to offer high-quality arts and cultural work, performances, and exhibitions to the Chico community. This program aligns with a mission to enhance community engagement in the arts and ensure accessibility for all residents. The grants are intended to act as "seed" monies, fostering new projects and initiatives rather than providing ongoing operational support, thereby encouraging artistic innovation and community enrichment. The target beneficiaries include nonprofit arts and cultural organizations operating within the city of Chico with a two-year history of producing or presenting, as well as individual artists applying under the sponsorship of an eligible 501(c)3 nonprofit. The program specifically emphasizes inclusive service to broad, diverse, and underserved populations, including those lacking access due to geographic, economic, cultural, social, or physical reasons. The impact goals center on increasing community access to and engagement in arts and cultural experiences, fostering artistic rigor, and demonstrating strong community support for the arts. The program prioritizes projects that deliver or support opportunities for community engagement, demonstrate artistic rigor and thoughtful planning, show strong community support, and provide inclusive service to diverse and underserved populations. "Diversity" is defined broadly to include differences in ability, age, belief, culture, ethnicity, gender, language, race, and sexual orientation. Funds can be used for various purposes, including projects, events, exhibitions, performances, or capital improvement and equipment projects that enhance an organization's capacity to deliver arts and cultural services. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant and accessible arts scene within Chico, with a greater number of community members participating in and benefiting from arts and cultural activities. Measurable results could involve tracking the number of projects supported, the diversity of audiences reached, and the demonstrated community engagement and support for funded initiatives. While not explicitly stated as a "theory of change," the program's strategy implicitly posits that by providing targeted funding to local arts entities, it can cultivate a richer cultural environment, foster community cohesion, and ensure equitable access to artistic expression, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life in Chico. The grant's duration of one year and the requirement for matching funds underscore a strategic approach to maximize impact and encourage local investment in the arts.

This funding opportunity provides up to $5,000 for neighborhood groups in Montgomery County to implement projects that enhance community pride and improve quality of life through collaboration with local government.

Education Grants allow applicants to conduct education and outreach activities for the benefit of the greater sustainable ag community, and promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, ag diversification, and best management practices. Donor Name: Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 08/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Education Grants are open to academic institutions and organizations, such as non-profits and non-governmental organizations, who are interested in conducting education and outreach activities for the benefit of the greater sustainable ag community, and promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, agricultural diversification, and best management practices. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and 1890 land-grant university faculty/extension cooperators are especially encouraged to apply for this grant for their education and outreach activities. SSARE also considers proposals from organizations/institutions whose projects involve farmers from indigenous agriculture that produces products for community food systems. These enterprises may be eligible where the production activity has an annual value of less than $1,000, even if products are not sold due to cultural factors. Education Grants should focus on a topic area of sustainable agriculture relevance that meets SARE’s program goals. In addition, the proposed project should comprise education/outreach efforts/activities that support the research/education foundation of the institution/organization, and must clearly articulate how those education/outreach efforts/activities will be implemented and evaluated. Examples of Education Grant projects can include one or more of the following, but are not limited to: Experiential (Demonstrations, on-farm tours, field days, workshops, trainings, case studies); Integrative (Conferences, seminars, course curriculum) Reinforcement (Fact sheets, bulletins, books, manuals, videos, online technologies, guidebooks) SARE encourages proposals on quality of life topics that focus on the social health of a farming system. These can include, but are not limited to: Heirs property; Farmers’ markets; food hubs; locavores; CSAs; Local/regional processing/slaughter; Food sheds and food circles; Direct marketing and value-added; Beyond organics value chains; Farm to School/Institution; Civic agriculture, agritourism; Denominations of origin/geographic indications; Non-GMO movement, Slow Food, chef collaboratives; Urban ag systems; Food policy councils, governance structures; and Local/regional certification/branding. Funding Information Education Grant project maximums are $50,000, limited to two (2) years. Education Grants are paid by reimbursement of allowable project expenses. Who can apply? Researchers from public and private institutions, such as 1862 and 1890 land-grant universities or other colleges and universities; government agencies, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service or USDA-ARS; non-governmental organizations; and community-based organizations. Education Grants strictly fund education and outreach activities related to sustainable agriculture whose outcomes are intended to benefit farmers and farming communities. There is no research involved in these grant projects. Southern SARE accepts proposals from applicants in the Southern region: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Grant Requirements  Education Grant proposals must meet the following basic requirements in order to be considered for funding: Project outcomes must focus on developing sustainable agriculture systems or moving existing systems toward sustainable agriculture. The project must clearly articulate what is being taught, to whom and how the project will accomplish those goals. The results must be realistic, acceptable to farmers, logical, and capable of leading to the actions and benefits described in the proposal. For farmers involved in your project, the primary occupation is farming/ranching or part-time farming. Producers run their farm alone or with family or partners and have a least $1,000 of documented annual income from the operation, as defined by USDA. SSARE also considers proposals with farmers from indigenous agriculture that produces products for community food systems. These enterprises may be eligible where the production activity has an annual value of less than $1,000, but products are not sold due to cultural factors. For more information, visit Southern SARE.

The Community Foundation of South Alabama (CFSA) offers competitive program grants to local nonprofits in Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Monroe, Conecuh, Choctaw, Clarke, and Washington Counties, Alabama. These grants are funded through the Foundation’s unrestricted and field of interest funds, established by donors to address critical community needs. The program aligns with CFSA's mission to support sustainable initiatives that produce meaningful results on community priorities. For 2024, the Foundation is exclusively awarding one-year program grants, focusing on specific projects that benefit the community and demonstrate potential for efficacy and sustainability. CFSA's grant-making is strategically guided by six key focus areas: Family, Education, Work, Racial Equity, Arts and Culture, and Mental and Behavioral Health, all within its eight-county footprint. For 2024, the Foundation has defined six specific priorities for grant applications. These include promoting parenting education; expanding opportunities for young people to secure well-paying jobs through workforce training; increasing access to preschool education and youth extracurricular activities; advancing racial equity with a focus on underprivileged youth; increasing youth access to equitable, high-quality arts and culture; and providing mental and behavioral supports for individuals and families. The target beneficiaries are individuals and families within the eight-county region, particularly underprivileged youth, who will directly benefit from these programs. The expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around the successful implementation of projects that address the stated priorities. CFSA seeks to support programs that can demonstrate a positive impact on community priorities and needs. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed for each priority, the emphasis on "meaningful results" and "efficacy and sustainability" suggests that applicants will need to articulate their intended outcomes and how they will measure success. For instance, programs focusing on workforce training would aim for increased job placement rates, while those on preschool education would look at improved school readiness. The Foundation's theory of change is implicitly rooted in the belief that by funding targeted programs within its six focus areas, it can create a ripple effect of positive change across the eight-county region. By supporting initiatives that promote parenting education, workforce development, early childhood education, youth engagement in arts and culture, racial equity, and mental health, CFSA aims to foster a more resilient, equitable, and thriving community. The preference for programs not exceeding 50% of their total budget also indicates a strategic priority for diversified funding and community buy-in, ensuring broader impact and sustainability beyond CFSA's initial investment. Grant amounts range from $5,000 to $15,000, with requests not to exceed $15,000.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for the construction, renovation, or enhancement of arts facilities in Alabama, benefiting local arts organizations and communities.

Grant Opportunity: Alabama Power Foundation Grants Funding Organization: Alabama Power Foundation Contact Information: - For questions about Foundation Grants and application content, contact Maggie Beans at [email protected]. - For questions about the application portal, login information, and approval status, contact Lisa Blue at [email protected]. - Division Contacts: - Birmingham Division (Jefferson, Shelby, and portions of St. Clair, Walker, Blount counties): Kimberly Jackson – [email protected] - Southern Division (Auburn, Camden, Clanton, Greenville, Marion, Opelika, Prattville, Selma, Tallassee, Wetumpka): Mike Jordan – [email protected] - Eastern Division (Alexander City, Anniston, Gadsden, Oneonta, Pell City, Roanoke, Sylacauga, Talladega): Monica Bennett – [email protected] - Southeast Division (Dothan, Eufaula, Florala Enterprise Phenix City Ozark): Chere Johnson – [email protected] - Western Division (Tuscaloosa Centreville Eutaw Demopolis Livingston Jasper Fayette Hamilton): Danielle Kimbrough – [email protected] - Mobile Division (Mobile area including the towns of Atmore Bay Minette Brewton Butler Flomaton Grove Hill Jackson Monroeville Thomasville): Beth Thomas – [email protected] - Statewide initiatives or impacts more than one Division: Maggie Beans – [email protected] Award Details: - Cycle 1: - Application Deadline: December 15th each year - Award Notification: March of the following year (1st quarter) - Cycle 2: - Application Deadline: June 14th each year - Award Notification: October of the same year (3rd quarter)

The Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville is seeking applications for its Education Fund to invest in the future of community by supporting early childhood development, student achievement, college and career readiness, and the success of the educational system. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville State: Alabama County: Jackson County (AL), Limestone County (AL), Madison County (AL), Marshall County (AL), Morgan County (AL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/27/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Focus Areas Kindergarten readiness Third grade reading proficiency Eighth grade math proficiency Career readiness College readiness College graduation Funding Priorities Priority will be given to projects that meet the following criteria: High impact (broad number of students supported) Strategically address the focus area Provide clear and measurable outcomes Funding Information Grant Amount: $2,500 – $5,000. Eligible Expenses Program costs for new and/or existing programs, including reasonable staff time associated with the implementation of the program/project Training and support for volunteers who assist in program/project implementation Geographic Focus  Greater Huntsville, Alabama (Jackson, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, and Morgan counties). Eligibility Criteria  All grants from this Fund must be made for charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes to any organization that is described in IRS code as a 501(c)3 public charity. Qualified organizations also include schools, religious institutions, or government agencies located in the Greater Huntsville area. Ineligible Expenses Grants to individuals Debt reduction Endowment campaigns Special events Annual campaigns Membership drives Conference expenses Political activities Capital expenses For more information, visit CFGH.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Gulf South to promote affordable housing and community resilience in underserved areas through initiatives like first-time homebuyer assistance and home rehabilitation.