Alabama Employment Labor and Training Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in the Appalachian region for projects that promote economic diversification and workforce development in communities impacted by coal industry job losses.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to Alabama's non-entitlement communities for infrastructure projects that create or retain jobs, benefiting local businesses and the economy.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to four selected universities and colleges to enhance cybersecurity education and workforce development initiatives, aiming to strengthen the nation's cybersecurity workforce.

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.

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.

The Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama is offering the Summit Grant Program, which is designed to strengthen not-for-profit organizations in its service area. This program aligns with the Foundation's mission by encouraging short-term (12-month) projects that advance community leadership development, training, and organizational technology. The Foundation seeks to support organizations that contribute to the overall well-being and progress of the communities within its nine-county service area. The target beneficiaries of the Summit Grant are 501(c)(3) qualified public charities that have been physically located and operating for at least one year in Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, DeKalb, Etowah, Randolph, St. Clair, or Talladega counties in Alabama. The program aims to impact these organizations by fostering stronger community leadership and improving their technological capabilities. The grant prioritizes two main focus areas: Community Leadership Development and Training, and Organizational Technology Advancement. Within leadership development, the program seeks to support local city councils, school boards, not-for-profit senior leadership staff, not-for-profit boards, and county commissions. For technology advancement, the focus is on improving gift and donor tracking systems, enhancing remote work capabilities, updating current technology, improving financial tracking systems, and strengthening cybersecurity. The expected outcomes include strengthened not-for-profit organizations with improved leadership and enhanced technological infrastructure. Measurable results would involve the successful implementation of 12-month projects, leading to advancements in the specified focus areas. For example, improved donor tracking systems would lead to better fundraising, and leadership training would result in more effective community governance. The Foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on the belief that by investing in the capacity of local not-for-profit organizations, they can foster stronger, more resilient communities. By supporting both leadership development and technological advancement, the Summit Grant aims to create a ripple effect, empowering these organizations to more effectively serve their communities and achieve their respective missions. With $30,000 in total funding available and individual grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the program provides vital resources to achieve these strategic objectives over a one-year duration.

This funding supports Southern nonprofit organizations and government entities in enhancing their artistic programming and professional development through travel and training opportunities.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government agencies in Limestone, Madison, and Morgan Counties, Alabama, for programs that enhance education, workforce development, and quality of life in the community.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers with employment services, training, and housing solutions.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Gulf Research Program (GRP) is inviting proposals for its "Building the Next Generation of STEMM Leaders in the Field of Environmental Justice" initiative. This grant opportunity is designed to support projects that develop and implement programs cultivating future STEMM leaders in Environmental Justice (EJ). The GRP's mission, as evident in this program, aligns with fostering scientific literacy and addressing critical environmental challenges through education and mentorship. The grant aims to raise awareness, expand understanding, and empower young people to apply STEMM disciplines to explore the relationship between environmental hazards and their effects on community health and resilience. The primary beneficiaries of this program are young people in grades 9-12, particularly those from communities affected by environmental inequalities in the United States Gulf of Mexico region. The impact goal is to increase the number of young people in this region who pursue studies and careers in STEMM disciplines within the field of Environmental Justice. The program specifically encourages collaborations with nonprofit or community-based organizations that have a history of working with children and youth, especially underrepresented or underserved populations such as racial/ethnic minorities, tribal youth, LGBTQ+ youth, students with low socio-economic status, children with disabilities, first-generation immigrants, and students from rural or remote areas. The core focus of this funding opportunity is on education and mentorship. Projects should provide youth with opportunities to learn about and apply STEMM principles in examining environmental hazards and their impact on communities. Activities can take place in both formal and informal educational settings, but must target 9th-12th graders and complement formal education standards. The GRP prioritizes proposals that foster the development of scientific and environmental literacy, skills, and competencies crucial for cultivating the next generation of EJ leaders. Expected outcomes include increased awareness and understanding among youth regarding environmental hazards and their effects on communities, as well as enhanced capacity for youth to pursue STEMM studies and/or careers in Environmental Justice. The GRP anticipates a measurable increase in the number of young people in the Gulf of Mexico region engaging with STEMM disciplines related to EJ. This grant operates with a strategic priority of building human capacity and fostering a more equitable and resilient future by empowering youth to address environmental challenges. The theory of change behind this initiative is that by investing in early education and mentorship in STEMM and EJ, the GRP can create a pipeline of informed and capable leaders who will contribute to solving complex environmental issues in vulnerable communities.

The LGBTQ Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham has released its Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 2024 Grant Cycle, aiming to support organizations that strengthen the infrastructure of LGBTQ-led or serving groups, provide services to LGBTQ youth, individuals, and families, and offer educational opportunities highlighting the needs of the LGBTQ community. The fund also seeks to advance collaboration between LGBTQ organizations and other community groups, and support nonprofit partners working on public policy and social justice issues that intersect with LGBTQ concerns. The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham's mission to enhance the quality of life in the region aligns with the LGBTQ Fund's goals by fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all community members, particularly those from historically marginalized groups. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are LGBTQ persons, with a particular focus on underserved communities including people of color, youth, seniors, transgender individuals, gender non-binary persons, and those in rural areas. The impact goals are to improve the well-being and equity of these communities through various support systems. Expected outcomes include stronger LGBTQ organizations, increased access to vital services for LGBTQ individuals and families, greater public understanding and acceptance through education, and more effective advocacy for LGBTQ rights and social justice. Measurable results could include the number of organizations supported, the number of individuals served, the reach of educational programs, and the impact of policy initiatives. Priority will be given to proposals that specifically address the needs of demonstrably underserved LGBTQ communities, emphasizing an intersectional approach. This includes programs focusing on inclusive healthcare and mental health services, immigrant advocacy, racial and economic justice, and initiatives promoting faith and acceptance. The typical grant amounts range from $3,000 to $7,000, with the fund also considering general operating expenses if justified in the application. This strategic focus ensures that resources are directed towards areas with the most significant need and potential for transformative impact within the LGBTQ community in Central Alabama. Grants are awarded to non-profit organizations in Central Alabama, specifically in Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, and Walker counties, that either directly serve the LGBTQ community or are expanding existing programs to be inclusive and affirming of LGBTQ persons. Organizations not currently designated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit are encouraged to apply using a fiscal sponsor. This demonstrates the Foundation's strategic priority of building capacity within the non-profit sector and its theory of change, which posits that by empowering and funding organizations dedicated to LGBTQ issues, they can create a more equitable, supportive, and inclusive Central Alabama for all LGBTQ individuals.

READY Community Foundations, part of ARC's READY Appalachia initiative, offers no-cost training to community foundations in Appalachia. Participants will build skills in financial management, fundraising, grantmaking, and strategic planning. Eligible foundations can apply for up to $25,000 in funding to implement capacity-building projects post-training. Applications are due by July 5, 2024.