Alabama Workforce Development Grants

The Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program is designed to award funds to for-profit, Alabama-based companies that have received Federal Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) or Federal Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) Phase I or Phase II awards. The program's mission aligns with fostering technological innovation, commercialization, and overall economic development within Alabama by supporting small businesses engaged in research and technology development. This initiative aims to bridge critical funding gaps, encourage the growth of high-quality companies, and create high-wage jobs across the state. The target beneficiaries are Alabama-based for-profit companies that have secured federal SBIR/STTR Phase I or Phase II awards. The primary impact goals include increasing the number and types of federal SBIR/STTR applications from Alabama, helping companies bridge the funding gap between Phase I and Phase II payments, and promoting the establishment and growth of businesses committed to Alabama's economic development, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The program prioritizes several key areas. It focuses on increasing commercial success for Alabama SBIR/STTR projects and establishing high-wage jobs in both moderately and highly skilled occupations. Funding is structured with caps: for Phase I awards, Innovate Alabama may grant up to 50% of the federal award or $100,000, whichever is less. For Phase II awards, the supplemental grant can be up to 50% of the federal award or $250,000, whichever is less. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a higher volume of SBIR/STTR applications from Alabama, a stronger pipeline of innovative companies transitioning from Phase I to Phase II, and a measurable increase in commercialized technologies and job creation within the state. The grant funds can be used for highly skilled new hires, business plan development, product testing, market research, intellectual property protection, and technical work, all contributing to the growth and sustainability of these businesses. Eligibility requirements dictate that applicants must meet all federal SBIR/STTR program requirements at the time of application. Additionally, within 12 months of receiving the grant, the applicant must have its primary place of business in Alabama, the majority of its top executives must reside in Alabama, and at least a majority of its employees must live in Alabama. Participation in the E-Verify program is also mandatory. The program is open to applicants whose federal Phase I or Phase II funding was active on or after July 1, 2023. This framework reflects Innovate Alabama's strategic priority of nurturing a robust innovation ecosystem and supporting a theory of change where targeted supplemental funding accelerates the growth and commercialization potential of promising Alabama-based businesses, leading to broader economic benefits.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

The Foothills Community Partnership Charitable Grant Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for a duration of one year. This program is specifically designed to support 501(c)(3) qualified public charities operating within Calhoun County, Alabama. The core mission of this fund is to benefit and enhance the sustainability of services provided by non-profit organizations that address critical human care issues within the county. This aligns directly with the Foundation's broader strategic goal of fostering community well-being and supporting vital local services. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are non-profit organizations serving Calhoun County that focus on human care issues. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen these organizations, enabling them to deliver more effective and sustainable services to the community. By providing financial support, the fund aims to help these organizations achieve their objectives and improve the quality of life for residents in Calhoun County. The fund's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined: Education, Community and economic development, and Safety and wellness. Programs and projects that address these specific community issues are given precedence. This targeted approach ensures that the grants contribute to strategic areas identified as crucial for the growth and stability of the community. Expected outcomes include a strengthened non-profit sector in Calhoun County, leading to improved access to essential human care services. Measurable results could involve an increased number of individuals benefiting from educational programs, enhanced economic opportunities, or a reduction in safety and wellness concerns within the community, all directly supported by the funded projects. The Foundation's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in these key areas through local non-profits, it can foster a more resilient, educated, and healthy community in Calhoun County.

This grant provides funding to under-resourced communities in the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions to develop strategic plans that address local economic development challenges.

This funding opportunity supports innovative projects that improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities in states with historically low participation rates, encouraging collaboration and sustainable solutions.

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 funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Huntsville, Alabama, that enhance community quality of life through projects in various focus areas such as arts, education, health, and economic opportunity.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that offer hands-on STEAM training and paid summer internships for teens aged 16-19 from low-income areas, in partnership with Best Buy Teen Tech Centers.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that develop innovative resources and services to help adults in the middle or late stages of their careers with reskilling, upskilling, and career navigation, particularly those who are unemployed or underemployed.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Alabama to support workforce development initiatives that help underserved communities overcome employment barriers and improve their internal capacity.

This initiative provides training and funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations in the Appalachian region to strengthen their operations and better serve their communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and schools in select U.S. states for programs focused on workforce development in advanced manufacturing and environmental sustainability initiatives.

This grant provides funding to nonprofits, government entities, educational institutions, and religious organizations that enhance the quality of life and resilience of residents in Foley, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and surrounding communities through innovative programs in arts, mental health, education, leadership, and economic opportunity.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Huntsville, Alabama, to improve digital access and literacy for the community by supporting projects that bridge the digital divide.

This grant provides funding to local nonprofits and organizations in Atmore to support projects that enhance community well-being across various areas such as education, health, and the arts.

This funding opportunity supports projects in the Appalachian region that help individuals recovering from substance use disorders gain access to job training and employment services, fostering sustainable recovery and economic independence.