Alabama Private Grants

This scholarship provides financial assistance to LGBTQ+ students from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington who demonstrate leadership and face systemic barriers to education, prioritizing those in marginalized communities.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is inviting proposals for its Cumberland Plateau Stewardship Fund, aiming to restore and enhance critical forest, grassland, and freshwater habitats within the Cumberland Plateau region. This initiative aligns with NFWF's broader mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. The program's core strategy involves increasing the voluntary adoption of conservation practices on working agricultural lands, which contributes to NFWF’s strategic priority of supporting wildlife and improving ecological health through sustainable land management. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are the diverse habitats and species within the Cumberland Plateau, as well as landowners and communities in the region who will adopt conservation practices. The impact goals are multifaceted, seeking to improve soil health, water quantity and quality, and carbon sequestration. Ultimately, the program aims to foster resilient ecosystems that support both wildlife and sustainable human activities. The foundation's theory of change is predicated on the idea that by providing financial and technical assistance, they can incentivize conservation practices that lead to measurable environmental improvements and long-term ecological benefits. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined through its program strategies. These include restoring previously mined lands, increasing the adoption of conservation practices on grazing and croplands, establishing, enhancing, and maintaining forest habitats, and restoring instream habitats to support aquatic species. A significant focus is also placed on expanding and coordinating technical assistance and outreach to landowners, recognizing the importance of local engagement and support for successful implementation of conservation efforts. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in acres of restored habitats, improved water quality metrics, enhanced soil health, and greater carbon sequestration. The program anticipates awarding approximately $2.8 million in grants in 2024, with individual grant awards ranging from $250,000 to $750,000. Projects are expected to have a completion time of 24-48 months. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations, state and local governments, Tribal Governments, and educational institutions, with a preference for projects within identified focal areas of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. The program’s success will be measured by the extent to which these conservation practices are adopted and the subsequent environmental benefits realized across the Cumberland Plateau.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals for its Southeast Aquatics Fund to voluntarily conserve aquatic habitats in the southeastern United States and Texas. This grant program directly aligns with NFWF's mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation's fish, wildlife, and plants. The fund's priorities are informed by the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan, adopted in 2018 and updated in 2023, which aims to conserve the extraordinary biodiversity across the Southeast. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are aquatic ecosystems and the diverse array of species that inhabit them, particularly those identified as focal species in the Conasauga River (GA) and Middle Coosa (AL) watersheds. These include various endemic and native fishes like the Alabama shiner, banded sculpin, blue shiner, and trispot darter. The impact goal is to advance specific goals and objectives of the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan and other relevant conservation plans, ultimately leading to healthier aquatic habitats. The program prioritizes work in northern Alabama and Georgia due to measurement and monitoring constraints, with funding available for a wide range of activities in the Conasauga River (GA) and Locust Fork and Middle Coosa (AL) watersheds. Projects benefiting the focal species in these areas will receive priority. The strategic priorities of the NFWF, as evidenced by the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan, emphasize a suite of aquatic species as indicators of healthy aquatic habitats in prioritized watersheds, reflecting a theory of change that by protecting these indicator species, the broader ecosystem health will improve. Expected outcomes include the conservation of aquatic habitat, the advancement of specific goals outlined in the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan, and positive impacts on focal species populations. While not explicitly detailed as "measurable results" in the provided text, the focus on indicator species suggests that the health and population trends of these species would serve as key metrics for success. Projects are anticipated to have a completion time of 24–36 months, with grant awards ranging from $150,000 to $500,000 from approximately $8.45 million available in 2024.

The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE) Education Grants program is designed to fund education and outreach activities that benefit the sustainable agriculture community. This grant directly aligns with SSARE's mission to promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, agricultural diversification, and best management practices. The core objective is to support projects that develop sustainable agriculture systems or move existing systems towards sustainability. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are farmers and farming communities, including those involved in indigenous agriculture producing for community food systems. Academic institutions, non-profits, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), 1890 land-grant university faculty/extension cooperators, 1862 land-grant universities, other colleges and universities, and government agencies are eligible to apply, acting as facilitators for these educational initiatives. The impact goals are centered on fostering a more sustainable, resilient, and economically viable agricultural sector through knowledge dissemination and practical application. Education Grants prioritize projects that clearly articulate what is being taught, to whom, and how the goals will be accomplished. Focus areas include experiential learning (demonstrations, on-farm tours, field days, workshops), integrative approaches (conferences, seminars, course curriculum), and reinforcement methods (fact sheets, bulletins, videos, online technologies). SSARE also encourages proposals on quality of life topics, such as heirs property, farmers’ markets, food hubs, local/regional processing, and urban agriculture systems, emphasizing the social health of farming systems. Expected outcomes include the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices, enhanced farmer innovation, increased community resilience, improved business success for agricultural enterprises, and greater agricultural diversification. Projects should yield results that are realistic, acceptable to farmers, logical, and capable of leading to tangible actions and benefits described in the proposal. The grant projects are strictly focused on education and outreach, with no research component, and are paid by reimbursement of allowable expenses. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in the grant requirements, which mandate that project outcomes focus on sustainable agriculture systems and clearly demonstrate how education and outreach efforts will be implemented and evaluated. The theory of change underpinning this program is that by providing targeted education and outreach, knowledge and best practices will be transferred to farmers and communities, leading to the development and widespread adoption of sustainable agricultural methods and improved quality of life within farming systems. Project maximums are $50,000, with a duration limited to two years. Applicants from the Southern region, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are eligible. Farmers involved in these projects must have farming/ranching as their primary occupation or part-time farming with at least $1,000 of documented annual income from their operation, with exceptions for indigenous agriculture.

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's Education Fund is designed to invest in the future of the community by supporting crucial areas within education. These include early childhood development, student achievement, college and career readiness, and the overall success of the educational system. This aligns with the foundation's mission to foster community well-being through strategic investments, recognizing education as a cornerstone of future prosperity. The grant program seeks to address systemic educational needs within the Greater Huntsville area. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are students across various educational stages, from early childhood to college. The impact goals are clearly defined by the focus areas: kindergarten readiness, third-grade reading proficiency, eighth-grade math proficiency, career readiness, college readiness, and college graduation. By supporting these specific areas, the foundation aims to create a pipeline of well-prepared and successful individuals, ultimately strengthening the local workforce and civic engagement. Funding priorities emphasize projects that demonstrate high impact, reaching a broad number of students. Projects must strategically address one or more of the stated focus areas and provide clear and measurable outcomes. This highlights the foundation's strategic approach to philanthropy, where investments are expected to yield tangible and demonstrable results. The foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that targeted interventions in critical educational junctures will lead to improved academic performance and life outcomes for students. Eligible expenses for the grant include program costs for both new and existing initiatives, reasonable staff time, and training and support for volunteers. The geographic focus is specifically on Greater Huntsville, Alabama, encompassing Jackson, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, and Morgan counties. The foundation ensures that grants are made to qualified 501(c)3 public charities, schools, religious institutions, or government agencies, reinforcing its commitment to supporting established and impactful organizations within the region. The grant amounts range from $2,500 to $5,000, indicating a focus on funding specific projects with clear objectives rather than large-scale, overarching initiatives.

The Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to 501(c)3 public charities, schools, religious institutions, or government agencies in Madison County, Alabama, focusing on disaster relief, education, health services, human services, and homelessness, with an emphasis on systemic impact, community involvement, and organizational capacity.

The Longleaf Fund, established by The Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama (CFNEA), is designed to create a sustainable pool of charitable dollars to invest in community projects or initiatives within its nine-county region. This unrestricted fund aims to align with the foundation's mission by addressing the constantly changing needs and strengths of the community through strategic investments. It serves as a mechanism for individuals and families to support responsive and impactful local endeavors. The primary target beneficiaries are 501(c)(3) qualified public charities or governmental/state/county agencies operating within Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, DeKalb, Etowah, Randolph, Saint Clair, and Talladega counties in Alabama. The impact goal is to strengthen these communities by providing financial support for various charitable purposes, fostering growth, and addressing identified needs through a flexible funding approach. The fund prioritizes organizations with a minimum one-year operating history that possess a board-approved strategic plan covering at least 24 months, including a mission statement and measurable objectives. Financially, organizations with revenues over $200,000 must submit an audited financial statement, while those between $50,000 and $199,999 need to submit an audit review or compilation. Organizations with operating budgets below $50,000 are exempt from audited documents. These requirements ensure that grants are directed towards well-established and accountable organizations. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of diverse community projects or initiatives across the nine-county region, leading to tangible improvements in various charitable areas. Measurable results will likely be derived from the strategic goals and objectives outlined in the grantee organizations' plans, as well as the impact reported in their final grant reports. The grant duration for supported activities is one year, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. For awards over $3,000, 100% of the amount is disbursed upon signing the grant agreement, facilitating immediate project commencement.

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 opportunity provides financial support to organizations in the Gulf States to develop training programs that prepare young individuals for careers in the evolving energy sector.

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

The Eisner Prize Fellowship is a new program designed to support leaders pioneering innovations in intergenerational connection. Since 2011, the Eisner Foundation has awarded the Eisner Prize to honor people and organizations doing exceptional intergenerational work across the country. In this next phase in the evolution of the Eisner Prize, The Eisner Foundation is providing financial resources, networking opportunities, and the prestige of the Eisner Prize to leaders with new ideas and perspectives that will propel the field forward. The Eisner Prize Fellows application is open to anyone working to innovate in the area of intergenerational connection – whether that be through research, programs, technology, or other efforts advancing the field. Young people, people of color, and those working with historically marginalized communities are particularly encouraged to apply. The application for the 2024-25 cycle is open from April 24 to May 22, and questions can be reviewed in advance here.

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 funding to nonprofit organizations in Alabama that deliver free civil legal services to low-income individuals, improve the justice system, and promote legal education.

The Donaldson Foundation dedicates its efforts to making a positive impact in communities where Donaldson Company employees reside, focusing on supporting educational initiatives. It extends grant invitations exclusively to applications with an educational aim, scrutinizing each based on criteria such as educational focus, the need of beneficiaries, impact, sustainability, and connection to communities near company locations. Eligible recipients are required to be IRS-recognized tax-exempt entities. Funding is available in the Twin Cities and several U.S. locations where Donaldson has significant operations, with grants reaching up to $20,000. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Cycle 2 deadline: January 15th

The 2025 gBETA Huntsville Accelerator Program, run by gener8tor, is a free, seven-week accelerator designed for early-stage companies with local roots in Alabama. This program aims to support the growth of new businesses by providing individualized coaching, mentorship, and opportunities for investor engagement. The program aligns with a mission to foster economic development and innovation within local communities by nurturing nascent companies and preparing them for further investment or seed rounds. It operates multiple times a year across various U.S. cities, selecting up to five companies per cohort from a competitive applicant pool. The target beneficiaries of the gBETA Huntsville program are early-stage companies based in Alabama. These companies can range from those with a nascent idea to those with significant revenue, though most are typically post-product and pre-scale. The program prioritizes companies that are committed to growth, evidenced by a five-hour weekly programming commitment and additional time spent developing their business. The impact goal is to propel these companies toward participating in investment accelerators or successfully raising a seed round, thereby contributing to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. The program's core focuses include individualized coaching and mentorship from gener8tor on company growth and investor readiness. Participants also benefit from weekly "Lunch & Learns" and "Mentor Swarms," as well as investor and accelerator pitches. Another key priority is providing access to over $1M in deals and perks from a network of vendors like IBM Cloud, Rackspace, Amazon, Paypal, Zendesk, Hubspot, and Microsoft. These resources are strategically provided to enhance the companies' operational capabilities and market reach. Expected outcomes include significant advancements in company growth and investor readiness for participating businesses. Measurable results would be the number of graduates that go on to secure investment accelerator placements or successfully raise seed funding. The program's strategic priorities are centered on creating a robust support system for local startups, offering ongoing post-program support, and fostering community involvement. This approach reflects a theory of change where intensive, short-term acceleration, coupled with ongoing community and resource access, leads to sustainable growth and investment for early-stage companies, ultimately bolstering regional economic vitality.

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.

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 Central Alabama Community Foundation (CACF) offers Technical Assistance Grants designed to bolster the internal operations and overall effectiveness of nonprofit organizations situated in Lowndes, Macon, and/or Montgomery counties, Alabama. These grants align with the foundation's mission to support and strengthen the community by investing in the capacity of its nonprofit sector. By providing essential operational support, CACF aims to foster more robust and impactful organizations that can better serve their constituents and address critical community needs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofit organizations operating within the specified Alabama counties that are seeking to enhance their foundational infrastructure and strategic capabilities. The impact goals are centered on improving organizational efficiency, strengthening governance, and ultimately leading to more effective program delivery and sustainable community impact. The grant directly addresses these goals by offering funding for key areas of organizational development. The program prioritizes several critical areas for organizational improvement. Funding is available for strategic planning, which helps organizations define their long-term vision and roadmap for success. It also supports organizational and board infrastructure development, ensuring strong governance and operational frameworks. Furthermore, the grants focus on fund development and marketing/public relations, enabling nonprofits to secure necessary resources and effectively communicate their mission and impact to a wider audience. The maximum award for a single grant application is $3,000, with the overall grant size ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. The expected outcomes of these grants include more strategically aligned organizations, improved operational efficiency, enhanced fundraising capabilities, and increased public awareness and support for the beneficiary nonprofits. Measurable results could include the development of a comprehensive strategic plan, the establishment of a more effective board, an increase in secured funding, or an expanded reach through improved marketing efforts. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the focus is on providing targeted support for specific capacity-building initiatives. CACF's strategic priorities and theory of change appear to be rooted in the belief that by strengthening the organizational health of nonprofits, they can amplify their collective impact on the community. By investing in technical assistance, the foundation enables these organizations to move beyond immediate programmatic needs and build long-term sustainability and resilience. This approach ensures that funding translates into enduring improvements in how nonprofits operate and serve their communities, fostering a more vibrant and effective social sector in Central Alabama.

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.