Alabama Grants

The Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville's give256 Grant program is designed to foster emerging philanthropists and enable them to make a collective impact on the Greater Huntsville area. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's broader mission to support charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes within the community by empowering members to pool resources for significant positive change. The program's innovative structure allows for direct community engagement and investment. The target beneficiaries of this grant are nonprofit organizations, schools, religious institutions, or government agencies that are 501(c)(3) public charities and are located in or impacting the City of Huntsville, City of Madison, and/or unincorporated areas of Madison County, AL. The primary impact goal is to fund single, stand-alone projects or programs (not general operations) that directly benefit these specific geographic areas, thereby strengthening local communities. Funding priorities are explicitly given to projects that impact the City of Huntsville, City of Madison, and/or unincorporated areas of Madison County. The Foundation focuses on supporting distinct projects rather than ongoing operational costs, emphasizing a strategic approach to grantmaking. This ensures that the pooled funds create tangible, measurable outcomes within the designated communities. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed in the provided description beyond the funding of impactful projects, the program's design implies a focus on community improvement and engagement. The funding information of $2,500 – $7,500 per project, within an overall grant size of $10,000 to $100,000, suggests a commitment to supporting multiple impactful initiatives. The Foundation's strategic priority is to encourage collective philanthropy and direct investment into specific, well-defined projects that align with their mission for the betterment of the Greater Huntsville area.

This program provides funding for K-12 schools in the TVA service area to implement innovative STEM projects that enhance student learning and career readiness through community collaboration.

The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge is a national initiative designed to invigorate innovations in career-connected learning (CCL), aiming to provide learners aged 11-22 with access to transformative educational experiences that integrate academics with career exploration. This program is aligned with the broader mission of the national Catalyze Challenge, which since 2021, has impacted over 45,000 students through more than $13 million in grants to over 50 organizations. The core objective is to empower young individuals to discover their aptitudes and pursue rewarding careers by bridging education and industry. The challenge targets learners residing, studying, or working in the Birmingham region, specifically Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, and Walker counties. The program's impact goals are centered on fostering career opportunities and enhancing the potential success of local participants through innovative career-connected learning. Catalyze seeks to fund and learn from bold ideas that rethink the connections between the education system, postsecondary education, vocational programs, apprenticeships, and employment for young people in this region. The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge prioritizes novel approaches to career-connected learning that align with two key themes: Career Exploration for Young Adolescents and Activating Employer Partnerships. These themes are strategically chosen to address existing gaps in the market and to create learning experiences that challenge traditional educational paradigms. The program actively encourages forward-looking organizations with groundbreaking solutions that address specific CCL challenges, particularly those faced by learners navigating career pathways and by individuals and organizations within the education and industry sectors. Expected outcomes include building learners' skills and agency to effectively navigate lifelong career journeys. Grantees will contribute to a wider effort to build an evidence base around the identified themes, while simultaneously addressing practical challenges within their communities and beyond. The Birmingham coalition, with the aid of a regional evaluation and selection committee, will engage, source, evaluate, and fund high-potential innovations. The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge will award pilot grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 each, supporting 12-24 months of exploratory implementation for these impactful solutions.

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 (CFNEA) is offering grants through its Farley Moody Galbraith Fund (FMGF) to 501(c)(3) qualified public charities operating within CFNEA’s nine-county region. The fund's purpose is to address a broad spectrum of charitable needs, aligning with Mrs. Galbraith's historical philanthropic focus on needy children, disadvantaged youth, and the arts. This grant program is a key component of CFNEA's mission to foster charitable support and improve the well-being of communities in Northeast Alabama by leveraging donor legacies to meet current needs. The FMGF primarily targets organizations dedicated to serving needy children, disadvantaged youth, and promoting the arts within Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, DeKalb, Etowah, Randolph, Saint Clair, and Talladega counties in Alabama. The impact goals are to provide essential resources and support to vulnerable populations and to enrich the cultural landscape of the region. By focusing on these specific areas, CFNEA aims to create a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and the vitality of local communities. The program prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a strong operational history and strategic planning. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) not-for-profits or governmental/state agencies with a minimum one-year operating history and a board-approved strategic plan covering at least 24 months, including a mission statement, strategic goals, and measurable objectives. Financial transparency is also key, with revenue-based requirements for submitting audited financial statements, review, or compilation. These criteria ensure that grants are awarded to stable and well-managed organizations capable of effectively utilizing funds. Expected outcomes include improved conditions for needy children and disadvantaged youth, as well as enhanced access to and participation in arts programs. Grant awards, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, are designed to support activities for one year, with awards under $3,000 receiving 100% upfront upon agreement. This structure allows for timely implementation of projects and a clear timeframe for assessing results. The Foundation's theory of change is rooted in the belief that by investing in established, strategically-aligned organizations addressing critical community needs, it can foster sustainable positive change and uphold the charitable intentions of its donors.

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.

The Harland Jones Charitable Fund (HJCF), administered by the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama (CFNEA), provides grants to 501(c)(3) qualified public charities in CFNEA's nine-county region. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's mission to support youth development through specific programming. Grant awards range from $1,000 to $10,000, with a one-year grant duration. Organizations must be tax-exempt, have at least one year of operating history after 501(c)(3) classification, and possess a board-approved strategic plan covering at least 24 months, including mission statement, strategic goals, and measurable objectives. The HJCF targets youth up to age nineteen, with a focus on programs that promote education, literacy, safety, and moral and physical development. The expected outcome is to provide charitable support to organizations that positively impact the lives of young people within the designated region. Measurable results would stem from the objectives outlined in the applying organizations' strategic plans, which are a required component of eligibility. The grant program's priorities clearly revolve around enhancing the well-being and development of youth. The foundation's strategic priorities, as reflected in the HJCF, emphasize direct support for operational charities rather than endowments, capital campaigns, or individual grants. This indicates a theory of change that focuses on empowering existing organizations with a proven track record to deliver services. The eligibility criteria regarding financial statements (audited, review, or compilation based on budget size) further suggest a commitment to responsible stewardship and accountability, ensuring that funds are directed to organizations capable of managing them effectively. Funding restrictions highlight areas that the foundation will not support, such as discriminatory practices, lobbying, political purposes, and organizations with less than one year of operation, or those with open grants in the same fund. This demonstrates the foundation's commitment to ethical practices, long-term impact, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources. The comprehensive guidelines ensure that grant funds are utilized for their intended charitable purposes, aligning with the overall strategic objective of fostering community development through targeted support for youth-focused programs.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is offering its 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program, which aligns with its mission to support the viability and sustainability of historically underserved farmers and ranchers. This program aims to foster projects that enhance farm viability, create new markets for local agricultural products and services, develop innovative uses for existing farm infrastructure, add value to farm products through processing, packaging, or marketing, and optimize the use of on-farm and natural resources. Additionally, the grant supports cultural and heritage projects dedicated to preserving and continuing specific agrarian traditions, reflecting RAFI's broader commitment to a resilient and equitable food system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are historically underserved farmers and ranchers, as defined by NRCS, who are in at least their fourth full growing season and have operated their current farm for at least two years. The program specifically targets "livelihood" farmers and ranchers who depend on agriculture for their financial support or are pursuing a long-term career in farming. Eligibility extends to individual farmer owners/co-owners or farm cooperatives, provided at least 50% of the cooperative members meet the individual eligibility criteria. The grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are available to farms located in specific states: AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. Funding priorities are given to proposals demonstrating a high expected impact on farm viability and sustainability, strong project feasibility, and comprehensive planning, including a clear plan, detailed budget, timeline, and all necessary supporting documentation. RAFI also prioritizes farmers who derive a significant portion of their household income from farm operations, individuals with financial need, or those located in economically disadvantaged areas. Projects that tangibly benefit the surrounding community and farms utilizing agroecological and/or ancestral farming practices are also highly favored, reflecting RAFI's strategic priorities for holistic agricultural development and community engagement. The expected outcomes of the Infrastructure Grant Program include increased farm viability and sustainability for historically underserved farmers, the establishment of new and diversified markets for local products, and the preservation of valuable agricultural traditions. Through these grants, RAFI aims to support projects that lead to concrete improvements in farm infrastructure, expanded income streams for farmers, and a stronger connection between agricultural practices and community well-being. By focusing on these outcomes, RAFI reinforces its theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support and capacity building for underserved farmers will lead to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural landscape.

This grant provides funding to states and territories to develop a coordinated early childhood education system that integrates various programs, including Head Start, to improve access and efficiency for families with children from birth to age five.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in West Alabama to address critical community needs in areas such as arts, education, health, and social welfare through innovative and collaborative projects.

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.

This initiative provides funding to Alabama K-12 schools to implement health, nutrition, and physical education programs that promote student well-being and healthy habits.

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.

The National Academy of Sciences Gulf Research Program is investing $50 million in the Gulf Futures Challenge to fund projects addressing critical challenges in the Gulf region. The Challenge aims to discover and promote innovative and transformative solutions by leveraging the talent and knowledge of the Gulf's people. The competition focuses on three main areas: energy transition, environmental change along the coast, and healthy and resilient communities. Up to ten finalists will receive up to $1 million in project development support, with two finalists awarded $20 million each to implement their solutions. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, state, local, and tribal governments, and academic institutions from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, or Texas, with projects located within 100 miles of the Gulf coastline. The registration deadline is August 20, 2024, and the application deadline is September 20, 2024.

This program provides financial support to rural nonprofit and governmental organizations in select Southern states for presenting touring artists across various disciplines, including film, performing arts, and visual arts.

The Women's Philanthropy Society is offering grants to support a legacy of love and an enduring gift for future generations, addressing a broad spectrum of issues that impact community quality of life. For 2024, the Society has chosen Health & Wellness as its focus issue. This grant program aims to strategically address this focus area, align with the Society's philanthropic mission, and contribute to systemic change in the community. The target beneficiaries are organizations described in Code Section 170(c)(2), 501(c)(3), 2055(a)(2) or 2522(a)(2), excluding private foundations. This also includes schools, religious institutions, or government agencies located in the Greater Huntsville area. The grants are intended to create a positive impact on the health and wellness of the community, with a specific focus on the Greater Huntsville, Alabama geographic area, including Jackson, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, and/or Morgan counties. Priority will be given to projects that strategically address the Health & Wellness focus area, involve more than one agency or organization and are collaborative in nature, address a desired systemic change, and provide clear and measurable outcomes. The funding information indicates that up to two high-impact $50,000 grants may be awarded, with the overall grant size ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. Expected outcomes include measurable improvements in health and wellness within the Greater Huntsville area, facilitated by collaborative efforts and systemic changes. The Society's strategic priorities are evident in its emphasis on projects with clear and measurable outcomes and a collaborative approach. The theory of change appears to be that by strategically funding projects that address systemic issues in health and wellness through collaborative efforts, the Women's Philanthropy Society can create a lasting positive impact on the quality of life in the community.

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.

The Appalachian Regional Energy Hub Initiative aims to strengthen regional economies by investing in energy resilience through research and planning grants, and implementation grants. The initiative focuses on establishing a regional energy hub for natural gas and natural gas liquids, including hydrogen production. Eligible applicants include local development districts, Indian Tribes, states, counties, cities, and higher education institutions, among others. The total funding available is $5 million, with a grant proposal due by July 24, 2024.

This program provides free training and funding opportunities to nonprofit organizations in the Appalachian region, helping them build capacity to better address community challenges and improve their operational effectiveness.

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.