Best Grants for Community Service Projects in Alabama

The Alabama Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Funds are aimed at enhancing the quality of life for nursing facility residents through innovative projects. Administered by the Alabama Department of Public Health, these funds support initiatives that go beyond normal operations, ensuring compliance with CMS regulations. Eligible organizations include consumer advocacy groups, family councils, and academic institutions. The CMP funds can be used for resident support, relocation expenses, and quality improvement projects, making a significant impact on care standards.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

South Arts, Inc. offers Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations to enhance the skills and knowledge of Southern arts entities. These grants aim to support operational stability and growth, focusing on organizations with budgets of $500,000 or less. Eligible applicants include a range of arts organizations within South Arts' nine-state service area. The program emphasizes first-time opportunities and requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match, ensuring a commitment to professional development in the arts.

The Shelby County Community Health Foundation Grant aims to enhance health and well-being in Shelby County, Alabama. It prioritizes projects focusing on preventative healthcare, youth education, and substance abuse prevention. Nonprofits and governmental organizations are eligible, but multi-year grantees must wait before reapplying. The foundation encourages collaborative proposals and emphasizes the need for future funding plans. Overall, the foundation seeks impactful initiatives that contribute to the community's health and wellness.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Alabama offers vital funding for developing essential community facilities in rural areas. This program supports projects such as healthcare, public safety, and educational services, ensuring access to necessary resources for communities with populations of 20,000 or fewer. Eligible borrowers include public bodies and non-profit organizations, focusing on areas with low median household incomes. The program aims to enhance community development while prioritizing those most in need.

The Holle Family Foundation Grant supports nonprofits in central Alabama that address societal needs, promote leadership, and celebrate culture. It aims to empower vulnerable populations, foster youth leadership through service, and enhance community appreciation of art and history. Grants are focused on specific needs such as educational opportunities and physical improvements for nonprofits. The Foundation prioritizes innovative solutions to community challenges and looks for measurable impacts from its funding.

The Alabama Power Foundation's Elevate Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for Alabamians by empowering nonprofits to address pressing community needs. Focused on workforce development and removing barriers to success, this initiative supports organizations that exhibit strong fiscal management and accountability, while also targeting underserved populations. By providing tools and resources, the Elevate Grant strengthens nonprofits to expand their impact across Alabama, ensuring a brighter future for all.

The Pathway to Sustainability Fund Grant aims to empower nonprofits in Madison County, Alabama, to collaborate effectively, leverage resources, and track outcomes. By focusing on individual client journeys, the fund supports organizations in providing tailored assistance to those facing challenges such as unemployment and mental health issues. With a vision to end generational poverty, the initiative fosters a community-wide network of nearly 200 partners dedicated to enhancing self-reliance and reducing service duplication.

The J.L. Bedsole Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for citizens in Southwest Alabama by supporting educational opportunities, cultural initiatives, and community development. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that propose projects addressing education, health, arts, and community needs. The foundation prioritizes collaborations and projects that yield lasting benefits for underserved populations, while avoiding political activities and grants to individuals or out-of-state entities.

The NRA Foundation: Alabama Grants supports projects that promote firearms safety and education in shooting sports. The grants are accessible to various organizations, including those not classified as 501(c)(3), as long as they serve a charitable purpose. Ineligible applicants include labor organizations and private businesses. This initiative aims to encourage responsible participation in firearms activities while enhancing community safety and awareness.

The Southeast Alabama Community Foundation (SACF) supports nonprofits in Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry, and Houston counties through its Community Trust Grants. Established in 1995, SACF aims to enhance community well-being by funding impactful projects. Grants are available for various nonprofit services, fostering long-term community support. However, funding excludes individuals, partisan advocacy, and certain operational costs, ensuring that resources are directed toward initiatives that truly benefit the Wiregrass region.

The Stringfellow Health Fund Grant provides essential healthcare funding to 501(c)(3) public charities in nine Alabama counties. Focus areas include addressing preventable health issues, advocacy, and serving individuals with chronic conditions. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a minimum one-year operating history and adhere to specific strategic planning requirements. Grants aim to enhance community health and well-being, fostering a healthier future for residents in the designated service area.

The 2499 Line of Duty Scholarship, established by the Central Alabama Community Foundation, honors Montgomery Police Officer David Colley. It provides financial assistance to high school seniors from Autauga, Elmore, Lowndes, Macon, or Montgomery Counties pursuing higher education. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have intentions to serve in the military or as first responders, or be children of service members. This scholarship supports future leaders dedicated to community service.

Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs works every day to positively impact Alabama communities through partnerships, grant programs, and services to spur community and economic development and enhance quality of life.

ADECA is a state agency that partners with leaders at the local level to positively impact and enhance the quality of life in Alabama communities through dozens of federal and state grant programs, surplus property, and water resource management.

ADECA’s grant programs support and fund local initiatives that communities often would not be able to afford on their own and improve many facets of life through community and economic development. Our programs help address critical infrastructure needs like water, sewer, and broadband; provide law enforcement equipment and support for victims of crime; build new trails and recreational features; and assist with energy efficiency that lowers energy costs.

Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program

The Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) for State Prisoners Program assists states, local, and tribal governments in the development and implementation of substance abuse treatment programs in state, local, and tribal correctional and detention facilities.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) Law Enforcement and Traffic Safety Division (LETS) is the agency designated to administer the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program as authorized by statute 34 U.S.C. § 104222.

The purpose of the RSAT Program is to increase access to treatment for individuals with substance use or co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders during detention or incarceration and to improve the continuity of care during and after reentry by delivering community-based treatment and other after-care services.

Project Focus Areas

The LETS Division is accepting applications for existing or new projects for the following priority areas: 1) Jail-based pretrial substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs; 2) Jail-based residential SUD treatment programs.

We are seeking established programs currently providing these services that have a proven track record; existing evidence-based programs that could expand to include these services; or new programs implemented by organizations that have the proper training and resources to effectively sustain such a program beyond limited-term grant funding.

Jail-based Pretrial Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Program

The LETS Division is accepting applications for existing or new projects that initiate or continue evidence-based SUD treatment programs, including medication-assisted treatment, in pretrial populations during their confinement and/or foster connections to SUD treatment in the community upon pretrial release. Programs supporting pre-trial populations do not need to meet criteria for jail-based residential SUD treatment programs.

Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs works every day to positively impact Alabama communities through partnerships, grant programs, and services to spur community and economic development and enhance quality of life.

ADECA is a state agency that partners with leaders at the local level to positively impact and enhance the quality of life in Alabama communities through dozens of federal and state grant programs, surplus property, and water resource management.

ADECA’s grant programs support and fund local initiatives that communities often would not be able to afford on their own and improve many facets of life through community and economic development. Our programs help address critical infrastructure needs like water, sewer, and broadband; provide law enforcement equipment and support for victims of crime; build new trails and recreational features; and assist with energy efficiency that lowers energy costs.

Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program

The Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) for State Prisoners Program assists states, local, and tribal governments in the development and implementation of substance abuse treatment programs in state, local, and tribal correctional and detention facilities.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) Law Enforcement and Traffic Safety Division (LETS) is the agency designated to administer the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program as authorized by statute 34 U.S.C. § 104222.

The purpose of the RSAT Program is to increase access to treatment for individuals with substance use or co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders during detention or incarceration and to improve the continuity of care during and after reentry by delivering community-based treatment and other after-care services.

Project Focus Areas

The LETS Division is accepting applications for existing or new projects for the following priority areas: 1) Jail-based pretrial substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs; 2) Jail-based residential SUD treatment programs.

We are seeking established programs currently providing these services that have a proven track record; existing evidence-based programs that could expand to include these services; or new programs implemented by organizations that have the proper training and resources to effectively sustain such a program beyond limited-term grant funding.

 Jail-based Residential SUD Treatment Program

Jail-based residential SUD treatment programs must meet the following criteria:

• Engage individuals with SUD or co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders for at least thre months.
• Require periodic and random drug testing of individuals while they are in the program and under community supervision.
• Make every effort to establish a therapeutic community (i.e., program participants are set apart from the general population).
• Provide aftercare services.

The Atmore Community Foundation Grant supports nonprofits in the Atmore community, focusing on enhancing quality of life through various sectors including arts, education, and health. The 2024-2025 cycle emphasizes sustainable programs with measurable outcomes and capacity-building initiatives. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,000 for projects serving the 36502 zip code. Eligible organizations must be IRS recognized 501(c)(3)s or similar entities. Collaboration and innovative approaches are highly encouraged to address community needs.

The Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) Grant aims to enhance community well-being in North Alabama through funding programs focused on education, economic impact, and quality of life. Grants of up to $20,000 support initiatives that align with MTM's core values of motivating, appreciating, relating, collaborating, and innovating. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities that serve the Greater Huntsville area, ensuring diverse community benefits while fostering inclusivity and measurable outcomes.

The North Baldwin Community Foundation Grant provides funding to enhance the quality of life in Bay Minette and surrounding areas. Open for the 2024-2025 cycle, it targets local nonprofits addressing critical community needs through arts, education, and health initiatives. Grants up to $5,000 are available for projects that demonstrate community impact and sustainable practices. Collaboration among organizations is encouraged to maximize effectiveness and reach underserved populations.

The Remy Fund for Pets and Animal Services, established by philanthropist Ken Jackson in memory of his dog Remy, supports organizations focused on traditional companion animals in Alabama. Priorities include rescue, spay/neuter programs, animal-assisted therapy, and educational advocacy. Since its inception in 2011, the fund has awarded over $500,000 to enhance the welfare of pets and promote humane treatment.

The Tri-City Community Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Foley, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach by funding local nonprofits. Established in 2018, this grant supports initiatives in arts, mental health, education, and economic opportunity. Eligible organizations must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) entities serving the Tri-City community. The Foundation prioritizes proposals that demonstrate community support and articulate measurable outcomes, with a total of $25,100 available for the grant cycle.

Delta Workforce Grant Program

The Delta Workforce Grant Program (DWP) is an initiative designed to build long-term community capacity and increase economic competitiveness by providing grants to support workforce training and education programs throughout the lower Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions.

DWP supports projects and initiatives that create a more vibrant economic future for the Delta region by expanding opportunities to recruit, train, and retain a diverse and local workforce; aligning workforce and economic development strategies; creating sustainable talent pipelines; establishing or enhancing locally/regionally significant sector-based partnerships; and supporting enhanced workforce productivity through investments in innovative programming or services.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Alabama aim to support small rural businesses by providing technical assistance and training. Eligible projects must benefit rural areas outside urbanized regions. Although there is no maximum grant amount, smaller requests are prioritized. Funding can be used for various projects, including community development, training, and feasibility studies, enhancing the economic landscape of rural communities.

All In Credit Union, founded in 1966, has evolved from a small financial institution to a full-service credit union serving over 197,000 members across Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi. With a commitment to community support, they have contributed nearly $2 million to local charities since 2018 and awarded significant scholarships. The annual All In Grant Program offers essential funding to 501(c)(3) organizations to enhance community services, reflecting their dedication to making a positive impact in the areas they serve.

Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs works every day to positively impact Alabama communities through partnerships, grant programs, and services to spur community and economic development and enhance quality of life.

ADECA is a state agency that partners with leaders at the local level to positively impact and enhance the quality of life in Alabama communities through dozens of federal and state grant programs, surplus property, and water resource management.

Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program

The Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program (ARHTP) is designed to improve health outcomes, expand access to essential services, and strengthen healthcare infrastructure across the state’s rural communities. The program focuses on addressing longstanding access challenges, including provider shortages, geographic barriers, and gaps in specialty care, through partnerships with healthcare providers and community organizations. Emphasis is placed on prevention, early intervention, and improving access to care closer to home by leveraging innovative service delivery models and strengthening the rural healthcare workforce.

EMS Treat-in-Place Initiative

Funding Purpose

Funding under this NOFO is intended to support the development and implementation of EMS treat-inplace pilot programs that advance one or more initiative goals and align with the EMS Treat-in-Place strategy. Depending on the proposed scope of work, funding may support activities necessary to enable treat-in-place service delivery, including protocol development, telehealth consulting equipment, software, training, and other implementation needs necessary to support treat-in-place service delivery.

All funding under this opportunity is expected to be distributed through a competitive subaward process. Selected applicants will be treated as subrecipients and will be required to comply with all applicable federal, state, and programmatic requirements associated with the award.

Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program: Maternal and Fetal Health Initiative

Program Overview

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program was authorized by Public Law 119-21 on July 4, 2025. The RHT Program is a $50 billion federal initiative planned to establish funding to strengthen rural hospitals and modernize the healthcare ecosystem for all 50 states. The RHT Program is designed to transform the rural healthcare ecosystem along five strategic axes: supporting rural health innovations, improving provider sustainability, developing the local healthcare workforce, expanding care delivery models, and testing technology-based solutions.

The Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program (ARHTP) is Alabama’s broader statewide framework for advancing the goals of the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program through coordinated, statedesigned strategies, initiatives, and investments intended to improve rural healthcare access, strengthen quality and delivery systems, support innovation, and promote long-term sustainability and accountability in rural communities. ARHTP is focused on transformational, practical approaches that strengthen provider networks, improve access to appropriate services closer to home, and support more resilient models of rural healthcare delivery across Alabama.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), on behalf of the ARHTP, invites eligible applicants to apply for funding under the Maternal and Fetal Health Initiative. The purpose of this initiative is to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes in rural Alabama by addressing gaps in access to care and strengthening the capacity of healthcare systems to provide maternal and fetal health services. This includes connecting rural healthcare facilities to regional maternal and fetal referral hubs and expanding access to specialized imaging services and telerobotic ultrasound devices necessary to ensure healthcare facilities have the capacity, connectivity, and resources required to provide appropriate maternal and fetal care services. This NOFO establishes the application requirements, review framework, and award parameters for competitive funding designed to accomplish the purpose of the initiative as set forth above.

The Maternal and Fetal Health Initiative is intended to support practical, scalable strategies that strengthen maternal healthcare delivery systems across rural Alabama. Consistent with the State’s ARHTP framework, this initiative supports projects involving the establishment and enhancement of regional maternal and fetal referral hubs, the acquisition and deployment of telerobotic ultrasound equipment, and equipment upgrades and minor building renovations or alterations necessary to provide appropriate services under the defined strategy categories described below.

Projects funded under this NOFO must serve rural Alabama, align with at least one of the defined Maternal and Fetal Health Initiative strategy categories listed below, and clearly demonstrate how the proposed project advances one or more of the initiative goals identified in this section. Applicants do not need to be physically located in a rural area to apply; however, each proposal must clearly demonstrate that the project is specifically designed to provide a direct benefit to rural Alabama communities, expectant mothers, infants, healthcare providers, or facilities participating in regional referral networks.

The Foothills Community Partnership Fund aims to create sustainable solutions for human care issues in Calhoun County, Alabama. Focused on education, community development, and wellness, the fund supports 501(c)(3) public charities. Grant awards under $3,000 are fully disbursed upon agreement, while larger grants are split into two payments, contingent on reporting. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria including a minimum operating history and financial documentation, promoting accountability and effective use of funds.

The Longleaf Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, aims to foster positive community change through donor generosity. It supports 501(c)(3) public charities within a nine-county region, providing essential funding for diverse charitable initiatives. By creating a sustainable pool of resources, the fund addresses evolving community needs and encourages collaborative partnerships to enhance lives. Eligible organizations can apply for unrestricted grants to further their missions, ensuring a lasting impact on their communities.