Best Grants for Community Service Projects in Alabama

Organizations improving quality of life and care for nursing facility residents in Alabama can seek funding for innovative, time-limited quality improvement projects. Alabama Department of Health’s Civil Money Penalty Funds may support efforts like resident relocation assistance, resident and family councils, or facility improvement initiatives that go beyond normal operations and regulatory requirements.

Alabama community service and health-focused nonprofits can access funding through the Jay L. Smith Family Foundation to support family services, healthcare advancement, and programs serving disadvantaged populations. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in areas like Alzheimer’s research, elderly care, domestic violence, suicide prevention, and spiritual wellbeing may be eligible for these one-time grants.

Alabama nonprofit arts organizations and qualifying government or tribal units can receive up to US $1,000 to build organizational capacity through professional development activities. South Arts supports film, visual, performing, traditional, literary, and multidisciplinary arts groups for first-time conferences, workshops, trainings, and related travel or consultant expenses that strengthen long-term sustainability and community programming.

Nonprofit 501(c) organizations and governmental units improving community health and wellness in Alabama can access funding through the Shelby County Community Health Foundation for preventative healthcare, health education, substance abuse prevention, and emergency medical services. Projects serving Shelby County, Alabama, especially collaborative, community-focused initiatives, may benefit from this support.

Nonprofit organizations in Alabama running workforce development, poverty alleviation, or barrier-removal programs can apply for Alabama Power Foundation’s Elevate Grant, with awards up to US $5,000. Funding supports organizational capacity and services for underserved communities, and may benefit community development and revitalization projects that strengthen local quality of life.

Nonprofit and public organizations providing direct social services and case management in Alabama’s Madison County can access the Pathway to Sustainability Fund, awarding US $10,000 for collaborative, mission-focused programs. Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville supports efforts spanning basic needs, crisis intervention, housing, health, education, employment, and community engagement that strengthen families and promote long-term self-reliance.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities and governmental units in southwest Alabama can receive support for education, arts and culture, health and human services, and economic or community development projects. J L Bedsole Foundation provides Alabama community organizations with grants that emphasize lasting benefits, strong collaboration, sound fiscal management, and service to underserved, economically disadvantaged, or rural residents.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities and eligible government agencies in northeast Alabama can seek up to US $50,000 for health-focused programs, education, prevention, and direct services. Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama’s Stringfellow Health Fund supports projects improving community health, including preventive care, chronic and acute conditions, disabilities, and organizational capacity in its nine-county region.

Alabama high school seniors pursuing higher education and careers in the military or as first responders may be eligible for the 2499 Line of Duty Scholarship, which supports college attendance. Central Alabama Community Foundation honors service and sacrifice by assisting students from Autauga, Elmore, Lowndes, Macon, or Montgomery Counties with accredited two- or four-year college plans.

Correctional and detention agencies in Alabama seeking to start or expand evidence-based pretrial substance use disorder treatment can apply for funding, with awards up to US $70,694. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs supports jail-based SUD programs that improve continuity of care and may benefit broader community development and revitalization efforts.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, religious institutions, and government agencies in Alabama’s Limestone, Madison, and Morgan Counties can apply for the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing Grant to support community programs and services. Administered by the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, this grant offers up to US $20,000 for workforce development, PreK–12 STEM education, and quality-of-life projects.

Nonprofits, government entities, schools, and religious organizations in Alabama serving the North Baldwin community can apply for grants up to US $5,000 to support community service projects and capacity building. Grants from the Community Foundation of South Alabama back programs in arts, community development, education, health, human services, environment, recreation, technology, and youth in Bay Minette and surrounding areas.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Alabama’s Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, and Walker counties can apply for Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham’s Remy Fund awards of US $2,000 - US $10,000 to support companion-animal programs. Funding can back rescue and shelter work, spay/neuter, animal-assisted therapy, and humane education that strengthen local communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, government entities, educational institutions, and religious organizations in Alabama’s Tri-City area can seek up to US $25,100 total for community-focused programs and capacity building. Community Foundation of South Alabama’s Tri-City Community Foundation backs projects in arts, mental health, education, workforce, leadership, and economic opportunity serving Foley, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and nearby communities.

Organizations running workforce training and education programs in Alabama’s Black Belt may be eligible for grants supporting job readiness and career preparation. Grants from Delta Regional Authority help build long-term community capacity, align workforce and economic development strategies, and create sustainable, locally significant talent pipelines across the lower Mississippi River Delta region, including Alabama. Awards range from US $50,000 - US $300,000.

USDA Rural Development provides Alabama community and public entities with funding to support small rural business development and community economic projects. Eligible applicants include rural towns, nonprofits, higher education institutions, tribes, and public agencies. Grants from US $10,000 - US $500,000 can fund technical assistance, facilities, incubators, transportation, and other rural development activities benefiting local communities.

Alabama nonprofits planning community development or service projects that enhance their services can access funding through All In Credit Union, if located within its service area counties. Grants support project enhancements that expand benefits to local residents. Organizations in eligible parts of Alabama, plus nearby Florida and Mississippi counties, may qualify.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities and eligible government agencies addressing education, community development, safety, and wellness in Calhoun County, Alabama can seek project and program support through the Foothills Community Partnership Fund. Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama administers this fund to strengthen human care services and sustain impactful community service initiatives in the region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible government agencies in Northeast Alabama can request support for community projects or initiatives through the Longleaf Fund, an unrestricted charitable fund. Focused on community development and revitalization, the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama invites applicants serving its nine-county region to propose any charitable purpose within its service area.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and federally recognized Tribes in rural Alabama can fund construction, improvement, and equipment for essential community facilities and services. With a mission to strengthen rural development, USDA: Rural Development provides support for projects such as community centers, public safety facilities, health clinics, and other community development and revitalization efforts in towns under 20,000 residents.

Alabama 501(c)(3) nonprofits running community service and development projects can access reimbursable funding for physical needs like repairs, renovations, equipment, transportation, and public arts and history programs. Holle Family Foundation prioritizes work in central Alabama counties that addresses critical needs, fosters youth leadership, expands educational opportunities, and celebrates local culture.