Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Alabama

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Velma Shotwell Griffin Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Velma Shotwell Griffin Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist graduates of Conotton Valley or Carrollton High Schools planning to enroll, or currently enrolled, at an accredited college or university to pursue further education in the following fields: History, Writing (not limited to, English, Journalism, Language Arts, Communications and programs in Mass Media), Graphic Arts, Music (which shall include but not limited to, vocal music, instrumental music, music history, music education, and music performance) and any other program or field of study approved by the Selection Committee. 

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Diversity in Advertising Scholarship

The scholarship is intended for students studying Marketing, Advertising or Design with a career focus of Digital Marketing, Advertising, Design and/or Computer Science at any accredited institution. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement.

Special consideration will be given to those active in school activities, community service, and work experience. Previous recipients of this award are eligible to reapply. 

The Fred J. Brunner Foundation Grant supports organizations that aid vulnerable populations, particularly the young and elderly, through education, shelter, and hunger initiatives. Established in 1956 by Fred J., the foundation distributes grants annually in the fall, focusing primarily on recipients in the greater Chicago area, although exceptions are made. The foundation operates without regard to race, creed, or ethnicity, allowing all recipients to reapply each year.

About All Points North Foundation

All Points North Foundation is dedicated to navigating communities upward.

All Points North Foundation was founded in 2011 by a family who believes passionately that everyone has a “true North” – a place of achievement – and that everyone should have equal opportunity and access to realize their goals.

Our Vision

We envision a nation where the middle school years are seen as an important, vital time in the lives of youth, and where the public middle school education experience in underserved communities measurably improves

We also envision a nation where the integration of solar benefits families, local economies and the environment.

Our Priorities

All Points North Foundation funds grantees in two areas – public middle school education (grades 6-8) and solar – that have the power to help communities nationwide navigate upward.

Grant Making

All Points North Foundation seeks collaborative partnerships with grantees in our two priority areas.

Solar Energy

All Points North Foundation is focused on finding ways to significantly advance the penetration of solar through education, job training and use of solar electric technologies in the United States.

All Points North Foundation has three priority areas:

Providing solar and workforce development training for Tribal communities to expand and diversify the solar job pipeline.

Working with small- to medium-sized science centers to engage students, families and local communities on the benefits and science behind solar.

Providing solar installations to nonprofit organizations that build high-quality, safe and affordable residential housing, offsetting energy costs and enabling cost savings for households.

The cost of solar has dropped dramatically over the last decade, however the upfront cost of going solar remains a hurdle for most families, communities and nonprofits.

All Points North Foundation does consider funding solar projects outside of these focal areas, but the programs must demonstrate how solar will have a broader impact on local communities (e.g., economic, social or environmental), as well as showcase the potential for replication across the nation.

The Skoll Awards for Social Innovation, presented by the Skoll Foundation, recognize social innovators addressing root societal problems. Each awardee receives $2 million in unrestricted funding and joins a global community of leaders dedicated to significant social change. The foundation focuses on key areas such as health systems, effective governance, inclusive economies, racial justice, and climate action. Nominations are made through a multi-year sourcing process, ensuring that candidates align closely with the foundation's mission.

The Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation offers Reintegration Grants aimed at supporting individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. By focusing on abilities rather than symptoms, the foundation promotes recovery through various programs. Their funding helps organizations that maintain a commitment to mental health, ensuring that recipients receive necessary support, such as scholarships and facility management, to enhance their quality of life. The foundation believes in empowering individuals to actively participate in their recovery journey.

About Us

Making a Difference, Together

The Community Foundation of Monroe County (CFMC) builds a thriving, inclusive community through the power of philanthropy. By connecting generous donors with local causes, we help ensure Monroe County remains a place where everyone can thrive. Since our founding, we’ve been a trusted steward of community resources, fostering impactful collaborations and sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, poverty, and community development.

Life Needs Support

Life Needs Support provides need-based financial assistance to students and young adults from the Greater Milan area who face barriers that may prevent them from completing a degree or skilled trades training program. 

Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. We recognize that unexpected hardships can disrupt educational progress, including expenses related to books and supplies, medical care, transportation, childcare, trade tools.

Applications are evaluated two times each year for awarding in the six months after application and selection.

The Safe Arborist Techniques Fund Grant Program, established by the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund and the International Society of Arboriculture, aims to enhance worker safety in arboriculture through research and development. Grants focus on biomechanics and tree failure mechanisms, supporting innovative practices that protect both workers and the community. Proposals are evaluated on their potential impact, scientific rigor, and the experience of the investigative team, ensuring they align with the mission of the TREE Fund.

The Intervention Research to Improve Native American Health (IRINAH), led by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, focuses on enhancing health outcomes in Native populations. It supports research to identify causes of health issues, develop and test effective interventions, and implement strategies that promote sustainability. Emphasizing community strengths, the initiative aims to rigorously evaluate solutions to reduce health disparities, ensuring interventions can be adapted and shared across diverse communities.

The AAO-HNSF Bobby R. Alford Endowed Research Grant offers $30,000 for one year to support innovative research in otolaryngology. This grant aims to facilitate the career development of young investigators and promote research that may lead to significant advancements in understanding diseases of the head and neck. Eligible projects should have direct clinical significance for patients and can include basic, translational, and clinical research.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

The AISES ARDC Scholarship provides $5,000 annually to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related fields. Funded by the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), this scholarship aims to support Indigenous students who are current AISES members and enrolled full-time. Eligible applicants must also be citizens or descendants of recognized Indigenous tribes, ensuring a commitment to enhancing representation in STEM education and careers.

The Zone VI Fellowship in Urban Forestry, funded by the Garden Club of America, aims to promote urban forestry education among U.S. graduate and advanced undergraduate students. Established in 2006, this fellowship awards $7,500 annually to support students studying urban forestry and related fields. Recipients can reapply for additional funding, fostering ongoing research and engagement with the urban forest ecosystem. This initiative highlights the importance of healthy urban forests and their impact on communities.

The Mentored Quantitative Research Development Award (K25) aims to attract researchers with quantitative science backgrounds to NIH-relevant studies. It provides support and protected time for professionals to integrate their expertise in areas like mathematics and statistics with health research. Notably, it does not support independent clinical trials, focusing instead on collaborative experiences under mentorship. The application process involves specific deadlines for submissions, including standard, renewal, and AIDS-related grants, encouraging diverse participation in significant health research.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Harry Emley and Mary Joslin Bennett Scholarship

Selection based upon:

• Academic achievement, financial need, community and school service, and recommendations.

Awards

• One $500 scholarship

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) by the U.S. Department of Energy provides essential services to improve energy efficiency in homes, particularly for low-income households. Eligible participants include those below 200% of the poverty level, renters, and homeowners. The application process involves determining eligibility, identifying local providers, and submitting necessary documentation. By helping families save on energy costs and enhancing comfort, WAP plays a crucial role in supporting vulnerable communities.

The West Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association Scholarship, established in 2001, supports students from Ottawa, Oceana, Newaygo, Muskegon, or Allegan County pursuing careers in horticulture or the green industry. Administered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, awards consider financial need and academic achievement. Applicants, including high school seniors and college students, must submit transcripts and additional required documents. This scholarship aims to foster education and partnerships within West Michigan's green industry.

The WDA Small Grants program supports projects that advance the mission of the Wildlife Disease Association (WDA), which focuses on promoting healthy wildlife, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable solutions to One Health challenges. Eligible projects include educational materials, public outreach, and other initiatives that align with WDA's goals. Funding will not cover overhead or accommodation expenses, and proposals must include measurable objectives that can be achieved within one year.

The Yéigo Action Grant, provided by the First Peoples Fund, offers financial support ranging from $100 to $2,500 for Native artists and culture bearers facing hardships that affect their creative practices. This grant aims to assist artists with specific professional opportunities, such as workshops or emergencies. By honoring the spirit of encouragement embodied in the Diné word 'yéigo', the grant helps ensure that artists can continue their vital work within their communities.

The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), promotes active research participation among undergraduate students across various research areas. It supports two mechanisms: REU Sites, which engage multiple students in ongoing research, and REU Supplements, which enhance existing NSF-funded projects. Participants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents, and each REU opportunity has its unique application process.

The Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation Grant aims to support projects that promote environmental restoration, preservation, and education, with a focus on sustainable resource use and community development. This grant encourages innovative approaches that connect urban and rural settings, enhance biodiversity, and foster creativity in addressing societal challenges. Eligible applicants include IRS-designated non-profits that align with the foundation's vision. The foundation also supports small presses and periodicals that creatively address sustainability issues.

The Mary E. Kwiatkowski Social Services Scholarship Fund, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports female and LGBTQIA+ students pursuing social sciences and public service careers. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 students for post-secondary education. This scholarship aims to eliminate financial barriers for diverse talents in Erie County's social services sector, requiring applicants to submit an essay on their public service aspirations and challenges in the Erie region.

The Africa Regional Services Paris invites U.S. citizen speakers, artists, and athletes to join the ARS Speaker Program, which aims to enhance U.S. foreign policy in Africa. This initiative seeks individuals with expertise to conduct outreach across sub-Saharan Africa in English and either French or Portuguese. Priority areas include security, economic prosperity, and American arts. Interested candidates must submit a Statement of Interest and supporting documents to be considered for small grants.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is issuing this announcement for various research and development topic areas. The ERDC consists of the Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL), the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL), the Environmental Laboratory (EL) and the Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in Hanover, New Hampshire, the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) in Champaign, Illinois, and the Geospatial Research Laboratory (GRL) in Alexandria, Virginia.

The ERDC is responsible for conducting research in the broad fields of hydraulics, dredging, coastal engineering, instrumentation, oceanography, remote sensing, geotechnical engineering, earthquake engineering, soil effects, vehicle mobility, self-contained munitions, military engineering, geophysics, pavements, protective structures, aquatic plants, water quality, dredged material, treatment of hazardous waste, wetlands, physical/mechanical/ chemical properties of snow and other frozen precipitation, infrastructure and environmental issues for installations, computer science, telecommunications management, energy, facilities maintenance, materials and structures, engineering processes, environmental processes, land and heritage conservation, and ecological processes.

The NIAID aims to support four Clinical Trials Networks (CTNs) by funding Statistical and Data Management Centers (SDMCs) to enhance HIV research. These SDMCs will oversee study designs, data collection, and compliance with regulatory standards while ensuring data quality and integration. This initiative is a crucial step toward ending the HIV epidemic, fostering innovative methods, and adhering to NIH data sharing policies. Applications for the SDMCs are now being solicited.

The Marion Maccarrell Scott Scholarship, established by Gertrude F. Straub in memory of her father, supports students from Hawai'i public high schools planning to attend college on the mainland. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, possess good character, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8. This scholarship encourages studies in fields related to history, government, and international relations, promoting an understanding of world cooperation and peace.

The Rosenstiel Scholarship, part of the New Mexico Press Women Scholarship Fund, aims to support graduate students in journalism, communications, or law. Established in 2023, it encourages recipients to engage in investigative journalism and uphold First Amendment rights. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit relevant publications, letters of recommendation, and transcripts. This scholarship not only fosters academic excellence but also promotes ethical standards among future media professionals.