Best Grants for International Development in Alabama

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting children’s health, education, development, and welfare can apply for DanPaul Foundation grants of up to US $15,000. Focus areas include youth development, early childhood, child advocacy, homelessness, poverty, refugees, and clean air and water. Alabama international development programs serving youth worldwide may be eligible.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Alabama educational institutions, government programs, and eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Alabama organizations working on disaster relief, community revitalization, job training, financial literacy, or academic and STEM programs may be eligible for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. addressing chronic poverty and economic hardship can seek more than US $100,000 for program, capital, or general support, including work reaching Alabama. With a mission to strengthen lives, William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes proven, scalable efforts in housing, food access, jobs, legal aid, reentry, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Nonprofit 501(c) organizations and governmental units improving community health in Alabama can access funding through the Shelby County Community Health Foundation for preventative care, wellness, health education, substance abuse prevention, and emergency medical services. Projects in Shelby County that enhance health services, especially collaborative, multi-supported initiatives, may be eligible.

Public charities and government units in Alabama can seek funding for education and environmental stewardship projects that strengthen local communities. Vulcan Materials Company Foundation supports K–12 and higher education, STEM initiatives, and fact-based environmental programs, with priority for organizations in Vulcan operating areas and those involving company employees as volunteers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities and governmental units in southwest Alabama can seek funding for education, arts and culture, health and human services, and economic or community development projects. J L Bedsole Foundation provides Alabama organizations with support for collaborative, well-managed initiatives that offer lasting benefits, especially for underserved, economically disadvantaged, or rural residents.

Tax-exempt public charities in Alabama seeking capital funding for education, youth development, human services, public spaces, or cultural institutions can apply for support through the J. Bulow Campbell Foundation. The foundation primarily serves Atlanta and Georgia but may consider projects in Alabama that fit its Christian-influenced, capital-focused priorities.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, schools, and religious organizations in Alabama’s Atmore 36502 area can apply for Community Foundation of South Alabama’s Atmore Community Foundation Grant; awards Up to US $3,000 for programmatic work or capacity building. Funding may benefit arts, education, health, human services, youth, environment, technology, and community development initiatives.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Huntsville and nearby Alabama communities can seek funding for quality-of-life projects, including basic needs, education, health, environment, arts, recreation, and community development. Focused on broad community well-being, the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville invites local groups, including those with international development components, to apply if they meet its priorities and service criteria.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Alabama 501(c)(3) organizations seeking support for charitable, educational, religious, health, environmental, or community programs can access funding through the Andrew Burgin Charitable Trust. Grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000 may benefit groups whose international development work overlaps with these areas, with applications accepted year-round and reviewed by grant meeting deadlines.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Alabama UAB faculty conducting interdisciplinary neurodevelopmental research can access the FCIDD McNulty Scientist Award, providing US $100,000 annually for projects on brain development, autism, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Focused on advancing neuroscience and related fields, UAB Educational Foundation encourages collaborations across at least two university departments.

Fall 2026 Early Childhood Education Funding Cycle

Overall Early Childhood Education Program Blueprint

The Stranahan Foundation’s Early Childhood Education grant program supports efforts to improve access to high-quality early care and education for young children (birth to five), especially those from low-income families. We do this by investing in strategies that strengthen, support, and retain a high-quality, thriving early educator workforce.

The Foundation has a history of supporting professional development (PD) and learning systems through its Provider strategy (). We believe strong professional development systems are essential for building a skilled early childhood workforce and creating positive learning environments for young children.

The Fall 2026 funding cycle is available for organizations that align with this Provider strategy.

Funding Opportunity

This funding opportunity will provide up to $750,000 to support early childhood education providers in strengthening existing professional development (PD) systems. Funding is intended to improve a specific area of an established PD system—not to build a brand-new system from scratch or put the foundational elements in place.

What kind of improvements can funding support?

Organizations should focus their projects on strengthening their professional development systems. The Stranahan Foundation defines a strong professional development system as one that includes:

• Connect learning opportunities that build on one another over time.
• Use adult learning best practices.
• Align staff learning to educator competencies, credentials, career growth, or compensation.
• Provide learning experiences that are individualized, scaffolded, and responsive to educators’ needs, experience, and goals.
• Have dedicated leadership and organizational capacity to support ongoing implementation.

• Gather regular feedback from staff and families.
• Use standardized assessment and evaluation tools to understand what is working and where improvements are needed.
• Make ongoing improvements based on what is learned.
• Support reflective practice, peer learning, and collaborative inquiry among educators.

• Offer both individual and group learning opportunities, such as training, professional learning communities, coaching, and mentoring.
• Provide learning opportunities on an ongoing basis rather than in a one-and-done situation.
• Connect internal and external learning opportunities to make the best use of available resources.
• Support classroom implementation through observation, modeling, feedback, and continuous improvement cycles.

• Provide learning experiences that are practical, relevant, and easy to apply in daily work.
• Include fundamental topics such as family engagement, effective instruction, developmentally appropriate practice, and classroom management.
• Align with established standards, research, and effective practices in the early childhood field.
• Equip educators to support all learners, including multilingual learners, children with disabilities, and children impacted by trauma or adverse experiences.

Nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that lead strong cross-sector community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award, which recognizes exemplary collaborative initiatives. Grants from Mutual of America Foundation help Alabama international development nonprofits highlight scalable, replicable partnerships that address significant social issues and improve community well-being.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public agencies addressing education, community development, economic development, safety, or wellness in Calhoun County, Alabama can seek program and project support through the Foothills Community Partnership Fund. The Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama administers these grants to strengthen human care services and sustain impactful local programs.

Alabama 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible public agencies serving youth up to age 19 with education, literacy, safety, or moral and physical development programs can access funding through the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama. The Harland Jones Charitable Fund supports projects benefiting children in its nine-county Northeast Alabama region, which may include internationally focused youth development initiatives.

Public and private nonprofit organizations in Alabama can seek funding to deliver environmental education projects that build environmentally responsible citizens. Legacy supports initiatives with clear goals, strong work plans, and sustainable impact. Programs reaching diverse or underserved audiences and demonstrating effective evaluation and public recognition may be especially competitive for awards up to US $2,500.

Individual writers and literary-focused organizations in Alabama and the broader South Arts region can receive up to US $5,000 to create, publish, or share contemporary literary work. With a mission to advance Southern vitality through the arts, South Arts provides support for creative projects, community engagement activities, and professional development opportunities in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, drama, and young readers’ literature.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and eligible local government entities in Alabama communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can seek support for education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental initiatives. Georgia-Pacific Foundation supports projects that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability in these areas, which may benefit organizations with international development components based in eligible counties.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools in Alabama offering manufacturing-focused education and workforce programs can apply for US $25,000 - US $100,000 in support from American Honda Motor. Funding backs hands-on training in design, data analytics, AI, automation, and related technical skills that build a future-ready manufacturing workforce, which may benefit international development pathways.