Best Grants for Museums in Alabama

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

Alabama Historical Commission

The Commission is the agency designated to carry out the state’s responsibilities under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as amended and operates under the provisions of the Code of Alabama 1975.

We work to accomplish our mission through two fields of endeavor: Preservation and promotion of state-owned historic sites as public attractions; and, statewide programs to assist people, groups, towns and cities with local preservation activities.

State law makes the Commission responsible for the acquisition and preservation of state-owned historic properties and education of the public on historic sites in Alabama. 

Historic Sites Education Trust Fund (ETF) Grant

The Alabama Historical Commission (AHC) will administer a $3,600,000 Historic Sites grant program with funds appropriated by the Alabama Legislature for improvements to and educational programming at historic sites in Alabama.

Preference will be given to:

• any property listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places that was built before 1840 and is publicly owned and accessible to the public;
• any property built in or before 1943 that is listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places;
• any property built after 1943 that significantly contributed to the Civil Rights Movement.

The Alabama State Council on the Arts offers the Arts in Education Grant to enhance arts education for PreK-12 students in Alabama. This grant supports curriculum-based projects that provide sequential learning opportunities, ensuring every student can engage with the arts. With a focus on excellence and diversity, the agency aims to promote cultural artistic expressions and increase public appreciation for the arts, benefiting both individuals and communities across the state.

The Gridiron Veterans Scholarship, provided by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, offers essential financial support for military veterans and first responders. This initiative focuses on wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs, ensuring participants can access mental health services, physical therapy, and holistic resources. The foundation prioritizes those facing emotional and physical challenges, empowering them to overcome barriers and improve their quality of life through customized, evidence-based support.

The Alabama State Council on the Arts offers the Community Arts Project Grant to enhance life quality and economic vitality in Alabama through diverse artistic support. This grant promotes excellence in the arts, provides educational opportunities, and encourages public engagement. Eligible projects can include festivals, performances, exhibitions, and workshops, aiming to create positive arts experiences for all Alabamians. The grant seeks to foster appreciation for the arts and recognize their role in cultural and economic development.

The Alabama State Council on the Arts Literary - Project Grant aims to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality in Alabama by supporting diverse artistic resources. This grant encourages a wide range of projects, including festivals, performances, and exhibitions, fostering public engagement with the arts. It promotes excellence in arts education, recognizes folk traditions, and supports economic development through the arts, ensuring that all Alabamians can experience and appreciate artistic expressions.

Alabama State Council on the Arts

The mission of the Alabama State Council on the Arts is: To enhance the quality of life and economic vitality for all Alabamians by providing support for the state’s diverse and rich artistic resources.

Agency Goals:

• Support excellence and professionalism in the arts.
• Provide opportunities for high-quality arts education for every Alabama student and lifelong learner.
• Provide opportunities for all Alabamians to experience the arts.
• Identify, preserve, and present folk art traditions.
• Promote diverse cultural artistic expressions.
• Recognize and support the arts as a driver of economic vitality.
• Increase public recognition and appreciation for the arts, arts organizations, and individual artists.

Projects

Project Grants are the most frequently applied for grant type, allowing a wide range of activities and events that result in positive arts experiences for the public. Project Grant proposals have included:

• Festivals.
• Performances.
• Research and field surveys.
• Exhibitions.
• Author readings.
• Juried competitions.
• Theatrical productions.
• Classes and workshops.
• The creation or commissioning of works of art.
• …And many other arts-oriented activities.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing dietetics. Applicants complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships ranging from $500 to $25,000. Eligibility includes enrollment in an ACEND-accredited program and various special criteria. This initiative supports students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging future professionals in nutrition and dietetics. Membership in the Academy is recommended but not mandatory for application.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for graduate and doctoral students pursuing degrees in nutrition and dietetics. With scholarship amounts ranging from $500 to $25,000, applicants can utilize a single application to be considered for multiple opportunities. Eligibility includes enrollment in accredited programs and other criteria such as experience in education or dietetics. Membership in the Academy is encouraged, although not required, for most scholarships.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for dietetic interns, allowing a single application to apply for multiple awards. Scholarships range from $500 to $25,000, with eligibility for interns enrolled through June 30, 2024, including those with off-cycle matches. Applicants should consider their career goals in areas like clinical dietetics, culinary arts, and nutrition education. Academy membership is encouraged but not required. Fundraising determines the number of scholarships available each year.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for students in the Dietetic Technician Program, with over 250 scholarships available. Ranging from $500 to $25,000, these scholarships help support aspiring dietetic professionals. Applicants need to complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships based on eligibility. Membership in the Academy is encouraged but not mandatory for applying.

The Alabama State Council on the Arts Visual Arts - Project Grants support a variety of artistic activities aimed at enhancing the cultural landscape of Alabama. These grants encourage projects such as festivals, performances, and exhibitions, fostering public engagement with the arts. By promoting excellence and accessibility in arts education, the Council aims to recognize and preserve the state's rich artistic traditions while driving economic vitality through cultural initiatives.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

The Alabama State Council on the Arts offers the Folklife - Consolidated Project Grant to enhance the quality of life for Alabamians through diverse artistic support. This grant funds cohesive activities, including performance seasons, workshops, and exhibitions, promoting excellence in the arts. It aims to preserve folk art traditions, increase public engagement with the arts, and recognize their role in economic vitality, ultimately enriching Alabama's cultural landscape.

The Alabama State Council on the Arts Literary Grant - Consolidated Project aims to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality for Alabamians by supporting diverse artistic resources. It funds cohesive activities like performance seasons, workshops, and exhibitions, promoting arts education and cultural appreciation. This grant fosters excellence in the arts, providing opportunities for all citizens to engage with and appreciate the rich artistic heritage of Alabama.

The Southeast Equitable Energy through Community-Driven Solutions (SEEDS) program, initiated by the Georgia Municipal Association, aims to assist low-income households by providing targeted marketing and case management for energy efficiency and home repair programs. This collaborative effort seeks to improve access to vital resources, empowering communities and enhancing their ability to undertake home rehabilitation projects. Multiple partners can join in these initiatives, fostering a community-driven approach to energy solutions.

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 SESAPS Francis Slack Award, established by the Southeastern Section of the American Physical Society, honors individuals who have selflessly contributed to advancing physics in the Southeast. It recognizes efforts in enhancing research facilities, strengthening academic departments, and fostering regional physics organizations. Nominations remain active for three years, with a focus on encouraging women and minority candidates. This prestigious award commemorates the legacy of Francis G. Slack, a pivotal figure in the development of the Southeastern Section.

2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)

The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) receives grant funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enhance the competitiveness of Alabama's specialty crops. ADAI accepts competitive applications for specialty crop grant funds annually.

Solely enhance the competitiveness of US specialty crops

To be eligible for a grant, the project(s) must "solely enhance the competitiveness of US specialty crops" in either domestic or foreign markets.

Tourism Legislative Event Grants

In the FY2026 Budget, $2,730,000 was allocated to the Alabama Tourism Department for grants to promote local and state economies. Grants shall be reflective of the geographical diversity of the state. Each grant shall be awarded following the recommendation of members of the Legislature or legislative delegations. No House of Representatives district shall receive more than five grants at $2,600 per grant awarded, and no Senate District shall receive more than ten grants at $3,900 per grant awarded. The Alabama Tourism Department is proud to work with the Alabama Legislature to administer these grants. 

ADECA Highway Traffic Safety Program

The Highway Traffic Safety area of the division administers grant funding focused on behavioral programs to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities. Grants helps fund enforcement campaigns that focus on speed, impaired driving and promote the use of seat belts and proper child restraints. Funding is also available for State Traffic Safety Information System Improvements for integrated data collection across multiple state agencies.

ADECA partners with many entities to promote highway traffic safety around the state. The website www.SafeHomeAlabama.gov compiles data and information from many sources to give an overview of traffic safety in Alabama. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has posted a “High Visibility Enforcement Toolkit” designed to assist law enforcement agencies, communities and states in implementing and enhancing their enforcement efforts. 

SEP Energy-Efficient Retrofits Grant

The State Energy Program’s (SEP) purpose is to provide funding and technical assistance to enhance energy security, advance state-led energy initiatives, maximize the benefits of decreasing energy waste, and increase energy affordability. It also helps prepare for natural disasters and improve the security of the State’s energy infrastructure. Specifically, it assists states in meeting federal requirements to prepare for an energy emergency and develop an individual state energy security plan.

SEP is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. Congress appropriates funds annually to support program activities, which includes funding for formula grants, competitive awards, and technical assistance.

Additional funds can be appropriated for related energy efficiency programs managed by the Energy Efficiency Unit in ADECA’s Energy Division. The funding is utilized to plan and implement energy programs in Alabama that are designed to achieve national energy goals such as lowering energy costs and consumption, decreasing reliance on imported energy, reducing impacts of energy production and use on the environment, and to increase energy security and reliability.

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is an executive and administrative department of the State of Alabama created by statute. The Commissioner, appointed by the Governor as a member of the Cabinet, advises the Governor and Legislature on the management of freshwater fish, wildlife, marine resources, state lands, state parks, and other natural resources. 

The Department has four divisions:

• Marine Resources,
• State Lands,
• State Parks, and
• Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.

Alabama Reservoir Management Grants Program

 Water, Environment, Tourism (W.E.T.) Foundation in partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority 

To support: 

• The control of invasive aquatic species in State Reservoirs; 
• The removal of debris from navigable waters within State Reservoirs; and 
• The installation, maintenance, and repair of approved navigational aids or regulatory signs.

Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant

The Alabama Department of Mental Health is the Single State Agency responsible for receipt and expenditure of the Substance Abuse Block Grant (SABG) in accordance with Federal Regulations promulgated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The SABG is a major source of funding for substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery support services provided throughout the state by agencies under contract with ADMH. SAMHSA requires each state to maintain an up-to-date plan for the expenditure of SABG funds and to submit an annual report of activities conducted specifically to these expenditures. In addition, SAMHSA oversees the implementation of the Synar Amendment, which requires states to have laws prohibiting the sale and distribution of tobacco products to minors. ADMH provides an ongoing opportunity for the public to review and submit comments on the development and implementation of Alabama’s SABG annual plan and report, as well as the annual SYNAR report.

The Gulf Research Program's Science Policy Fellowship offers an opportunity for scientists to bridge the gap between science and policy, enhancing their skills while benefiting Gulf Coast communities. Over a year, fellows work with various agencies, gaining practical experience at the science-policy interface. This program provides a stipend, health allowance, and professional development support, fostering leadership and capacity building in environmental protection and public health. Eligible candidates include those with advanced degrees in relevant fields, ensuring a diverse, skilled cohort dedicated to impactful research.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Alabama provide essential funding to organizations that assist low-income families in constructing their own homes. These grants enable participants to work together, reducing costs and fostering community bonds. Organizations offer technical support, ensuring families can navigate the process of home construction effectively. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and federally recognized tribes. This initiative is crucial in rural areas where housing assistance is often limited.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.