Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Alabama

Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville

Established in 2008, the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville launched with the generous donation of Founding Benefactors Joe and Pam Alexander. In the years since, the Community Foundation has become a valued community partner convening donors, nonprofit organizations, community groups, local government, and businesses to create new pathways of philanthropy that address our region’s most pressing challenges.

Think Outside Grant Fund

Fund Description

The Think Outside Grant Fund Powered by Polaris seeks to fund projects that expand outdoor recreation opportunities and advance environmental stewardship reflecting Polaris's longstanding commitment to innovation, adventure, and the outdoors. Rooted in the belief that time spent outdoors strengthens both people and communities, this fund invests in initiatives that expand access to outdoor experiences in North Alabama while protecting and enhancing natural environments that make those experiences possible.

Funding Priorities

The Think Outside Grant Fund will prioritize projects that:

• Help residents connect with nature
• Strengthen community connection through outdoor experiences
• Support outdoor recreation and programming to encourage individuals and families to get outside
• Protect natural assets that make outdoor recreation possible
• Incorporate National Get Outdoors Day 2027

Special Requirements

All applicants must incorporate National Get Outdoors Day 2027 (Saturday, June 12, 2027) into their proposal. This may include:

• Launching a project or program on that day
• Using the day as a milestone to showcase impact or engagement
• Hosting or participating in a community event tied to the day

Geographic Focus: Greater Huntsville, Alabama (Jackson, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, and Morgan Counties) 

SparkForce: The FMA Foundation

Formerly known as Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (or NBT), SparkForce is the charitable foundation of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association. While our name has changed, our mission has not. Our purpose is to inspire, attract, and support individuals in discovering an interest in manufacturing and to encourage their pursuit of a manufacturing career.

2020 marked the 50th Anniversary of FMA. Started by one man and his vision, FMA has transformed into an association dedicated to helping metal manufacturers thrive and move the industry forward.

Scholarships

SparkForce, The FMA Foundation, awards scholarships twice each year to students pursuing degrees or certifications related to manufacturing careers.

3 Scholarship Awards, 1 Application

• Community College, Trade School, or University; The U.K. Gupta & Family Scholarship; and The John Grossheim Memorial Scholarship.

Scholarship funds can be used to cover tuition, school fees, books purchased through the college store, and required tools or equipment such as PPE (if available for purchase through the college store). Funds cannot be used for housing, meals, or costs unrelated to the program.

FMA Scholarship: The John Grossheim Memorial Scholarship

Preference to employees and their dependents of FMA member companies.

This scholarship is funded through the Outside Processors Council (OPC) Endowment.

The HEAL Initiative's new program aims to generate comprehensive datasets on human pain networks through advanced 'omics and physiology research. Utilizing primary human tissues, the initiative promotes collaboration among diverse experts to enhance the understanding of pain mechanisms. This cooperative agreement will foster best practices and data sharing, ensuring integrated approaches across various pain conditions. While applications are not currently being accepted, the initiative encourages multidisciplinary teams to prepare for future opportunities in pain research.

The HEAL Initiative Whole Joint Health Program aims to advance research on the biological mechanisms of joint pain by exploring the interactions of various tissues within the joint. This innovative program will support clinical studies that focus on non-pharmacological interventions to enhance healing and improve quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic joint pain. By fostering a comprehensive understanding of joint health, the initiative aligns with the NIH's broader goals to reduce chronic pain and opioid dependency.

The Corey C. Griffin Scholarship, offered by the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, awards two $5,000 scholarships to high school seniors. This initiative honors Corey C. Griffin’s legacy by recognizing students who embody his 'never quit' attitude and commitment to community service. Eligible applicants must attend specific high schools and have applied to a post-secondary institution. Note that children of Yellowstone Club employees at the Director level are not eligible for this merit-based scholarship.

The APA Foundation's Helping Hands Grants provide up to $5,000 to medical schools for projects aimed at improving mental health education and assistance in under-served communities. Initiated in 2005, this program empowers medical students to lead initiatives that promote awareness of mental illness and encourage community service, particularly among minority populations. By partnering with community agencies, these projects foster a deeper interest in psychiatry while addressing critical mental health needs.

The Thomases Family Endowment, established by Irwin Thomases, aims to uphold his philanthropic values by supporting organizations serving the Jewish and secular communities. Eligible applicants must focus on the Akko & Matte Asher regions or the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys. They can apply for multi-year grants of up to $50,000 annually, but those receiving direct allocations from the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation are ineligible. This endowment continues to promote a spirit of tzedakah.

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) fosters a dynamic research environment that enriches cadet education, enhances faculty development, and supports Air Force mission capabilities. By engaging cadets in hands-on research alongside faculty, USAFA cultivates critical thinking and innovation. Additionally, the program addresses vital topics like hypersonics and cybersecurity, while fostering partnerships with industry to stimulate broader technological advancements. This initiative not only benefits cadets and faculty but also serves the public interest.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Maurice D. Taylor Memorial Music Scholarship

Established by the family of Mr. Taylor who was originally from Montrose and became a nationally recognized music and band instructor. The scholarship will benefit a student from Montrose or Elk Lake who will attend a post-secondary degree program to major in music.   

The Katharine & Bryant Mather Scholarship, established in 1988 by the ACI Foundation, honors the Mathers' contributions to concrete knowledge. This scholarship provides $5,000 for graduate studies in concrete-related fields, alongside recognition in Concrete International magazine. ACI Foundation, a non-profit supporting education and innovation in the concrete industry, ensures funding for students worldwide, fostering the next generation of leaders in this vital sector.

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Fueling Equity & Racial Justice Since 1925

KZCF is dedicated to our mission to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County.

Scholarships & Education Grants

For All Levels of Education After High School

Kalamazoo Community Foundation is dedicated to creating pathways to higher education so students can thrive in their academic pursuits and for a lifetime. We oversee more than 60 scholarships and education grants (many of which are multiyear awards) for college, graduate school, career training and more.

Dominic & Barbara Court Family Arts Scholarship Fund

This fund was established from the estate of Barbara Court to provide scholarships for students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program that would lead to a career in the arts.

Multiyear Award; Renews Annually

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Helen Whitehead Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family of Mrs. Whitehead to provide tuition assistance for a graduating Senior from Blue Ridge, Elk Lake, Forest City, Montrose, Mountain View or Susquehanna Community High School who will matriculate at a college or post-secondary degree program to major in the culinary profession or a student who will matriculate at a college or post-secondary degree program to major in a degree in Nursing.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

R.E.S.C.U.E. Benjamin B. Stone Memorial Scholarship

Established by the environmental organization “Return Susquehanna County Under Ecology” to recognize Benjamin Stone. Two college scholarships are awarded each year and are available to seniors from all of the high schools in Susquehanna County and from Honesdale, Wallenpaupack Area, and Western Wayne High Schools in Wayne County.   

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Robert G. Sr & Mary L. McNamara Memorial Honor Scholarship

Established by the family of Mr. & Mrs. McNamara to provide college tuition assistance to a graduating Senior from Susquehanna Community School District who has maintained an 85 GPA and who will major in nursing and has the potential to contribute in a meaningful way to the health and welfare of the community.

The Center for Scholarship Administration is proud to serve as the administrator of the following scholarship programs.

The funds are provided through the generosity of corporations, foundations, individuals and trust funds.

Ausmus G. Wells Memorial Fund Scholarship

The Ausmus G. Wells Memorial Fund Scholarship is providing scholarships for deserving students. The Center for Scholarship Administration, Inc. (CSA), a non-profit, independent organization is the facilitator of the scholarship fund.

Must be planning to attend East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina in any field of study leading to a degree, diploma or certificate provided the institution meets the requirements in the following paragraph. Recipients must be enrolled full-time each semester and working towards an undergraduate degree.

The institution must be an educational organization that normally maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally has a regularly enrolled body of pupils or students in attendance at the place where its educational activities are regularly conducted. 

The NASN Research Grants, established by the National Association of School Nurses, aim to promote research on school nursing and the health of school-aged children. These grants support innovative projects led by school nurses who are NASN members. The program emphasizes the importance of quality school nursing practice, encouraging applications that adhere to specified guidelines and focus on future research initiatives. With a rich history of funding impactful studies, NASN continues to advance healthcare delivery in educational settings.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a student who is completing their automotive certification from Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County, and who intends to further their education at a college, university or technical school.

David & Priscilla Morris Scholarship

The David and Priscilla Morris Scholarship was established to provide tuition support for Black or African American students attending Western Michigan University.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution.

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

The WGPF: National Register Signage Grant Program, administered by the William G Pomeroy Foundation, aims to support public properties and historic districts in the U.S. that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. By providing grants for signage, the program helps these sites commemorate their historic significance and share their achievements with the community, fostering awareness and appreciation for the nation's heritage.

What We Do

At the North Carolina Community Foundation, we bring together generous people and connect them to causes and organizations they care about.

Our mission is to inspire North Carolinians to make lasting and meaningful contributions to their communities.

Our Philanthropic Network

We believe in the power of permanent philanthropy to strengthen our communities and people. By stewarding and growing donors’ gifts, our philanthropic network makes a powerful impact through robust grants and scholarships programs.

Bill Taylor Scholarship Endowment

Criteria

Enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians or their spouses, children or other immediate family members attending a two- or four-year college or university.

LPGA Amateur Golf Association

The LPGA Amateur Golf Association® is a passionate, inclusive group of women made up of over 18,500 members of all golf abilities throughout 130+ global chapters. This vibrant community connects women to learn, play and enjoy golf. We provide organized playing and learning opportunities for adults of all ages and abilities through a variety of local and national events. 

Women on Par Scholarship

About the Scholarship

The “Women on Par” Scholarship Program, provided by the LPGA Foundation, was established in 2007 by the EWGA Foundation (now the LPGA Amateur Golf Association™) to provide financial assistance to “non-traditional” female students. These scholarships are intended for women, aged 30 and older, who are attending a college or university for the first time or returning to school after an absence to complete their technical/vocational, Associate, or Bachelor’s degree. The scholarships are designed to help these women get “on par,” or get an equal footing, with their peers, friends, and other women who have had a chance to complete their college education.

Impact of the Scholarship

Since its inception, the Women on Par Scholarship has empowered more than 40 women to pursue their dream of earning a degree. This program provides more than financial support - it instills confidence, fuels ambition, and inspires recipients to achieve their goals and give back to their communities.

The John G. Blakesley Mathematical Excellence Scholarship is awarded annually to an exceptional eighth-grade student in Elkhart County. This four-year scholarship, totaling $5,000, supports higher education expenses and is funded by local businessman John Blakesley, who aims to empower future generations. Candidates are nominated by their schools and must demonstrate outstanding character, leadership, and a commitment to learning, reflecting the values cherished by Mr. Blakesley.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors from Lackawanna County high schools who plan to continue their education in a college or university program. This $6,000 scholarship, renewable for up to three years (for a total of $24,000), is offered each year for full-time study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university of the student’s choice. 20 students will be selected annually for this award.

The James F. Swift Scholarship Fund has awarded over $5.5 million since 2008, benefitting 360 local students.

Created in 2002 through a gift by Mr. James F. Swift to the Scranton Area Community Foundation, the James F. Swift Scholarship Fund provides support for higher education for students graduating from high schools in Lackawanna County. Following Mr. Swift’s death in 2006, the Scranton Area Community Foundation gratefully received a significant gift from his estate to the scholarship fund, which has allowed a great number of students from Lackawanna County the opportunity to pursue their academic and professional goals through higher education.

The Paul & Barbara Bond College Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Erie City’s Public schools. Eligible students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in any field. In 2023, the foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 deserving students, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the community.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Judy’s altrusim, devotion to the betterment of education and the community, combined with her great love of music are the pillars on which this scholarship is based.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

DeKalb County Dental Society Fund

This Fund provides scholarship support for high school seniors from a DeKalb County high school determined by DeKalb County Dental Society.

Who We Are

Founded in 1996, the Community Foundation of South Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to making South Georgia a better place to live through effective philanthropy. We help individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses establish and manage charitable funds that carry out their philanthropic interests. Serving a geographic area of 35 counties in South Georgia, we facilitate our donors’ charitable plans and goals by creating custom designed funds that meet their specific interests and ensure solid financial management and administration for each fund. 

Mary Smith Gay Scholarship

For a graduating senior from a public high school located in Albany, GA or a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church located in Albany, GA. All applicants must have a minimum high school GPA of 2.50. The award is based on Academics, Leadership Qualities, Extracurricular School Activities, Character, Community Service, Personal Integrity, and Financial Need. Special consideration will be given to members of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. This scholarship is given by the family of Caroline Cobey Goodwin, in loving memory of Ms. Mary Smith Gay.