Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Alabama

Cultural Sustainability, a collaborative initiative by The Wallace Foundation and U.S. Regional Arts Organizations, aims to support arts organizations rooted in communities of color with annual expenses below $500,000. This program promotes equity and inclusion while studying how these organizations define their well-being. With grants totaling over $1.14 million available, the initiative seeks to empower underrepresented communities and enhance their cultural contributions, ultimately fostering a more inclusive arts landscape.

The NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22) supports postdoctoral fellows and research trainees in the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research, facilitating their transition to independent research roles at extramural institutions. Key deadlines for applications include October 12, 2024, and February 12, 2025, among others, providing ample opportunity for qualified investigators to advance their careers.

The Appalachian Landscapes Project Catalyst Grant supports climate-informed planning for land protection and stewardship in the Appalachian region. With funding up to $20,000 available, the grant aims to enhance community resilience and promote strategic land conservation efforts. Eligible applicants include land trusts, nonprofit organizations, and municipalities. Projects should prioritize broad-scale conservation planning and engage local communities to ensure specific benefits are achieved within a 12-18 month timeframe.

The Alabama Sports Officials Foundation Scholarship is designed to support Alabama sports officials and their families in pursuing higher education. This one-time award assists students enrolled in accredited institutions in Alabama, covering tuition, housing, supplies, and fees. Funded by the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, the scholarship aims to recognize the contributions of sports officials while encouraging applicants to seek additional financial resources.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

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.

Land and Water Conservation Fund

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State Assistance Program was established by the LWCF Act of 1965 to stimulate a nationwide action program to assist in preserving, developing, and assuring to all citizens of the United States of present and future generations such quality and quantity of outdoor recreation resources as may be available and are necessary and desirable for individual active participation. The Program provides matching grants to States and through States to local units of government, for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation sites and facilities.

Matching Percentage: 50/50

An entity may not apply for both Recreational Trails Program (RTP) and LWCF assistance.

The JFNY Grant for Arts & Cultural Exchange supports U.S. non-profit organizations aiming to enhance understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Eligible projects include performances, workshops, and exhibitions, with priority given to those with additional funding and in areas with limited access to cultural events. Applications must be submitted at least one month prior for online projects and three months for others. The grant covers expenses like travel, publicity, and artist fees, and is reimbursed upon project completion.

The Alabama Power Foundation's Gateway Grants aim to enhance economic and cultural vibrancy in local communities. With funding up to $2,500, these grants support projects that promote civic pride, improve community aesthetics, and attract visitors. Eligible applicants include municipalities working on signage, website development, and marketing materials to showcase their unique offerings. This initiative invites new industries and neighbors to discover the rich heritage and beauty of Alabama, fostering growth and connection within its towns.

ADECA Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 

The Community Development Block Grant program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the State of Alabama has administered the program since 1982.

The program is available to all non-entitlement communities (those not receiving direct funds from HUD) that meet applicable thresholds

All projects must meet one of the three national objectives:

• Benefit at least 51% low and moderate income persons
• Aid in the prevention or clearance of slum and blight
• Meet an urgent need

The State is required to write an action plan each year for approval by HUD that shows how the State intends to distribute the funds. Since the beginning, Alabama has distributed the majority of funds through competition among communities.

Community Enhancement Fund

This fund is available to all eligible communities to use for projects that address quality of life issues. Application deadline is announced during the annual workshop in the first quarter of the year.

Grant Ceiling:

• $400,000

Typical activities

• Fire protection
• Senior citizens centers
• Community centers
• Boys & girls clubs
• Recreational facilities, etc.

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

The Asia-Pacific region, home to over half the world's population, faces challenges due to its development goals, which strain natural resources, communities, and cultural heritage. These issues are exacerbated by adverse environmental changes. While research has shed light on these problems, it's clear that more challenges lie ahead. The Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) is well-positioned to generate new knowledge and solutions for these evolving global change and sustainability issues by supporting collaborative research and scientific capacity development activities, particularly those aimed at training the next generation of early career professionals.

APN 2025 Call for Proposals: CAPaBLE Programmes

CAPaBLE, our scientific capacity development programme, aims to enhance the capacity of scientists, policymakers and practitioners to assess global change issues, and explore options to resolve issues towards achieving sustainability. Through CAPaBLE, we support activities that enhance capacity at individual, organizational and systemic levels.

Activities of interest under the CAPaBLE Programme

APN supports CAPaBLE activities that enhance existing capacities of developing countries at three levels of individual-based capacity development; group, organisation, network-based capacity development; and societies, governance, and system level capacity development. APN accepts CAPaBLE proposals that engage 1 or more member/approved countries. Proposals must address one or more of the following activities:

SCIENTIFIC CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES that promote the following approaches related to one or more of the six thematic areas of APN:

• Utilising and strengthening existing capacity, 
• Creating opportunities to use/instil capacity, 
• Developing new capacity through innovative approaches.

AWARENESS-RAISING AND DISSEMINATION activities through policy- and decision-making communities, civil society, and/or the general public.

SCIENCE-POLICY interfacing in the context of the priority topics.

CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP ACTIVITIES that contribute to the capacity development components of the evolving global change arena, including the UNFCCC Paris Agreement, IPCC, IPBES, post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the UN Decade of Ocean Science, and ongoing and new global change and sustainability research programmes.

Activities geared towards using SCIENCE COMMUNICATION to disseminate knowledge generated from projects, particularly to non-science audiences.

The Central AlabamaWorks Scholarship, established by the Central Alabama Community Foundation, aims to support deserving graduates in their pursuit of post-secondary education. Candidates must reside in one of the 13 counties served, hold a high school diploma or GED, and be accepted into an Alabama community college or vocational training program. This initiative, launched in 1987, reflects the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and addressing community needs in the River Region.

The Wellness Across the Lifespan Grant supports the health of communities by providing access to nutritious food and essential nutrition education. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in areas where Sprouts Farmers Market operates. This funding emphasizes health and nutrition education, as well as programs that promote healthy lifestyles and nutrition security, ultimately benefiting adults and vulnerable populations.

The US Department of Health & Human Services, through the NIH, invites applications for innovative approaches to implement SBIRT/P for addressing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in adults facing health disparities. This funding opportunity encourages research that tests screening, brief interventions, and referrals for treatment or prevention services. Applications are due on specified deadlines from February 2024 through March 2027, fostering collaboration with healthcare and community partners to enhance public health outcomes.

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

The Barrett Family Scholarship, managed by the Elmore County Community Foundation, supports graduates of Elmore County high schools who plan to attend Auburn University. Established in memory of the Barrett family, the scholarship prioritizes Wetumpka High School graduates while also considering others. Awards are determined by academic achievement, financial need, and community service. The foundation aims to enhance the quality of life in Elmore County through various charitable initiatives.

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

Alabama State Council on the Arts: Individual Artist Fellowship Program

Cash awards are made to individual artists in the visual arts based on merit of work, career achievement, career potential and service to the state. This component provides awards to recognize artistic excellence as well as professional commitment and maturity and contributes to the further development of the artist and the advancement of his or her professional career. Applicants are encouraged to be as specific as possible about the proposed use of fellowship funds in order to illustrate the seriousness of their professional intent. Fellowships are competitive. Quality of work and professionalism as determined by samples of work and narrative are particularly important. Provide samples of the highest quality work completed within the last five years.

Types of Fellowships

• Visual Arts includes painting, sculpture, printmaking, book arts, and experimental and conceptual approaches.
• Craft includes work made using clay, fiber, glass, leather, metal, paper, plastic, wood, or mixed media.
• Media and the Gay Burke Photography Fellowship includes film, audio and sound installations, video, experimental technology and work created using computers or other digital technology as the primary expressive vehicle.

The amount for a Fellowship award has been increased to $7,500.

Service Objects In-Kind Grants support non-profit organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability. By leveraging their data validation services, they aim to assist projects that promote ecological health and responsible resource management. The program prioritizes applications with clear, measurable objectives and impactful outcomes within one to three years. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. are eligible, while initiatives lacking detailed plans or focusing on generalized education will not qualify. This grant fosters community involvement in environmental stewardship.

The CAEC Lineman Scholarship, established by the Central Alabama Community Foundation, provides financial assistance for individuals pursuing training to become electrical line workers. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid Alabama driver's license, and possess a high school diploma or GED. This scholarship aims to support local workforce development in the electrical utility sector, ensuring participants are well-prepared for their future careers.

The Rosendin Foundation Annual Grant provides financial support to community-focused 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations across various states, aiding initiatives in emotional, occupational, and nutritional health. Grants can reach up to $50,000 and are geared towards organizations that positively impact their communities. However, the foundation does not fund discriminatory practices, political efforts, or religiously affiliated projects, ensuring that support is directed towards inclusive and impactful community services.

The Delta Foundation, established by CFD Research Corporation in 2021, aims to enhance community well-being through collective employee-owner contributions. By funding local non-profit organizations, the Foundation supports vital initiatives in arts, mental health, and basic needs, ensuring that every dollar directly benefits the Huntsville area. The Foundation prioritizes organizations that align with its mission to improve quality of life, fostering impactful change through collaboration and community engagement.

About PCORI

PCORI funds patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER).

Our Mission

PCORI helps people make informed healthcare decisions, and improves healthcare delivery and outcomes, by producing and promoting high-integrity, evidence-based information that comes from research guided by patients, caregivers, and the broader healthcare community.

Broad Pragmatic Studies PCORI Funding

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to issue a Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA), seeking to fund patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. 

Research Initiative Highlights

CER compares at least two available health treatments, services or care delivery strategies. PCORI seeks proposals that compare clinical interventions (e.g., pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, screening and diagnostic approaches) and healthcare delivery system interventions (e.g., workforce, technologies, healthcare service delivery designs) to evaluate potential benefits and harms of different treatment and care delivery options, thus generating evidence that empowers patients, caregivers and the broader healthcare community with information to make informed choices that reflect their needs and preferences.

Special Areas of Emphasis

For Cycle 2 2026, PCORI is particularly interested in submissions that address the following Special Areas of Emphasis (SAE) within the BPS funding opportunity. The purpose of identifying these SAEs is to encourage submissions to these areas, rather than limiting submissions to these topics. Applicants addressing one of the below SAEs should identify the area that is best associated with their research approach:  

• Addressing Obesity
• Diabetes Prevention, Care and Treatment
• Management of Urogynecological and Pelvic Pain
• Pain Management for Individuals Living With Sickle Cell Disease

In PCORI-funded research, patients and other research partners are expected to meaningfully contribute their lived experience or professional expertise to ensure studies are patient-centered, relevant and useful for healthcare decision making. Applicants must address PCORI’s Foundational Expectations for Partnerships in Research — an evidence-based framework supported by tools and resources to guide effective engagement strategies. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to consider the inclusion of a broad range of patient-centered burdens and economic outcomes. 

Broad Pragmatic Studies PFA: Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3 Study Specifications

PCORI will commit up to $120 million in direct costs through this funding opportunity. This funding opportunity contains three categories for funding:

• Category 1: Category 1 will support research projects with direct costs up to and including $5 million.

• Category 2: Category 2 will support research projects with direct costs greater than $5 million and up to a maximum of $12 million. Applications for funding under Category 2 will be required to provide additional information in the Letter of Intent (LOI) and application to justify the size and scope of the proposed research projects and to explain how additional funds are necessary with respect to the scale, scope and complexity of personnel and material resources needed to address the research question.

• Category 3: Category 3 will support research projects with direct costs up to $12 million that utilize PCORnet® to conduct observational studies and/or pragmatic trials that are national in scale. Category 3 PCORnet Studies® must include two or more Clinical Research Networks and share study progress, performance metrics and best practices with the network to promote continuous learning and improvement. PCORnet Studies® will leverage the PCORnet Common Data Model® as appropriate. Additional details about Category 3 can be found on the PCORI website.  

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.

The Great American Cleanup Grants, offered by Keep America Beautiful, aim to enhance community beautification and environmental efforts across the U.S. This initiative encourages KAB affiliates to remove litter, plant greenery, and restore public spaces, contributing to the larger goal of cleaning up 25 billion pieces of litter by 2026. With cash grants available, this program fosters collaboration among communities, promoting sustainable practices and a cleaner, greener future for all.

The AL Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program provides vital technical and financial assistance to local communities facing imminent threats from natural disasters such as floods and fires. It aims to relieve hazards to life and property without requiring a federal or state disaster declaration. The program enables local sponsors to initiate emergency actions to restore watersheds and ensure that projects meet engineering standards while promoting economic and environmental sustainability.