Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Alabama

DREAMS Grant Program

DREAMS For Duchenne

Launched in 2023, Entrada DREAMS is a competitive annual grant program designed to fund efforts within the Duchenne muscular dystrophy community to better identify, understand and reach those who are currently underrepresented and underserved.

DREAMS and Belonging

Entrada is building a company culture where everyone can belong, contribute and grow. In the same way, we are committed to working toward a healthcare system that is equitable and inclusive. Entrada DREAMS is part of our commitment to support Duchenne-focused non-profit organizations in their efforts to address disparities in healthcare and to better serve all people living with Duchenne.

DREAMS and Impact

DREAMS has funded transformative projects that bridge healthcare disparities and strengthen community connections. Keep reading to learn more about past recipients and their projects.

This year, two nonprofit organizations will each receive a $50,000 USD grant to fund projects that advance equity, accessibility and inclusion for individuals with Duchenne. Entrada will award one grant to a U.S.-based nonprofit and another to a nonprofit in the UK or EU.

Deana’s 7th Inning Stretch Scholarship – Baseball/Softball

The applicant must be a graduating high school senior in one of the following counties: Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Hart, LaRue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, and Washington Counties.

Requirements

An essay on how baseball or softball influenced your life.

The Henry D. and Ruth G. Swartz Family Fund Scholarship, established in 1996, supports high school seniors from North Ottawa County pursuing post-secondary education in engineering, computer science, pre-law, or medicine. Awarded competitively by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, applicants must demonstrate financial need and provide necessary documentation, including transcripts and recommendation letters. This scholarship honors the legacy of local residents Hank and Ruth Swartz, encouraging students to achieve their educational goals.

Exelixis Grants & Giving focuses on impactful charitable contributions, supporting non-profit organizations in community support, healthcare-related initiatives, independent patient assistance, medical education, and sponsorships. Their aim is to enhance oncology care, particularly for renal cell carcinoma and other cancer types, while ensuring proposals are submitted within specified timelines. Exelixis partners with organizations dedicated to improving patient outcomes and community health, demonstrating their commitment to making a difference beyond medicine.

The Career Guidance for Trainees Grant, offered by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, aims to enhance the career development of early career administrators focused on PhD scientists. This grant supports a workshop that equips participants with research evaluation skills to create impactful career-focused interventions. Participants will receive a $15,000 grant to implement their projects, develop networks, and share findings at national meetings, fostering a diverse scientific workforce essential for research innovation and public service.

CHEJ Small Grants Program

The Small Grants Program has officially relaunched. Applications are now open.The Center for Health, Environment & Justice’s (CHEJ) Small Grants Program is for grassroots groups working on environmental health and justice issues related to the presence of “toxics” (toxic chemicals or hazardous substances) in their immediate communities. CHEJ prioritizes community-based organizations aiming to have local, state and regional impact through their own strategies and actions.

This funding opportunity by the FDA aims to enhance education and public awareness regarding the risks associated with skin lightening products, such as hydroquinone. The initiative encourages innovative, community-based strategies that engage stakeholders in promoting health equity. Proposals should focus on outreach activities that strengthen the scientific understanding of these products while addressing public health concerns. This is a vital step in ensuring safer use and informed consumer choices.

The Graduate Education Fund offers the South Australia Defence, Space & Cyber Scholarship for scholars from the USA and South Australia. This scholarship supports PhD and Post-Doctoral research in Defence, Space, and Cyber Security, ensuring candidates have affiliations with educational institutions. Awarded funds, up to US $40,000, can cover tuition, travel, and living expenses. Applications are due in March for USA to Australia and September for Australia to USA, promoting collaboration in research between the two nations.

The Mildred Soefer Scholarship Fund Award offers financial support to Jewish students from Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester Counties who are pursuing higher education or vocational training. Applicants are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship may cover tuition, books, and living expenses. This fund aims to foster educational growth within the community and encourages applicants to apply for multiple awards they may qualify for.

The Thomas Halbert Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers a $1,400 scholarship to undergraduate nursing students enrolled in accredited colleges in Springfield, MO. Applicants must demonstrate financial need through FAFSA and provide a transcript showing a minimum GPA of 3.0. An essay submission is also required. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing community quality of life through education and support.

The Cooperative Agreement aims to enhance the dissemination of clinical practice guidelines, particularly those developed through FDA-supported initiatives. Applicants are encouraged to devise a comprehensive strategy for creating, evaluating, and distributing materials that promote effective dissemination, with a strong emphasis on equity in healthcare access. This initiative seeks to ensure that vital clinical information reaches diverse populations, ultimately improving health outcomes across communities.

The Protect the Farm Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $1,000 award for graduating high school seniors from select schools in Missouri. This scholarship is renewable for up to three years, provided students maintain a 2.5 GPA and pursue a major in agriculture. Applicants must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours at an accredited institution. Required materials include a transcript, personal essay, and recommendation letter.

The Allen Butler Minority Law Enforcement Scholarship Fund, established by the Duluth African American Men’s Group, supports young people of color from Duluth pursuing law enforcement training at post-secondary institutions. This initiative honors Allen Butler, a dedicated Duluth police officer. The scholarship aims to empower eligible applicants who have graduated from local high schools or earned GEDs, demonstrating a commitment to community engagement and academic achievement in Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement.

The AJN/Thelma Schorr Scholarship, offered by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports professional nurses pursuing master's or doctoral degrees. Applicants must have at least two semesters remaining after the award notification and hold a current RN license. The scholarship aims to foster nursing leadership, particularly for those advocating for the profession through various platforms. Established in memory of Thelma Schorr, it recognizes candidates demonstrating leadership qualities in nursing.

The AVID: Priscilla and Ranney Draper Scholars Fund offers scholarships to high school seniors enrolled in the AVID elective, supporting their transition to a four-year college or university. Administered by Scholarship America, this program recognizes students from Orange County, CA, who have demonstrated commitment and financial need. Each applicant completes a single application for multiple scholarships, with awards of up to $5,000 available for undergraduate studies.

Pledge the Pink Foundation is dedicated to providing essential funding for breast cancer services, including free mammograms, medical assistance, and outreach programs. By bypassing bureaucratic barriers, the foundation ensures that those most in need receive critical care. However, grant funds cannot be allocated for event sponsorships or to cover salaries and overhead expenses, ensuring that donations directly impact patient care and support.

About Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of 4- year-old Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who was fighting cancer and wanted to raise money to find cures for all children with cancer. Her spirit and determination inspired others to support her cause, and when she passed away at the age of 8, she had raised $1 million. Since then, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement. Today, ALSF is one of the leading funders of pediatric cancer research in the U.S. and Canada, funding research projects and providing programs to families affected by childhood cancer. ALSF is one of the only childhood cancer research organizations that has been given the NCI peer-reviewed funder designation for rigorous selection of research grants. The mission of ALSF is to change the lives of children with cancer through funding impactful research, raising awareness, supporting families, and empowering everyone to help cure childhood cancer.

Bio-Therapeutic Impact Award

The Bio-Therapeutic Impact Award accelerates the development of clinical trials for promising biologic approaches to treating childhood cancer. These approaches include, but are not limited to, immunotherapy, gene therapy and small molecules. The award, intended for investigators who are initiating clinical trials, totals the maximum of $1.8 million awarded over three years.

The Sophie Kosiorek Scholarship, provided by the Erie Community Foundation, awards $800,000 in scholarships to over 500 deserving students annually. This scholarship specifically supports a four-year member of the Seneca High School girls basketball team, recognizing the positive attitude and strong team ethic exemplified by Sophie. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, ensuring that the scholarship supports both athletic and academic excellence.

The Kowalik Family Christopher Gott Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, aims to support a high school senior from the City of Erie who embodies Christopher Gott's passion for learning and skill development. In 2023, the foundation provided over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 students pursuing further education. This scholarship honors Christopher, a devoted nurse and classical guitarist, who epitomized the spirit of continuous personal growth.

The James V. Gray Memorial Scholarship II, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, supports Erie County graduating seniors pursuing two-year programs with a minimum GPA of 2.5. In 2023, the foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to help over 500 students achieve their educational dreams. This need-based scholarship honors James Vincent Gray, a dedicated teacher and coach, reflecting the foundation's commitment to education and community development.

The James V. Gray Memorial Scholarship, established by the Erie Community Foundation, honors a dedicated educator and coach. This need-based scholarship supports Erie School District graduating seniors who have been accepted into accredited colleges with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In 2023, the Foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to assist more than 500 deserving students in their pursuit of higher education.

The James R. Herdzik Memorial Scholarship Award, administered by the Erie Community Foundation, offers financial assistance to Erie School District graduating seniors who plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university. This need-based scholarship aims to support students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service. In 2023, over $800,000 in scholarships was awarded to help deserving students pursue their educational goals.

The Goodwine Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from public or private high schools in Erie County pursuing a two-year associate degree or certificate. In 2023, the foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 students, ensuring they have the opportunity to further their education and skills. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to qualify for this valuable support.

The Sonny Greenwood Calzaretta Scholarship, offered by the Pride Foundation, supports LGBTQ+ students from rural communities facing isolation and limited access to resources. Established to honor the legacy of Brian M. Day, this scholarship aims to empower students pursuing post-secondary education while addressing systemic barriers. It prioritizes those demonstrating a commitment to justice and who have experienced challenges such as family rejection or economic hardship. The scholarship is part of a broader initiative to uplift diverse voices within the LGBTQ+ community.

The IEN-WMAN Mini-Grant Program provides crucial financial support to Indigenous communities and grassroots organizations impacted by mining in the U.S. and Canada. With over $200,000 distributed annually in $4,000 grants, the program aims to address mining-related environmental and health issues. Priority is given to proposals that demonstrate a direct impact on affected communities, particularly Indigenous-led initiatives, ensuring that financial assistance is directed where it is most needed.

The F26AS00023 FY2026 Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Grant Program offers crucial financial support for marine mammal rescue efforts. This initiative aims to assist eligible participants in the recovery and treatment of stranded marine mammals, provide emergency response to stranding events, and enhance scientific research on marine mammal health. The program prioritizes applications that effectively address species-specific needs and bolster the capacity of stranding networks, ensuring the welfare of marine wildlife under the management of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

We the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians are the most diverse confederation of Tribes and Bands on a single reservation in the United States. Our ancestors spoke 10 completely different languages, each of which had multiple dialects. Our ancestors brought with them deep connections to more than 20 million acres of ancestral territory combined, including all of Western Oregon from the summit of the Cascade mountains to the Pacific and extending into what’s now SW Washington State and northern California. Our ancestors signed many treaties with the United States. We were promised the 1.1 million acres Siletz Reservation as our permanent home, but following massive reservation reductions Congress passed the Western Oregon Termination Act in 1954 (took effect in 1956), and our federally recognized status as a tribe was also taken. In 1977 our lobbying of Congress to repeal our Termination was successful, and we became the second formerly Terminated Tribe to regain federal recognition as a Tribe.

Education

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz seeks to provide opportunities for Tribal members to reach potential, establish independence and improve quality of life through lifelong learning and education.

NWIHA – Youth Scholarship Program

Scholarship applications will be reviewed to meet the following minimum eligibility before any further review of the application will be done.

• Applicant must either have an application pending or a letter of acceptance from a higher education institution such as a four (4) year college or a two (2) year community college prior to the funds being sent to the higher educational institution.
• Applicant must be less than twenty four (24) years old on the deadline submission date.
• Applicant must be an enrolled member from one of the NWIHA member Tribes.
• Payments are made directly to the school, organization, etc. and not to the Applicant or their families.
• All of these items must be postmarked on or before March 31st of each year, or the Application will be automatically rejected.
• Faxed applications will NOT be accepted.
• All Applications become the property of NWIHA. NWIHA reserves the right to publish essays.