Best Public Infrastructure Grants in Alabama

Alabama local governments, conservation districts, and tribal sponsors can receive support to repair public watershed infrastructure and reduce flooding and erosion risks. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service provides technical and financial assistance for debris removal, streambank stabilization, drainage repairs, levee and structure repair, vegetative cover, and floodplain easements on damaged lands following natural disasters.

Communities and counties in Alabama can apply for competitive funding to improve public infrastructure and housing, with awards ranging from US $400,000 - US $500,000. Focused on community development, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs invites eligible non-entitlement jurisdictions to propose projects like water and sewer upgrades, housing rehab, and neighborhood or downtown revitalization.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Alabama with $100,000+ budgets can seek funding for workforce preparation, youth development, and community accessibility projects. RBC Foundation USA provides Alabama public-serving groups with support for job readiness, skills training, inclusive prosperity, and net-zero transition efforts in communities where RBC Wealth Management has an active presence.

Very small, financially distressed rural communities in Alabama can use this program to fund predevelopment planning for water and waste disposal infrastructure projects. Focused on rural public infrastructure, USDA Rural Development invites eligible local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes to seek support for feasibility studies, preliminary design, engineering analysis, and technical assistance for future construction.

Researchers conducting quasi-experimental evaluations of social programs and policies in the U.S., including work on public infrastructure, may be eligible for funding to study causal impacts. Grants from Arnold Ventures help Alabama and other U.S. public infrastructure, education, workforce, reproductive health, and public finance researchers build rigorous evidence to inform policy and improve outcomes.

Industrial and energy-focused organizations in Alabama developing thermal or electric storage concepts for industrial facilities can access funding through the U.S. Department of Energy. The Industrial Energy Storage Systems Prize offers up to US $700,000 across three competitive phases to design, prototype, and validate cost-effective industrial energy storage solutions that improve efficiency and support public energy infrastructure.

Federally recognized Indian Tribes in Alabama can seek funding to plan, design, engineer, and construct safer public bridges through the TTP Bridge Program. Focused on public infrastructure, the Federal Highway Administration supports improvements to BIA/Tribally owned and other eligible bridges in poor condition, including rehabilitation, seismic retrofits, and safety countermeasures.

Alabama public entities planning major surface transportation or public infrastructure projects can access funding through the US Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. State and local governments, counties, Tribal governments, transit agencies, and port authorities in the U.S. territories and states may receive up to US $25,000,000 for impactful, multi-modal projects.

Bradley-Turner Foundation provides Alabama public infrastructure and community organizations, especially in the Chattahoochee Valley, with approximately US $50,000 for capital projects, scholarships, community initiatives, and arts and culture institutions. 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Russell County and nearby eligible counties may benefit, particularly those addressing chronic local needs or undertaking strategic capital campaigns.

Nonprofits, government entities, and tribal organizations working on community traffic safety and public infrastructure in Alabama can seek US $50,000 - US $200,000 to implement innovative, evidence-based road safety projects. The National Safety Council’s Road to Zero Coalition program supports Safe System approaches that reduce traffic fatalities and address disparities in mobility safety and access across the U.S.

Community partnerships led by a 501(c)(3) working on public infrastructure and water-related projects in Alabama can apply for US $45,000 - US $120,000 to support jobs, workforce development, and inclusive implementation of publicly funded infrastructure. Grants from Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities back human infrastructure, collaboration, and community engagement around IRA, BIL, and other water infrastructure investments.

Local governments and community-based nonprofits in small to mid-sized U.S. cities, including Alabama, can seek up to US $25,000 to plan and deliver temporary street safety pilot projects that address dangerous, divisive roads. Smart Growth America’s Community Connectors program offers a yearlong cohort with training, support, and an in-person convening for selected teams.

State and local agencies, nonprofit organizations, tribes, and higher education institutions in eligible Appalachian counties of Alabama can seek funding for critical public infrastructure and workforce or business development projects. With a mission to strengthen Appalachian communities, Appalachian Regional Commission provides Alabama public infrastructure initiatives with support for water, wastewater, transportation, broadband, and related economic development systems.

Public infrastructure and transportation policy organizations in Alabama can seek funding for U.S.-focused transportation research, data, and policy reform projects. With a mission to improve lives through evidence-based solutions, Arnold Ventures provides up to US $200,000 for work on surface transportation, access and mobility outcomes, cost and delivery challenges, and related public transit and infrastructure issues.

State and local transportation agencies in Alabama seeking to deploy advanced transportation technologies can apply for competitive ATTAIN grants, with awards up to US $12,000,000, to improve safety, mobility, and system performance. DOT Federal Highway Administration supports projects enhancing public infrastructure, congestion management, intermodal connectivity, and infrastructure return on investment across the U.S.

Public agencies and partners developing or expanding marine highway transportation infrastructure, including projects benefiting Alabama, can apply for U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) funding. With a mission to reduce landside congestion, MARAD provides up to US $12,000,000 for projects that offer alternatives to road transport and promote shipper use of designated Marine Highway Routes.

The Fiscal Year 2026 National Dam Safety Program focuses on rehabilitating high hazard potential dams that do not meet state safety standards. Funded by FEMA, this initiative aims to protect lives and property by providing federal funds to eligible states, which then pass these funds to non-Federal governmental or nonprofit organizations. Rehabilitation involves repairing, replacing, reconstructing, or removing dams to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

The Wiregrass Foundation Grant aims to enhance the health, education, and quality of life for residents in Houston, Henry, Dale, and Geneva counties, Alabama. Eligible organizations must have been in operation for at least two years and focus on areas such as health, education, and community well-being. The foundation does not fund churches, political organizations, or individual scholarships, ensuring that resources are directed to impactful community-driven projects.

Adam R Scripps Foundation

Adam Scripps lived a life of humble generosity, helping to improve the lives of others without seeking recognition or fanfare for himself. The family-run Adam R. Scripps Foundation, established posthumously in 2023, allocates millions annually to his cherished causes like animal welfare and community development, with grants overseen by his relatives to honor his legacy.

Honoring Adam’s legacy, we make grants to collaborate, provide support and build resources that create opportunities and transformative pathways. For generations to come, we will improve lives and transform communities because we are a leader in family philanthropy. We value helping communities create lasting change. We do this through compassion, love of neighbor, humility, and generosity.

Community Development Grant

Raised in rural Texas, Adam saw firsthand the challenges small towns face related to demographic changes, workforce development, capital access, infrastructure, health, land use and environment and community preservation. As he got older, he often felt compelled to help - even in small ways - when he saw a neighbor struggling. Inspired by his generosity and leaning into innovation, we built a Community Grant & Loan Program to be the catalyst for investable initiatives while working to leverage additional public and private capital.

We are getting further, faster thanks to partnering with leaders in the Program Related Investment (PRI) arena. PRIs are powerful and versatile tools in the philanthropic toolkit, making capital available to any kind of organization advancing any charitable purpose via various financial structures. Financial returns can be repurposed for new charitable objectives, multiplying the impact. The focus through this program revolves around the types of communities Adam called home with a focus on specific economic barriers.

This grant is focused on semi-permanent or permanent community assets including infrastructure, public works, green space, revitalization, and other real assets essential for businesses to thrive in a community. Generally, these funds will not be used exclusively for beautification.

Alabama public infrastructure and community-focused 501(c)(3) charities or government entities can seek support for projects that strengthen local facilities, services, and community wellbeing. SC Johnson Giving backs initiatives that advance healthier lives, environmental sustainability, and economic and social mobility, including programs that improve public infrastructure in communities where the company has operations across the U.S.

Adam R Scripps Foundation

Adam Scripps lived a life of humble generosity, helping to improve the lives of others without seeking recognition or fanfare for himself. The family-run Adam R. Scripps Foundation, established posthumously in 2023, allocates millions annually to his cherished causes like animal welfare and community development, with grants overseen by his relatives to honor his legacy.

Honoring Adam’s legacy, we make grants to collaborate, provide support and build resources that create opportunities and transformative pathways. For generations to come, we will improve lives and transform communities because we are a leader in family philanthropy. We value helping communities create lasting change. We do this through compassion, love of neighbor, humility, and generosity.

Local Community Grant

A genuine love of neighbor inspired Adam to help others, and his example inspires us to sustain his support of local communities.  

Driven by Adam’s sense of civic responsibility, the foundation is focused on initiatives to support both community infrastructure and the citizens for whom that infrastructure is designed, including:

• Parks and greenspaces
• Recreation facilities
• Visual and performing arts
• Community service organizations
• Historic building preservation
• Festival sponsorship
• Veterans’ organizations

The OpenAI A People-First AI Fund supports U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on AI literacy, community innovation, and economic opportunity. It aims to enhance public understanding of AI, promote participatory design in AI applications by communities, and expand access to meaningful work through inclusive practices. Organizations at all stages of AI adoption are encouraged to apply, especially those addressing the needs of traditionally marginalized populations. This initiative emphasizes equitable distribution of AI benefits.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.

The Creation & Development Fund, administered by the National Performance Network, supports the creation and mobility of artistic works that promote racial and cultural justice. It fosters collaboration between artists and communities through financial support, enabling artists to develop meaningful relationships and present their work. The fund emphasizes equity, access, and the importance of public engagement, ensuring that diverse voices are represented while addressing systemic injustices in the arts.

The Sparklight/Cable One Charitable Giving Fund supports local nonprofits and organizations focused on education, food insecurity, and community development. They prioritize impactful partnerships that strengthen communities. The fund welcomes various funding requests, including special projects and capital campaigns, while adhering to specific eligibility requirements such as tax-exempt status. However, they do not fund basic operating expenses, loans, or religious organizations for general support, ensuring that their contributions foster meaningful community growth.

The Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Corridor Community Grants, provided by Keep America Beautiful, aim to empower communities to revitalize and beautify MLK corridors across the U.S. These grants support various projects, including murals, community gardens, and cleanup efforts, contributing to the initiative's goal of beautifying 25,000 communities by 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations, with a focus on sustainable impacts and local engagement.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation Grant supports public charities with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on capital projects that enhance community life in states where Ash Grove operates. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, education, and human services, the Foundation prioritizes funding for renovation and construction projects. Grants typically reach up to $25,000, aiming to foster better living standards and support local initiatives that are vital for community growth and resilience.