Best Sustainability Grants in Alabama

Local governments, conservation districts, and tribal sponsors in Alabama can obtain funding to address watershed damage and reduce threats to life and property through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Alabama provides technical and financial assistance for debris removal, streambank stabilization, drainage repair, vegetative cover, levee repair, and floodplain easements after natural disasters.

State and local agencies, nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions in eligible Appalachian Alabama counties can seek funding for critical infrastructure and workforce or business development projects. With a mission to strengthen regional economies, Appalachian Regional Commission provides Alabama sustainability efforts with support for water and wastewater systems, transportation, broadband, entrepreneurship, and worker training initiatives.

Public, private, and nonprofit materials recovery facilities in Alabama can access funding for community recycling infrastructure and programs, including curbside, drop-off, contamination reduction, and multifamily recycling. The Recycling Partnership provides these grants as part of its nationwide effort to build robust, accessible recycling systems and more sustainable communities.

Alabama nonprofit arts organizations seeking professional development for staff or board members can receive up to US $1,000 to build skills and organizational capacity. South Arts supports film, visual, performing, traditional, literary, and multidisciplinary arts groups with travel, registration, and consultant expenses, which may help strengthen sustainability-focused cultural programming.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities, academic institutions, and government entities working to expand access to abortion and contraception in Alabama and the Appalachian region can apply for support. Focused on reproductive health and justice, the Educational Foundation of America funds litigation, direct support, abortion funds, communications, and state-level advocacy that may benefit sustainability-focused organizations.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Alabama working on environmental sustainability, community services, or public safety may be eligible for support to run local recycling, education, or neighborhood well-being initiatives. Grants from SA Recycling help Alabama groups, including fire departments and law enforcement partners, with community-based programs that promote recycling, safety, and quality of life near SA Recycling facilities.

The Vulcan Materials Company Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life through education, environmental stewardship, and employee involvement. Established in 1988, the Foundation supports public charities and government units, prioritizing proposals that improve public education and promote sustainable practices. Special consideration is given to initiatives that engage Vulcan employees and integrate multiple focus areas, ensuring a positive impact in the local communities where Vulcan operates.

Focused on education, Donaldson Foundation invites Alabama nonprofit organizations with IRS tax-exempt status to apply for program-focused grants supporting educational opportunities, typically between US $5,000 - US $20,000. Alabama groups working on environmental conservation or sustainability through education, especially in Lee County, may be eligible if they address local community education needs.

Alabama 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on environmental stewardship, education, or community services can seek support for programs, capital projects, or general operations. EBSCO Industries’ Community Impact Grant prioritizes work in select Alabama counties that protects natural resources, improves air and water quality, preserves green spaces, and advances educational initiatives connected to these goals.

Nonprofit organizations in Alabama serving families and children through community health, education, basic needs, recreation, or arts programs can seek funding that advances access, enrichment, and achievement. The Joseph S Bruno Charitable Foundation supports efforts in the Greater Birmingham area, and sustainability-focused initiatives that improve health, learning environments, or community spaces may be eligible.

Alabama State Council on the Arts: Operating Support Grants

Operating Support grants are awarded to organizations that demonstrate a consistent track record of high artistic achievement, public service, and managerial competency. Eligible organizations are expected to also have a well-developed and sustainable educational outreach program. Grant funds are discretionary and may be used in the day- to- day institutional activities of the organization in order to encourage originality and maintain a high level of artistic excellence in production.

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.

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.

Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program

The Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) for State Prisoners Program assists states, local, and tribal governments in the development and implementation of substance abuse treatment programs in state, local, and tribal correctional and detention facilities.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) Law Enforcement and Traffic Safety Division (LETS) is the agency designated to administer the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program as authorized by statute 34 U.S.C. § 104222.

The purpose of the RSAT Program is to increase access to treatment for individuals with substance use or co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders during detention or incarceration and to improve the continuity of care during and after reentry by delivering community-based treatment and other after-care services.

Project Focus Areas

The LETS Division is accepting applications for existing or new projects for the following priority areas: 1) Jail-based pretrial substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs; 2) Jail-based residential SUD treatment programs.

We are seeking established programs currently providing these services that have a proven track record; existing evidence-based programs that could expand to include these services; or new programs implemented by organizations that have the proper training and resources to effectively sustain such a program beyond limited-term grant funding.

Jail-based Pretrial Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Program

The LETS Division is accepting applications for existing or new projects that initiate or continue evidence-based SUD treatment programs, including medication-assisted treatment, in pretrial populations during their confinement and/or foster connections to SUD treatment in the community upon pretrial release. Programs supporting pre-trial populations do not need to meet criteria for jail-based residential SUD treatment programs.

Local and tribal governments in Alabama operating or planning jail-based residential substance use disorder treatment programs can apply for Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs funding; awards up to US $70,694 for program delivery and aftercare. Sustainability-focused agencies improving community health and justice outcomes may be eligible under this opportunity.

Eligible 501(c)(3)s, government, educational, and religious organizations in Alabama’s Atmore 36502 area can apply for Community Foundation of South Alabama’s Atmore Community Foundation Grant, awarding up to US $3,000 for programmatic or capacity-building work. Funding may support environmental conservation, beautification, or other efforts improving local quality of life.

Organizations working on coastal conservation and sustainability in Alabama’s Mobile and Baldwin counties can apply for grants of US $20,000 - US $50,000 to protect and manage natural, cultural, and historical coastal resources. Grants from Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources help fund projects that enhance resilience, preparedness, and long-term ecological and economic productivity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, state or municipal agencies, and public schools in Alabama’s Madison County can seek funding for STEM education, workforce readiness, and community programs. With a mission to expand opportunity and inclusion, Toyota supports long-term, sustainable initiatives, including those serving under-resourced communities and environmental or sustainability-related efforts.

Nonprofits, government entities, schools, and religious organizations in Alabama’s Tri-City communities can seek grants up to US $25,100 to strengthen programs and capacity in arts, mental health, education, workforce, leadership, and economic opportunity. Community Foundation of South Alabama funding may benefit sustainability-focused projects that enhance local quality of life and community resiliency.

Organizations providing workforce training and education programs in eligible Alabama Black Belt counties can apply for grants of US $50,000 - US $300,000 to build local talent pipelines and boost regional economic competitiveness. Grants from Delta Regional Authority help expand recruitment, training, and retention efforts that support long-term community and economic development in the Delta region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, religious institutions, and government agencies in Greater Huntsville can seek Compass Society grants up to US $50,000 for collaborative, visionary quality-of-life projects. Grants from Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville help Alabama environmental conservation and other community-focused groups fund new or expanded programs and related staffing across multiple impact areas.

Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program - Cancer Digital Regionalization Initiative

Funding is intended to support the implementation of Cancer Digital Regionalization Initiative projects that advance the stated program goals. Depending on the proposed project, funding may support expansion of cancer detection capabilities, establishment and operation of regional screening hubs, deployment of mobile screening units, and community outreach and education to increase awareness and participation in cancer screening. These efforts are intended to strengthen local healthcare delivery systems and improve  the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of cancer screening for rural populations.

All funding under this opportunity is expected to be distributed through a competitive subaward process. Selected applicants will be treated as subrecipients and will be required to comply with all applicable federal, state, and programmatic requirements associated with the award. 

ADECA anticipates making approximately $8,100,000 available under this NOFO, consistent with the CMS-approved Cancer Digital Regionalization Initiative budget. ADECA intends to make awards under the strategy categories described in Section I. The number, size, and distribution of awards within each strategy category will depend on application quality, applicant readiness, geographic distribution, and other factors identified in this NOFO. 

The Foothills Community Partnership Fund aims to create sustainable solutions for human care issues in Calhoun County, Alabama. Focused on education, community development, and wellness, the fund supports 501(c)(3) public charities. Grant awards under $3,000 are fully disbursed upon agreement, while larger grants are split into two payments, contingent on reporting. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria including a minimum operating history and financial documentation, promoting accountability and effective use of funds.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible government agencies in Northeast Alabama can request support for charitable projects or initiatives through the Longleaf Fund, an unrestricted fund of the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama. Focused on community needs, it can back environmental conservation and sustainability efforts within its nine-county service region in Alabama.

Nonprofit organizations in Alabama working in arts and culture, education and leadership, environmental sustainability, financial literacy, or health and human services can apply for First Horizon Foundation’s grants. Eligible groups must serve the Birmingham, Huntsville, or Mobile areas, and sustainability-focused programs within these counties may be especially relevant.

Alabama public and private nonprofit organizations can receive up to US $2,500 to deliver environmental education projects that build environmentally responsible citizens. Legacy funds initiatives with clear goals, strong work plans, and sustainable impact, prioritizing feasibility, diverse audiences, cost-effective budgets, and measurable outcomes that advance environmental conservation and stewardship in Alabama.

Alabama sustainability-focused nonprofits addressing food insecurity, workforce development, youth programs, or AmeriCorps-supported initiatives can access funding through the Greater New Orleans Foundation via the Hancock Whitney Opportunity Grant. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must serve underserved or low- to moderate-income communities within Hancock Whitney’s Alabama service areas, with awards up to US $25,000 supporting capacity building and organizational sustainability.

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.