Best Volunteer Grants in Alabama

Nonprofits and community organizations running AmeriCorps programs in Alabama can receive funding to engage volunteers in addressing local needs. Alabama Governor's Office of Volunteer Services provides support for projects in disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans and military families, helping strengthen volunteerism and community service across the state.

Individuals in Alabama pursuing an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or approved workforce training can receive a one-time scholarship for higher education expenses. Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama provides support for tuition, housing, books, supplies, and fees at any accredited U.S. institution, which may benefit those engaged in volunteerism and philanthropy programs.

Alabama 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing youth development, hunger and nutrition, basic needs, social services, or military and veterans’ support can access funding through the Sundt Foundation. Organizations with at least one year of operations, a $100,000+ budget, and a clear program need may receive US $2,500 - US $25,000, including those engaging volunteers.

Excellence in Medicine Awards

The AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards honor physicians and medical advocates who exemplify the highest values of the profession—volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, and service to underserved populations. Each recipient is recognized at a ceremony during the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago and receives a $2,500 grant honorarium directed to a nonprofit health organization of their choice. Since 2005, more than 100 honorees have been celebrated through this program, with over $250,000 awarded to strengthen community health and advance equitable care nationwide. 

Excellence in Medicine Awards- Dr. Jacqueline A. Bello Friend of the AMA Foundation Award

Honors volunteers, AMA staff and donors for their active engagement and unwavering support of the AMA Foundation. Recipients are those who inspire hopefulness and encourage others to join them in giving their time and personal resources to further advance the Foundation’s mission.

Nonprofit women leaders running volunteer-driven community programs in Alabama can receive US $25,000 to support their causes, plus mentorship and national exposure. With a mission to honor women who uplift their communities through service, L'Oreal Paris provides recognition for work in education, child welfare, community development, and women and girl services.

Alabama students who are children of full-time first responders, nurses, law enforcement, corrections officers, or military personnel may receive scholarship support for accredited college education. Alabama volunteers from these families can access funding through NRA Foundation’s Frontline Heroes Scholarship, offering up to US $10,000 for tuition, fees, books, room and board, or research materials.

Graduating high school seniors planning further education and with strong academics and community service can receive US $1,400 - US $1,600 scholarships, including students from Alabama interested in volunteerism. With a mission to encourage achievement and service, Community Foundation for Southwest Washington offers six annual awards for study at accredited colleges, universities, or career and technical schools.

Nonprofit organizations collaborating on initiatives that build trust in communities can apply for the Trust in Practice Awards, which fund volunteerism and civic engagement work in Alabama and nationwide. With a mission to strengthen social trust, Aspen Institute provides a national network, storytelling support, and participation in the annual Trust in Practice Summit. Awards range from US $100,000 - US $1,000,000.

Nonprofits in Alabama and across the U.S. supported by a U.S.-based financial advisor’s long-term volunteer leadership may be eligible for grants through the Invest in Others Lifetime Achievement Award. Grants from Invest in Others help volunteerism and philanthropy initiatives, providing up to US $100,000 to the advisor’s designated charity when selected for this national recognition.

Nonprofits partnered with U.S.-based financial advisors can receive up to US $60,000 to support volunteer-driven community programs through the Volunteer of the Year Award. Invest in Others funds the advisor’s designated charity, so Alabama organizations with long-term, hands-on advisor volunteers may be strong candidates for this national volunteerism and philanthropy recognition.

Alabama nonprofits partnered with a U.S.-based financial advisor can access volunteerism and philanthropy funding through Invest in Others’ Emerging Impact Award, which grants up to US $60,000 to the advisor’s designated charity. Eligible advisors must be active U.S. financial professionals, age 45 or younger, with at least three years of sustained volunteer leadership with the nonprofit.

Nonprofits partnered with a U.S.-based financial advisor who has led community service for at least three years may be eligible for Invest in Others Community Service Award grants supporting volunteerism and philanthropy. With a mission to celebrate financial professionals’ charitable work, Invest in Others provides up to US $60,000 to the advisor’s designated charity, including organizations serving Alabama communities.

Grants supporting U.S. nonprofits partnered with financial advisors who lead sustained volunteer-driven change can reach up to US $60,000 for their designated charities. Grants from Invest in Others help Alabama volunteerism and philanthropy initiatives when a qualifying advisor has at least three years of active leadership with the nonprofit and in financial advisory work.

Pediatric surgeons providing long-term humanitarian surgical care to underserved children, including those serving Alabama, can be nominated for the Donald E. Meier Surgical Humanitarian Award supporting children’s health and surgery. This American Pediatric Surgical Association recognition honors careers centered on volunteerism, philanthropy, and charitable surgical service, and may benefit those leading or serving in volunteer-focused programs.

Alabama organizations supporting high school volunteerism and youth leadership may be eligible to connect local students with the Big Bald Dave Adventure Scholarship’s outdoor service experience. Big Sky high school students in grades 9–11 who are at least 15 and demonstrate leadership, volunteerism, and a passion for the outdoors can receive a summer adventure coordinated by Adventures Cross Country.

Graduating high school seniors committed to community service and volunteerism, residing in the Elizabethtown Area School District, can receive up to US $500 toward college or trade school costs. The Foundation for Enhancing Communities supports students of strong moral character and financial need, which may interest Alabama organizations guiding youth volunteer leaders.

Alabama volunteer-focused organizations may find this relevant if they support Pennsylvania high school seniors pursuing higher education or technical training. The Big 33 Academic Scholarship Fund, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, offers up to US $2,000 one-time awards to eligible Pennsylvania seniors demonstrating academic achievement, community service, leadership, financial need, or special talents.

Graduating high school seniors with financial need who are active community volunteers and residents of Middle Paxton Township or Dauphin Borough can receive up to US $1,000 for postsecondary education. The Foundation for Enhancing Communities’ Lynn E. Poffenberger Memorial Scholarship Fund offers a one-time award that may interest Alabama organizations supporting youth volunteerism and philanthropy.

High school seniors with volunteer experience seeking help paying for higher education can receive scholarship support for college or trade school, including students connected to Alabama volunteerism efforts. Alabama volunteer-focused organizations may share this opportunity with eligible students. The Foundation for Enhancing Communities offers up to US $2,500 as a one-time award for graduating seniors meeting its criteria.

The PennHOSA Foundation Scholarship promotes healthcare careers by providing scholarships to HOSA student members in Pennsylvania. It aims to enhance compassionate care delivery and community needs. Additionally, the Helen Heidelbaugh Aspire Award is given to one student focusing on community service. Eligible applicants must be HOSA members and enrolled in accredited healthcare programs, demonstrating financial need. This scholarship is a one-time award, reinforcing the commitment to future healthcare professionals.

The Huether/Gillan Scholarship, established by the Niskayuna Community Foundation, supports community-minded students from Niskayuna or its school district. This need-based scholarship aims to assist those pursuing higher education while emphasizing academic achievement and community service. Mr. Huether initiated this scholarship in honor of his parents, promoting values of dignity, diversity, impact, inclusion, innovation, and integrity. Interested applicants should contact Mr. Vince Bianchi for further details.

The Capital Region Chamber Chuck Steiner Memorial Scholarship supports high school seniors from Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, or Schenectady counties who demonstrate diverse interests and local community service. This scholarship has no academic requirements, making it accessible to a wide range of students. The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region has been empowering local communities since 1968, providing meaningful giving opportunities to enhance the quality of life for all.

The Michael Gregory Boyd Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports high school seniors from Troy-area schools who aim to pursue higher education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to community service and belong to the African American or African descent groups. This scholarship opens doors for students seeking 2- or 4-year college programs or technical training, fostering educational growth and community involvement.

The Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach, established by the American Chemical Society, recognizes outstanding volunteer achievements in public outreach that enhance public appreciation for chemistry. Awardees, selected based on their advocacy, creativity, and impact, receive a crystal award and a $2,000 prize. Nominees must be ACS members whose volunteer efforts have significantly increased public awareness of chemistry's importance. This annual award highlights activities that engage diverse audiences, promoting the significance of chemical sciences in everyday life.

The Gage County Agricultural Society Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, awards four $500 scholarships to graduating seniors from Beatrice High School. Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and have participated in Gage County Agriculture Society events. The foundation, established in 1987, supports educational opportunities and does not consider economic need in its selection process. Applications are available through local resources and online.

The Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation Grant supports a range of subjects including education, children's welfare, medical care, medical research, and Jewish philanthropic endeavors. Established in honor of Cindy Silvian, the foundation has awarded over $30 million since 2008. Applications are by invitation only, and organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria to be considered for funding. This year, the foundation allocated over $2.4 million to more than 110 organizations, highlighting its commitment to impactful philanthropy.

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