Best Alabama Grants for Nonprofits

The J. Bulow Campbell Foundation, established in 1940, focuses on grantmaking in Atlanta and Georgia, prioritizing capital projects in education, youth development, human services, public spaces, and cultural institutions. With a legacy of over $800 million awarded, the Foundation reflects the values of its founder, J. Bulow Campbell, emphasizing careful stewardship and Christian principles. While open to neighboring states, grants are generally restricted to tax-exempt institutions, excluding individuals and certain funding purposes.

The Alabama Power Foundation's Good Roots Grants provide up to $1,000 for tree planting in public spaces across central and south Alabama. This initiative, in partnership with the Alabama Urban Forestry Association, aims to enhance community beauty, improve environmental quality, and promote active involvement. By funding tree planting projects, the foundation seeks to create cooler neighborhoods, reduce energy costs, and foster a sense of community, ensuring Alabama remains vibrant and green.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Alabama support rural communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies that threaten safe drinking water. Eligible applicants include public bodies, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Events such as floods, droughts, or chemical spills qualify for assistance. Grants can cover waterline construction, repairs, and the establishment of treatment facilities, with funding amounts reaching up to $1 million, aiming to restore access to clean water and improve community resilience.

Fellowships recognize your artistic career to date and the potential for continued artistic growth, funding exploration and creative production by Alabama's artists. Competitive applications are thoughtful about how a Fellowship award would further personal artistic growth. 

Excellence in the art form is an essential quality of the work of Fellowship recipients. An emphasis is placed on the most recent five years of work in the field. A portfolio of exemplary work is carefully examined by staff, panelists, and the Grants Review Committee

Design Fellowships: for artists working in fashion, graphic, or industrial design.

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

The NRA Foundation: Alabama Grants supports projects that promote firearms safety and education in shooting sports. The grants are accessible to various organizations, including those not classified as 501(c)(3), as long as they serve a charitable purpose. Ineligible applicants include labor organizations and private businesses. This initiative aims to encourage responsible participation in firearms activities while enhancing community safety and awareness.

The Abelard Foundation, established in 1958, supports progressive social change projects located east of the Mississippi River. With an average grant size of $12,000, they prioritize new initiatives with budgets under $350,000. The foundation emphasizes community organizing, civil rights, and empowering marginalized groups. Eligible applicants must be associated with a nonprofit organization and demonstrate a commitment to local leadership and broader policy connections. The board meets biannually to decide on approximately 15 grants per year, focusing mainly on general support.

The American Honda Foundation provides programmatic support to nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S., empowering impactful initiatives aligned with community needs. Funding opportunities are available through Honda corporate and Honda USA Foundation, focusing on projects that enhance education and community welfare. Eligible organizations must have nonprofit status or be recognized educational institutions. The application process opens each fall, with funding decisions announced the following spring, ensuring alignment with Honda's commitment to social responsibility.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

Nature's Path's Gardens for Good program empowers communities by funding organic gardens that address food insecurity. Since 2010, it has donated $930,000 CAD to support 120 gardens. In 2023, grants of $6,500 each will be awarded to 20 gardens across the U.S. and Canada. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits with urban organic agriculture projects that serve low-income communities, promoting sustainable practices and inclusivity.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible states by increasing the number of university researchers and institutions conducting relevant science and engineering research. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, this program will fund multiyear awards to promote research aligned with national security needs. Applications require a multi-stage submission process, emphasizing early registration and timely proposal submissions.

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Elizabeth Martin-Wilma Scrivner Scholarship Fund

The scholarship is for an upcoming female junior or senior in the USA College of Education, who is a teacher candidate, has a minimum 3.2 GPA, provides evidence of interest/ involvement in educational groups, and demonstrates financial need. Award is only for tuition and fees.

Governor’s Office of Volunteer Services

The Governor’s Office of Volunteer Services works to increase an ethic of service and volunteerism in the State of Alabama, strengthen the capacity of Alabama’s faith and community-based organizations, and promote collaboration among individuals and organizations striving to meet some of the greatest needs in our state.

Alabama AmeriCorps State Notice of Funding Opportunity

Grant Information

The Governor’s Office of Volunteer Services is seeking grant applicants to operate or develop AmeriCorps programs solely within Alabama. The AmeriCorps programs will enroll AmeriCorps volunteers (members) to address community-identified needs in one or more focus areas during their term of service: Disaster Services, Economic Opportunity, Education, Environmental Stewardship, Healthy Futures, or Veterans and Military Families. The Governor’s Office of Volunteer Services (GOVS) is the legal applicant to the federal AmeriCorps agency, and applicants applying under this notice are subgrantees of GOVS. Applicants will initially submit their grant to GOVS via email and successful applicants will enter the final grant application in eGrants for submission (when required) to the AmeriCorps agency. All program proposals will be required to align with and adhere to President Trump’s Executive Orders and directives: Executive Orders – The White House

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Colleen Callahan Professional Development Award

Members are invited to apply for the Professional Development Grant offered by Southeastern Region of the Costume Society of America. Awards will be made at a minimum of $250 with the total award not to exceed $1000. Your project may be on any aspect of costume, any technical skill, or any administrative expertise which will further the mission and purposes of the Costume Society of America. The grant money may be applied to research, a course, workshop fees, or travel.

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Jim Liles Student Award

 The Jim Liles Student Award is intended to assist students who want to make presentations at a CSA Southeastern Region symposium. These presentations may be on any costume-related topic. The work should be well researched and may or may not be thesis, dissertation, course research project, independent study research, or senior project related. Up to TWO students whose papers are accepted will receive up to $1,000 each to cover travel and other related expenses. The Registration fee will be waived for all student presenters, regardless of whether they receive this award.

Oversight Commission on Alabama Opioid Settlement Fund Grant Program

At the recommendation of the Oversight Commission on Alabama Opioid Settlement Funds, the Legislature has appropriated opioid settlement dollars for ADMH to administer prevention, treatment, and recovery grants. The purpose of this grant program is to prevent, reduce, treat, or mitigate the effects of opioid substance use. To date, the Legislature has appropriated three rounds of grants.

The Malone Family Foundation aims to enhance community welfare by improving education and self-esteem among students from pre-kindergarten to higher education. The Foundation prioritizes innovative projects that maximize impact, long-term value, and effective management. It specifically supports 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations in Alabama, with limited consideration for Florida and Georgia, while excluding groups not aligned with its mission, including those lacking operational history or those engaged in political activities.

The Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation Charitable Grant supports qualified charities focused on community betterment and basic human needs. Founded in 2016, it aims to enhance lives through initiatives such as affordable housing, health programs, and the arts. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and serve areas where Frankenmuth Insurance operates. Notably, the foundation excludes support for individuals, political groups, and projects typically financed by governments, ensuring its resources benefit the wider community.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Alabama can seek project funding for visual arts activities such as exhibitions, festivals, performances, classes, and commissioned works. With a mission to enhance artistic life statewide, Alabama State Council on the Arts provides support of US $1,000 - US $10,000 for public-facing arts projects and events.

The NRCS' Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program for FY 2026 aims to combat the environmental and agricultural threats posed by invasive feral swine. With over $3.4 billion in annual damage attributed to these species, the program seeks to mitigate their impact on ecosystems and human health. Funded by the USDA, this initiative targets states with high feral swine populations, emphasizing collaborative efforts with State Technical Committees to implement effective control measures.

The Hancock Whitney Opportunity Grant, in collaboration with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, invites applications from eligible nonprofits starting October 7, 2025. This grant aims to enhance capacity building and sustainability for organizations focused on food insecurity, workforce development, and youth programs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations serving low to moderate-income communities within Hancock Whitney's service areas, fostering impactful changes with AmeriCorps support.

Alabama 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on education, health, safety, or youth services can access funding through Encova Foundation of West Virginia to strengthen families and communities. Eligible U.S.-based organizations with a verifiable tax ID, especially those engaging Encova associates as volunteers or board members, may receive support for programs that transform lives and encourage wellness.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Alabama aims to provide essential funding for clean drinking water systems and sanitary waste management in eligible rural areas. This initiative supports the construction and improvement of water sourcing, sewer systems, and stormwater drainage, ensuring reliable services for households and businesses. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes, promoting access to crucial resources in underserved regions.

Alabama Housing Finance Authority 

AHFA was created in 1980 by Act No. 80-585 of the Alabama Legislature. AHFA is a public corporation and instrumentality of the State of Alabama dedicated to serving the housing needs of low- and moderate-income Alabamians. AHFA creates housing opportunities through the affordable financing of single- and multifamily housing.


Since 1980, AHFA has helped more than 90,000 Alabamians purchase a home and provided funding for more than 65,000 rental housing units — serving as Alabama’s affordable housing resource.

HOME Investment Partnerships Program

The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) is a federally funded program established in 1990 as part of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable housing Act (the “Act”). HOME provides funding to developers to construct new, affordable rental housing. 

AHFA, as Alabama’s HOME program administrator, conducts a competitive application cycle. As it does with housing credits, AHFA implements action plans each year, which include selection criteria, an evaluation process, design quality standards, environmental requirements, and compliance monitoring procedures.

In order to ensure programs benefit the greatest number of Alabamians possible, HOME funds are combined with housing credits. Leveraging these two sources of funds allows projects to target additional low-income families. 

The ASB Research Award (Professional), offered by the Association of Southeastern Biologists, honors outstanding research by professional members (not students) with a $1000 grant. Applicants must be the primary author of a manuscript published after the last ASB annual meeting and must present their findings at the upcoming annual meeting. The awardee is recognized at the Closing Banquet, emphasizing the importance of attendance. This initiative promotes scientific advancement and networking among biology professionals.

The Emerging Traditional Artists Program (ETAP), presented by South Arts Inc., supports early-career traditional artists from Appalachian Regional Commission-designated counties. With a $5,000 award, artists can access training, networking, and mentorship opportunities to enhance their skills and community impact. This initiative aims to preserve traditional arts and culture while fostering a new generation of artists dedicated to their craft and cultural heritage.