Best Alabama Grants for Nonprofits

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

The SESAPS Francis Slack Award, established by the Southeastern Section of the American Physical Society, honors individuals who have selflessly contributed to advancing physics in the Southeast. It recognizes efforts in enhancing research facilities, strengthening academic departments, and fostering regional physics organizations. Nominations remain active for three years, with a focus on encouraging women and minority candidates. This prestigious award commemorates the legacy of Francis G. Slack, a pivotal figure in the development of the Southeastern Section.

Administrative Project grants provide support for these two categories of activity:

• Salary Support- Funding up to three new or existing positions, for part-time, full-time, or temporary employment.
• Professional Development or Capacity Building Projects - Providing non-degree education like conference registration and attendance, consultants and coaches for staff growth, or facilitated board retreats. Or for organizational growth efforts such as website development, archival projects, strategic planning, or similar activities that result in increased efficiency, effectiveness, or strengthened operations.

Alabama arts nonprofits seeking to build, renovate, restore, or enhance arts facilities can apply for the Creative Places Arts Facilities Enhancement Grants, with awards up to US $50,000 for equipment purchases and upgrades. Funding from the Alabama State Council on the Arts supports improvements like lighting, sound, seating, and other presentation or preservation needs.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.

Alabama arts organizations planning to build, renovate, restore, or enhance arts facilities in Alabama can access funding through the Alabama State Council on the Arts. Construction grants provide up to US $100,000 for new facilities, substantial renovations, or significant repairs and modifications, with a required applicant match equal to or greater than the amount requested.

Alabama 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing youth development, hunger and nutrition, basic needs, or military and veterans services can access funding through the Sundt Foundation, with awards of US $2,500 - US $25,000 for specific programs. Eligible organizations must have a local presence, at least one year of operations, and annual revenues of $100,000 or more.

The South Arts Southern Prize provides a unique opportunity for individual artists in the Southern region of the U.S. to showcase their scriptwriting talents. With a total of $35,000 in grants available, including a $25,000 Southern Prize and a $10,000 runner-up prize, this program supports artistic excellence and offers a two-week residency at The Hambidge Center. Eligible applicants must be legal residents of the Southern states and adhere to specific requirements. The program celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the American South.

Investing in Our Communities

Regions Bank and Regions Foundation are committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial success.

We work alongside nonprofit organizations, local businesses, government and service agencies to address social and economic issues, assist in building inclusive economic prosperity and help more members of our communities benefit from the rewards of a growing economy.

We make strategic and disciplined community investments in programs that seek to achieve three target outcomes:

Economic and Community Development

• Affordable housing
• Job creation
• Small business development
• Homebuyer education and retention
• Neighborhood revitalization and stabilization

Education and Workforce Readiness

• Student competency and skill building
• College and career readiness
• Educational access and success
• Credential building and employment
• Educator training and resources

Financial Wellness

• Financial education to youth, adults, and vulnerable populations
• Financial planning tools and resources, including Regions Next Step®
• Integrated asset-building

The Truist Foundation Grants aim to empower communities by providing resources for economic mobility and supporting small businesses, particularly those owned by racially and ethnically diverse individuals. The foundation focuses on enhancing job navigation for disadvantaged workers and building sustainable business ecosystems through collaboration and innovation. By addressing barriers to growth and promoting access to capital and education, the Truist Foundation strives to create equitable opportunities for all.

The South Arts State Fellowship offers a $5,000 grant to artists reflecting the rich visual arts culture of the Southern U.S. It aims to support individual artists or collaborative teams creating original works. Each state will select one awardee based on artistic excellence. Applicants must be legal U.S. residents and provide proof of residency. The application deadline is December 10, 2025, and awardees must attend an awards ceremony in summer 2026.

The Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle, by Southern Partners Fund, aims to empower rural communities in the Southeastern U.S. through grassroots leadership and organizing. The fund provides support to nonprofit organizations focused on social, economic, and environmental justice. Eligible applicants are community-based organizations with budgets under $350,000. The initiative honors Hubert E. Sapp's legacy, promoting equitable relationships that drive real transformation and community decision-making.

The Southern Partners Fund's Discretionary Fund Grant aims to support grassroots community organizing for social, economic, and environmental justice in the Southeastern United States. It provides financial resources and technical assistance to rural organizations and leaders focused on transformative change. Eligible applicants include self-governed rural groups engaging in advocacy and community development. The fund prioritizes education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement, allowing up to two requests per year, with a maximum award of $3,500.

Alabama State Council on the Arts: Folk Arts Apprenticeships

Folk Arts Apprenticeships preserve and pass on Alabama’s living cultural heritage by funding teachers and students as traditional artistic skills and techniques are taught to new practitioners.

Examples of art forms that have been taught in this program include Sacred Harp singing, fiddling, pottery, oak basketry, and artistic traditions of more recent additions to the culture of Alabama, including Vietnamese Lion dance, piñata crafting, and Yoruba drumming.

Samples of work of both the master artist and apprentices are critical to the evaluation of applications. Only one individual, either the master artist or an apprentice, may submit the application and receive grant funds.

The range of the request amount for Folk Art Apprenticeship requests has been increased to $2,000-$4,000.

Alabama individual visual, media, and craft artists can access funding through the Alabama State Council on the Arts to advance their professional careers. This competitive fellowship program offers up to US $7,500 based on artistic merit, career achievement, and potential, supporting specific projects that demonstrate professional commitment and maturity.

Arts and cultural nonprofits in Alabama can receive up to US $10,000 in operating support to sustain high-quality artistic programming and educational outreach. Grants from Alabama State Council on the Arts help organizations cover day-to-day institutional activities while maintaining artistic excellence and strong public service for their communities.

Alabama medical students seeking support for health-related research can access funding through the Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, which awards US $7,000 for 2–12 month projects. Eligible first- and second-year students at schools with active Alpha Omega Alpha chapters can pursue clinical, basic science, epidemiology, health services, leadership, or professionalism research.

The Ron Goellner Conservation Fund Award, administered by the Cryptobranchid Interest Group, offers grants up to $2,000 for projects focused on the conservation of giant salamanders. This initiative supports innovative research, field conservation, and educational initiatives that aim to protect these species and their habitats. Open to all applicants, the fund prioritizes projects that demonstrate broad conservation impact and partnerships. Applications are automatically considered for two separate grants of up to $1,000 each.

The Alabama Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Funds are aimed at enhancing the quality of life for nursing facility residents through innovative projects. Administered by the Alabama Department of Public Health, these funds support initiatives that go beyond normal operations, ensuring compliance with CMS regulations. Eligible organizations include consumer advocacy groups, family councils, and academic institutions. The CMP funds can be used for resident support, relocation expenses, and quality improvement projects, making a significant impact on care standards.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:

• Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
• Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

What kind of funding is available?

• Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually.
  • Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.

• Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization.
  • Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

What are the loan terms?

• Maximum term is 20 years.
• Two-year payment deferral.
• Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?

• Up to $50,000.
• Fixed interest rate.
• Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used?

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:

• Working capital.
• Debt refinancing.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Improving real estate.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Safety First Grant Program aims to enhance community safety across its 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, it supports organizations that provide safety services or promote safe behavior. This program reflects Norfolk Southern's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, empowering employees to engage locally. By investing in safety and workforce development, Norfolk Southern fosters thriving communities, demonstrating its dedication to social responsibility and community well-being.

The FCIDD McNulty Scientist Award, offered by the Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, provides $75,000 annually for three years to support interdisciplinary research on neurodevelopmental disorders. This award aims to enhance understanding of conditions like autism and intellectual disabilities, encouraging collaborations across at least two university departments. Since its inception in 2004, the Foundation has contributed over $3 million in grants and aims to improve the lives of individuals affected by developmental disabilities.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience across a 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, the program aims to foster economic development and ensure equal access to basic necessities. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt nonprofits, government entities, and public schools, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in their community-focused efforts.

The Emerging Scholars Award, offered by the Civitan International Research Center, provides crucial funding for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows engaged in neurodevelopmental research. This initiative aims to enhance understanding of brain development and related disorders. Proposals are invited from UAB campus for innovative research projects that explore normal and abnormal brain development, cognition, and the impact of environmental toxins. This program is supported by generous donations and matching funds from various organizations.

The Norfolk Southern Trades on Track SkillPointe Scholarship offers $5,000 scholarships for students pursuing trades education related to the rail industry. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution and focused on railway-related trades. With over 1,000 scholarships funded and a mission to close the skills gap, this initiative empowers individuals towards high-demand careers without requiring a four-year degree, ultimately strengthening the workforce and economy.

The Norfolk Southern In-Kind Donation Grant supports organizations seeking physical donations of materials that align with their focus areas, including safety, sustainability, workforce development, and thriving communities. This grant is available year-round, with no application deadline. Recipients must be located within Norfolk Southern territory and are encouraged to apply for resources that will enhance their community projects and initiatives, fostering growth and resilience.