Best Chilton County Grants for Nonprofits in Alabama

About the Foundation

Our Mission

Beyond Batten Disease Foundation was established to eradicate juvenile Batten disease by raising awareness and funds to accelerate research for a treatment or cure.

About Funding

BBDF is dedicated to collaboratively developing, funding, and managing fundamental, preclinical, IND-enabling, translational and clinical research to improve the lives of children and young adults with CLN3 disease. Since 2008, BBDF has been the largest funder of juvenile Batten (CLN3) disease research, ranging from basic discovery research to translation into therapies. To inform our research initiatives, BBDF gathers information from one-on-one meetings, broad group discussions, scientific peer-reviewed publications, conference proceedings, drug pipelines, and tailored merit reviews into the foundation’s decision-making processes. Input comes from across the Research and Development spectrum including academia, biotechnology, the pharmaceutical sector, and clinicians, caregivers, and patients.

Our research funding decisions are based on these research objectives:

1) Supporting basic research to discover new mechanisms of disease, targets, and treatments

2) Supporting projects which facilitate execution of clinical trials such as expanding patient registries

3) Identifying biomarkers and other innovative clinical endpoints

4) Supporting projects that de-risks pharmaceutical investments in Batten disease

Foundation-Directed Research

The largest portion of the foundation’s portfolio is directed research. The foundation fills gaps in juvenile Batten disease research by funding high-impact projects and breakthrough technologies that will lead to disease mitigation and cure.

BBDF’s Principal Scientist regularly interacts with leaders in research and development across the entire therapeutic pipeline for Batten, as well as for adult forms of neurodegeneration (e.g., Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease), and other related rare genetic diseases. To supplement this dialogue, BBDF creates specialty boards and steering committees to lead the development of its projects. A specialty board typically comprises ~200 years of combined experience specific to the proposed activity.

Investor-Initiated Research (Applying for a research grant)

In addition to directed research, BBDF accepts and awards research proposals. Because great ideas do not follow a schedule, we do this on a rolling submission basis. All budgets are carefully reviewed along with the proposed body of work. Applicants may be asked to revise their budgets and/or allow BBDF to share a summary of the proposal with other funders for the purpose of gathering additional support. Sometimes, the foundation will offer the applicant additional funding to incorporate additional expertise or methods into his or her plan.

Our Mission

The Baughman Family Foundation aims to make an impact on our local communities by supporting organizations nominated by family members. The goal of the foundation is twofold: to make a meaningful impact on our selected charitable organizations and to encourage family members to become active in charitable giving.

Submission Guidelines

When submitting an application, please keep the following guidelines in mind:

The focus of the Baughman Family Foundation is on supporting local charities where the Foundation can make a direct, tangible impact on causes that matter to our family.

About

What is FOXG1 Syndrome?

FOXG1 syndrome is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a mutation in the FOXG1 gene. FOXG1 gene is one of the first and most important genes for early brain development and when impaired, causes developmental disabilities as well as medical complexities, including epilepsy.

Every child born with FOXG1 syndrome is unique as FOXG1 manifests as a spectrum where symptoms and severity vary between individuals. Our patient data shows characteristics of children with FOXG1 syndrome include: non-speaking, non-ambulatory, experience seizures, feeding problems, cortical vision impairment, movement disorders, and developmental delays. Less-severely-affected FOXG1 children often present with (ASD) Autism Spectrum Disorder as FOXG1 is an autism related gene. FOXG1 syndrome is found equally among both females and males and is geographically more prevalent where diagnostic testing is more advanced. 

Our Story & Mission

When our children were diagnosed with FOXG1 syndrome, we were told there was nothing we could do. No treatments, no concerted research underway, no roadmap. Just a devastating diagnosis for a disorder few had ever heard of.

But we refused to accept that. 

Research Assets & Grants

FOXG1 Scientific Research Project Grants

The FOXG1 Research Foundation is providing grants to scientists to deepen the understanding of the biology of FOXG1 with the goal of identifying innovative therapeutic strategies and finding a cure.

For the next few years, these are the strategic focus areas:

• Experiments designed to understand when, where, and levels of FOXG1 needed for normal brain development in mice
• Experiments designed to understand the biophysical properties of FOXG1 mutations
• Experiments designed to gain insights into the molecular and cell biological pathways regulated by FOXG1  

Retina Research Foundation

Across the nation, there were only a handful of voluntary groups with the will and the means to tackle retinal disdorders. Retina Research Foundation, established in 1969, was one of those organizations. By the 1980s, RRF had become a voice for retina research in an effort to reduce the incidence of retinal disease, which was fast becoming the leading cause of blindness in developing countries.

Undaunted, the Foundation steadily raised funds each year for vision scientists who were nationally recognized for their work in retina research. Government funding for eye research increased dramatically, and the field of retina research matured. As this body of knowledge grew, RRF programs were expanded to include major awards that recognize established retina scientists and contribute to their ongoing research. The Foundation also developed scientific exchange programs to disseminate knowledge of the dramatic advances that were being made in the laboratory.

RRF Pilot Study Grants

The mission of the Retina Research Foundation is to reduce retinal blindness worldwide by funding programs in research and education. As a public charity, RRF raises funds from the private sector and the investment of its endowment funds.

RRF is currently welcoming pilot study grant applications for the 2027 grant period. Each grant application must be signed by the principal investigator and either their Department Chair or Dean of Research.

Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM)

The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) is dedicated to promoting high-value care and achieving optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients. As part of this mission, SHM seeks to address inequities in acute patient care and contribute to a greater dialogue on this important issue. As the home for hospitalists, SHM activates and engages our community to

• Advocate for our specialty, our members, and the diverse patients we serve.
• Promote high-value care and optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients.
• Meet the evolving educational needs of a dynamic specialty.
• Cultivate an inclusive community for hospitalists and support career growth and wellbeing.
• Advance the research and innovation of healthcare delivery, quality, safety, and experience across the care continuum.

SHM’s Excellence in Teamwork Award

This award is presented in recognition of exemplary quality improvement initiatives in hospital medicine that engage the full patient care team. The award is intended to highlight outstanding team approaches to implementing interventions that improve patient care and safety but is particularly interested in projects related to the core competencies in hospital medicine and SHM’s quality improvement resource rooms. 

Recipients of the Excellence in Teamwork in Quality Improvement Award receive recognition at SHM Converge 2026 and complimentary registration for up to 4 team members.

Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation

The Foundation was established in September 1977 by Dr. Arnold O. and Mrs. Mabel Beckman to give back to the scientific community.

“The mission of the Foundation is to support leading edge research, in the fields of chemistry and life sciences, broadly interpreted, and particularly to foster the invention of methods, instruments, and materials that open up new avenues of research and application in these sciences and related disciplines. My preference is to favor young investigators, new ideas, and a variety of projects rather than fund large, established ones of long duration.”

Current Foundation Initiatives

Today, the Foundation continues according to the vision laid out by Dr. and Mrs. Beckman:

• Supporting Young Scientists: through our annual grant programs, focused on the most promising young scientists
• Community Support activities: that promote science education and excellence in our local community
• Streamlined operations: so that we don't "spend money to give money away"

"Beckman Family" Awardee Community Support Grants

The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation’s "Beckman Family" Awardee Community Support Grants are open to all current and former Foundation grant awardees and Executive Committee members, specifically from the Beckman Scholars Program, Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship, Beckman Young Investigator, and Instrument Grants programs.

As a current or former Beckman awardee or Executive Committee member, if you are actively engaged as a volunteer or Board member in a youth STEM or STEAM organization in your local area, you may apply to this program for funding for a particular project with that organization.

Funding Priorities

Projects should be aligned with the Foundation’s aim of “supporting young scientists today for tomorrow’s breakthrough discoveries” and oriented toward achieving positive outcomes in at least one of the Foundation’s current funding priorities:

• Engaging youth in hands-on science and math activities to encourage curiosity and student-driven exploration and learning.
• Using technology to engage youth in STEM/STEAM.
• Promoting the Beckmans’ legacy of technology innovation and leadership amongst youth.

In addition, the following considerations should be addressed in a proposal for funding:

• Where possible, the Foundation’s contribution to a project or activity should help to build capacity within the nonprofit organization to continue the activity beyond the one-time grant.
• The Awardee/Executive Committee member should discuss how the program will increase access to STEM/STEAM opportunities for the target audience.
• The costs associated with the request should relate to a stand-alone STEM/STEAM project, event, or activity and not part of a broader program, event, or target audience outside the Awardee’s or Executive Committee member's local area.
• Youth registration to participate in the STEM/STEAM project, event, or activity should be open to all in the local area, when possible.

Process & Timeline

Grant funds are directly issued to the organization by the Foundation and include for acknowledgement an indication that the gift was made because their volunteer or Board member is a Beckman Awardee or Executive Committee member.

Requests must be submitted by the Beckman Awardee on behalf of a U.S. nonprofit 501(c)(3), or equivalent, organization exclusively serving youth in their local community. As a matter of policy, the Foundation does not provide grants to non-U.S. organizations or institutions. This program defines the terms “youth” and “youths” as individual(s) 17 years of age or younger.

Batten Disease Support, Research, and Advocacy (BDSRA) Foundation

BDSRA is dedicated to funding research for treatments and cures, providing family support services, advancing education, raising awareness, and advocating for legislative action. Founded in 1987, by parents seeking to build a network for those diagnosed with Batten disease, BDSRA is now the largest support and research organization dedicated to Batten disease in North America. BDSRA believes that to effectively unravel the mysteries of Batten disease, the worlds of medical science, research, and families must work together toward a common goal: discover treatments and cures while assuring a better quality of life for those living with the disease.

Batten Family Help Grant

The BDSRA Foundation is committed to supporting families of all CLN types in all aspects of their fight against Batten, including the financial challenges they face. BDSRA understands that families in our community caring for people with Batten disease are often faced with financial challenges that further interfere with their well-being.

We offer grants to help cover the costs associated with battling Batten disease, such as emergency travel, loss of employment, hospital bills, and other challenges our families might face.

31Heroes

On August 6, 2011, a tragedy shook the military community and Americans everywhere. In a single instance, America lost 30 military service members, many of whom were members of the Navy SEAL community—and one military K9– when a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was downed in Afghanistan.

Established to honor the 31 Americans killed in action on August 6, 2011, 31Heroes serves to impact the lives of our nation’s heroes and their families, while remembering the fallen, through athletic endeavors and competitive fundraising events.

Our Mission: The mission of 31Heroes is to raise money and awareness through social and athletic events to support the families of Extortion 17 and honor their legacy by funding treatment for Veterans suffering from mental health issues.

Our Focus

Our goal is to create opportunities for the families of Extortion 17 to create healthier lifestyles and to provide financial relief in times of need. We consider it our responsibility to make a positive impact in the lives of each family. Whether through grants we provide, or through partnering with other non-profit organizations that offer programs or services that we do not, we are devoted to the families and creating a legacy the men of Extortion 17 would be proud of.

Guidelines

• Individual limits will not exceed $3750 annually
• Family Grants range from $750 to the maximum range of $1500
• Family members must submit an online application for consideration
• Applications may be submitted at any time during this funding cycle
• Priority and funding will be based on the Primary Next of Kin list

Emergency Grants 

Emergency Grants are aimed at assisting with unforeseen events which cause financial hardship on the family. Limit for this grant is $750.

31Heroes

On August 6, 2011, a tragedy shook the military community and Americans everywhere. In a single instance, America lost 30 military service members, many of whom were members of the Navy SEAL community—and one military K9– when a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was downed in Afghanistan.

Established to honor the 31 Americans killed in action on August 6, 2011, 31Heroes serves to impact the lives of our nation’s heroes and their families, while remembering the fallen, through athletic endeavors and competitive fundraising events.

Our Mission: The mission of 31Heroes is to raise money and awareness through social and athletic events to support the families of Extortion 17 and honor their legacy by funding treatment for Veterans suffering from mental health issues.

Our Focus

Our goal is to create opportunities for the families of Extortion 17 to create healthier lifestyles and to provide financial relief in times of need. We consider it our responsibility to make a positive impact in the lives of each family. Whether through grants we provide, or through partnering with other non-profit organizations that offer programs or services that we do not, we are devoted to the families and creating a legacy the men of Extortion 17 would be proud of.

Guidelines

• Individual limits will not exceed $3750 annually
• Family Grants range from $750 to the maximum range of $1500
• Family members must submit an online application for consideration
• Applications may be submitted at any time during this funding cycle
• Priority and funding will be based on the Primary Next of Kin list

Travel Grants

Travel Grants are aimed at assisting with costs of travel for family members to memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, anniversary events, events surrounding the 31. Limit for this grant is $1500.

31Heroes

On August 6, 2011, a tragedy shook the military community and Americans everywhere. In a single instance, America lost 30 military service members, many of whom were members of the Navy SEAL community—and one military K9– when a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was downed in Afghanistan.

Established to honor the 31 Americans killed in action on August 6, 2011, 31Heroes serves to impact the lives of our nation’s heroes and their families, while remembering the fallen, through athletic endeavors and competitive fundraising events.

Our Mission: The mission of 31Heroes is to raise money and awareness through social and athletic events to support the families of Extortion 17 and honor their legacy by funding treatment for Veterans suffering from mental health issues.

Our Focus

Our goal is to create opportunities for the families of Extortion 17 to create healthier lifestyles and to provide financial relief in times of need. We consider it our responsibility to make a positive impact in the lives of each family. Whether through grants we provide, or through partnering with other non-profit organizations that offer programs or services that we do not, we are devoted to the families and creating a legacy the men of Extortion 17 would be proud of.

Guidelines

• Individual limits will not exceed $3750 annually
• Family Grants range from $750 to the maximum range of $1500
• Family members must submit an online application for consideration
• Applications may be submitted at any time during this funding cycle
• Priority and funding will be based on the Primary Next of Kin list

Lifestyle Grants

Lifestyle Grants are aimed at improving health and lifestyle via physical fitness, nutrition, holistic treatment, etc. Limit for this grant is $1500

NASA's Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute Cooperative Agreement Notice-5 invites multi-institutional proposals aimed at advancing human exploration of the Moon and Mars. This initiative focuses on innovative research to address critical scientific questions and develop technologies for future missions. The program emphasizes community development, training the next generation of scientists and engineers, and fostering partnerships to integrate science with exploration goals.

The DARRP Restoration Implementation Grants aim to enhance marine and coastal habitat restoration through collaboration between NOAA and non-federal partners. These grants address oil spills and hazardous substance releases by supporting restoration activities authorized under various environmental laws. Eligible applicants will implement projects that promote sustainable fisheries, recover endangered species, and boost local economies. Through careful planning and evaluation, recipients will contribute to effective restoration strategies that align with NOAA's mission and the needs of coastal communities.

The ROSES 2025: A.16 Cryosphere program by NASA focuses on the vital role of Earth's ice within the global climate system. It aims to enhance understanding of cryospheric processes through satellite and airborne observations, addressing the challenges posed by the remoteness of icy regions. The program supports research on Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets, glaciers, and Arctic sea ice to monitor changes and their impacts on sea level rise, ocean biology, and climate feedback mechanisms.

The Professional Formation of Engineers: Research Initiation in Engineering Formation (PFE: RIEF) program aims to foster research in the Professional Formation of Engineers (PFE) while expanding the community of researchers in this field. It targets early-career Principal Investigators (PIs) with limited experience in social science or education research, enabling them to develop expertise in engineering education research and address critical challenges in engineering formation.

The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program aims to enhance the library and archival workforce by addressing community information needs and strengthening institutional capacities. It supports innovative projects that explore alternative pathways into library services, advance continuing education, and foster recruitment and retention of future professionals. By focusing on diverse training and development, the program seeks to cultivate a new generation of library leaders equipped to meet evolving challenges.

The Native American Library Services Basic Grant (NAB) aims to enhance library services for Native Communities. By supporting the acquisition of materials, programming, and staff training, the program empowers Tribal libraries to adapt to evolving information needs. This initiative fosters knowledge centers that contribute to community wellness and cultural preservation. Through targeted project activities, the NAB program ensures that libraries effectively meet their users' diverse needs, promoting accessibility and engagement across the nation.

The National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aims to enhance library services across the nation. By supporting projects that promote adult reading, health and financial literacy, and effective use of new technologies, this initiative fosters community prosperity and builds partnerships among libraries, archives, and museums. The grants ensure that libraries can respond effectively to public needs and enhance their contributions to education and information access.

The Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aids Native Communities in enhancing library services. It empowers Tribal libraries to adapt to evolving information needs and serve as vital resource centers. By addressing the unique priorities of each community, this initiative fosters knowledge sharing and supports the overall wellness of Tribal members, ensuring they have access to essential information and resources.

The Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants (2027) aim to enhance library services for Native Hawaiian communities. Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, this program empowers organizations to adapt to evolving information needs, promoting wellness and knowledge sharing. By supporting unique priorities across various islands, it fosters stronger community resource centers that serve the cultural and informational needs of Native Hawaiian users effectively.

The National Leadership Grants for Museums, offered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, support innovative projects addressing critical needs in the museum sector. These grants aim to enhance museum services for the public by fostering the development and replication of effective practices, tools, and collaborations, particularly leveraging new technologies. Eligible projects can significantly advance the professional field, ensuring museums remain vital community resources.

The Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture (2027) program aims to strengthen American Latino history and culture museums by enhancing their capacity to serve communities. It supports initiatives that foster professional development within these cultural institutions, ensuring they can effectively promote and preserve Latino heritage. This grant, offered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, is crucial for advancing the growth of a dedicated workforce in the American Latino cultural sector.

The Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services (NANH) program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), aims to support Native American Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, and organizations serving Native Hawaiians. It focuses on preserving heritage and culture through educational services, workforce development, capacity building, community engagement, and effective collections stewardship. This initiative is crucial for sustaining the rich cultural heritage of Native communities.

The Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010, in memory of Freeland resident and business owner Bernie Smillie. Bernie passed away in 2000, due to complications from a lung transplant he had received in 1994. In 2005, family and friends of Bernie established the Bernie Smillie Memorial Golf Outing. Proceeds of this outing has helped to promote organ donor support and awareness and establish this scholarship fund.

Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship - Michigan Resident

Evaluation Criteria

• Financial need (20)
• Work experience (20)
• Overall involvement at work, school and community activities (20)
• Career goals as demonstrated in essay (20)
• Letters of recommendation

Yellow Dog Studio Memorial Scholarship

The Yellow Dog Studios Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Mari Zimmerman-Thompson and Christopher Thompson. Mari and Chris became husband and wife in May of 2002. They lived their remaining years together as kindred spirits until July 2, 2015 when a tragic automobile accident took them from their family and friends.

Evaluation Criteria

• Special skills/interests (30)
• Career goals (20)
• Essay (15)
• Letters of recommendation (15)
• Extracurricular activities (5)
• Awards and honors (5)
• Overall involvement in work, school and community activities (5)
• Academic performance (5)

Women of Colors Scholarship

Women of Colors (WOC) was founded in 1993 by a group of women that believed it would take a cooperative effort of women of all nationalities, ages and socioeconomic status to address issues plaguing the Saginaw Community. The founders believed that women should take a more active role in addressing issues of crime, blight and poverty. WOC began by providing support, community outreach services and facilitating discussions within the community. WOC’s mission promotes multi-cultural diversity and enhances community relations in Saginaw County by performing community service, mentoring youth, and collaborating with other organizations.

The Women of Colors Scholarship will be awarded each year to a Great Empowering Motivational Sessions (GEMS) member that is an area high school senior actively involved in efforts to empower young women and in activities that address issues affecting young women in the Saginaw Community. If no GEMS members are high school seniors, applications will be accepted from non-GEMS applicants.

Women Giving to Women Scholarship

Women Giving To Women (WGTW) provides intellectual and emotional support for women of diverse backgrounds. WGTW scholarship was established to empower women to complete a bachelor’s degree and become leaders in the community. WGTW also provides financial support for the following community endeavors: The Child Abuse and Neglect Council (CAN) Great Lakes Bay Region, The McNally House of Covenant Hospital, Underground Railroad of Saginaw and The Women’s Studies Section of the Frankenmuth Wickson District Library.

Evaluation Criteria

• Scholastic record (25)
• Community involvement (15)
• Leadership (10)
• Essay (25)
• References (15)
• Non-traditional field of study (10)

Village of the Living Dead Kenneth Fulton Memorial Scholarship

Kenneth Fulton was a member of the St. Charles Haunted House since its very beginning in 1985 until his passing at the haunted house in 1998. He volunteered and also brought along with him his kids and brothers to volunteer as well. Ken was a quiet gentle man that loved what the haunted house stood for and who it was all about – the kids. His favorite character to play was Michael Myers. He was tall and quiet and was able to scare the patrons with his eerie silence. He loved the members of the haunted house as his own family. He is greatly missed and would be so proud to be a part of this scholarship.  

Evaluation Criteria

• Community service (50)
• Financial need (25)
• Letters of recommendation from two volunteer organizations (13)
• Extracurricular/school activities (12)