Search Through Grants for After School Programs in Alabama in the U.S.

About Us

Academy Sports + Outdoors is one of the nation's largest sporting goods and outdoor stores. With 301 stores across 21 states, we offer a broad assortment of quality hunting, fishing, and camping equipment and gear, along with sports and leisure products, footwear, apparel and much more.

Community Relations

By providing members of our communities with the right gear and knowledge while also promoting safety and responsibility, we empower people with the confidence to simply get active, have fun together, and enjoy life.

Our Pillars

• Empower
  • Academy Sports + Outdoors encourages safety so that everyone can feel confident and comfortable doing what they love. We help people gear up properly for sports and outdoor activities, and we promote ways to be smart and stay safe. We’ve got your back… and the rest of you too.
• Encourage
  • Academy Sports + Outdoors makes it possible for people to enjoy more sports and outdoors activities. We believe being active is an essential part of life. Starting with our assortment, we motivate people to try new things and give them opportunities to enjoy a variety of fun activities. We’re always game.
• Connect
  • Academy Sports + Outdoors creates ways for members of the community to connect and have fun with each other. We build connections within the community by supporting events, programs, and organizations that make a positive impact. Let’s get together.

Comer Education Grant

Since its inception in 1946, The Comer Foundation has distributed $34.6 million ($104.9 million in 2022 dollars) towards scholarships, educational, and other charitable purposes in the State of Alabama.

The Comer Foundation is a private foundation based on the Comer family’s tradition of supporting education, the arts and culture, environment, health, human services, and public/society benefit. Governor Braxton Bragg Comer served as Alabama’s governor from 1907 to 1911 and was praised for his contributions to the educational systems of Alabama. During his term in office, appropriations for education increased, and the county high school system was established, ensuring that there was a high school in every county.

Before serving as Alabama’s governor, B. B. Comer established Avondale Mills in 1897. The Comer family was at the helm of this southern-owned business for 89 years. In 1986, upon the sale of Avondale Mills, the Comer family retained control of the Educational and Charitable Foundation, and it was renamed The Comer Foundation at that time. The Foundation supports education primarily through a generous scholarship program as well as other efforts to improve society, particularly, in the counties where Avondale Mills operated, such as Jefferson, Talladega, and Barbour Counties

What does this program do?

This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings.

How may funds be used?

Funds can be used to purchase, construct, and / or improve essential community facilities, purchase equipment and pay related project expenses.

Examples of essential community facilities include:

• Health care facilities such as hospitals, medical clinics, dental clinics, nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
• Public facilities such as town halls, courthouses, airport hangars or street improvements.
• Community support services such as child care centers, community centers, fairgrounds or transitional housing.
• Public safety services such as fire departments, police stations, prisons, police vehicles, fire trucks, public works vehicles or equipment.
• Educational services such as museums, libraries or private schools.
• Utility services such as telemedicine or distance learning equipment.
• Local food systems such as community gardens, food pantries, community kitchens, food banks, food hubs or greenhouses.

What are the funding priorities?

• Priority point system based on population, median household income
• Small communities with a population of 5,500 or less
• Low-income communities having a median household income below 80% of the state nonmetropolitan median household income.

Grant Approval

Applicant must be eligible for grant assistance, which is provided on a graduated scale with smaller communities with the lowest median household income being eligible for projects with a higher proportion of grant funds. Grant assistance is limited to the following percentages of eligible project costs:

Maximum of 75 percent when the proposed project is:

• Located in a rural community having a population of 5,000 or fewer; and
• The median household income of the proposed service area is below the higher of the poverty line or 60 percent of the State nonmetropolitan median household income.

Maximum of 55 percent when the proposed project is:

• Located in a rural community having a population of 12,000 or fewer; and
• The median household income of the proposed service area is below the higher of the poverty line or 70 percent of the State nonmetropolitan median household income.

Maximum of 35 percent when the proposed project is:

• Located in a rural community having a population of 20,000 or fewer; and
• The median household income of the proposed service area is below the higher of the poverty line or 80 percent of the State nonmetropolitan median household income.

Maximum of 15 percent when the proposed project is:

• Located in a rural community having a population of 20,000 or fewer; and
• The median household income of the proposed service area is below the higher of the poverty line or 90 percent of the State nonmetropolitan median household income. The proposed project must meet both percentage criteria. Grants are further limited.

Helping Build Stronger Communities

Mission

The Mission Statement of Vulcan Materials Company states that Vulcan “will be a good corporate citizen in each community in which we operate. We will support and take an active part in public and charitable projects.” Vulcan established the Vulcan Materials Company Foundation in 1988 to assist in carrying out that mission. Because contributions made by the Foundation are corporate-based business dollars, it is essential that they be made in a planned and consistent manner that best serves the combined interests of Vulcan and the communities in which we operate.

Vision

Helping Build Stronger Communities

Support Priorities

The Foundation supports many types of worthwhile organizations that enhance the quality of life in Vulcan’s communities. The Vulcan Materials Foundation focuses on three areas in particular:

• Working with schools;
• Supporting environmental stewardship; and
• Encouraging employee involvement.

Education

A major focus of the Foundation is to play a part in maintaining or improving the quality of life and standard of living through the support of education.

The Foundation will consider proposals that provide public education programs and projects that enhance the quality of learning for all students. The Foundation works to support efforts to improve educational systems and individual schools in Vulcan’s communities by partnering with public schools located in its operating areas. Vulcan has adopted 230 schools in its communities through support from the Foundation. It is Vulcan’s goal to increase the number of its school partnerships every year.

The Foundation is also interested in efforts to encourage young people to develop an interest in math, science and business. The Foundation, therefore, gives consideration to proposals designed to help maintain students’ curiosity and excitement about the world of math and science and to explore the world of industry and business. The Foundation is particularly interested in helping young people and their teachers understand the relevance of math and science to society, and supports efforts to link these subjects to their application in the workplace. The Foundation also will consider programs designed to educate our students about the vital role of business and industry in society.

Higher education will play an increasingly critical role in helping the economy effectively compete in the global market. The Foundation recognizes the invaluable contributions made by institutions of higher learning in educating the nation’s future workforce.

The Foundation will consider proposals from those institutions located in states where the Company has facilities, particularly proposals that focus on science and engineering or improving public education. Although proposals for capital improvements will be considered, the Foundation prefers to fund projects that directly affect the outcome of the educational process, such as scholarships and science and technology programs.

Environmental Stewardship

The Foundation supports the philosophy that economic development and environmental stewardship have common goals. Responsible economic growth provides the resources necessary to be a good steward of the environment, while this stewardship helps to sustain growth.

There are important links between industry, the environment and technological innovation. A society that is better informed about environmental issues will be able to participate more effectively in public policy debates. Grantmaking will focus on organizations and programs that seek to develop an understanding of the connection between environmental stewardship and sustainable development. 

The Foundation will consider supporting those environmental organizations that adhere to fact-based, balanced environmental principles.

Employee Involvement

Vulcan has a history of encouraging its employees to participate in volunteer activities in their communities. We recognize that our workforce offers a unique resource to provide leadership in the communities where we operate. Thus, high priority will be given by the Foundation to proposals from those organizations in which company employees are actively involved, especially in our focus areas of education and environmental stewardship.

Geographic Funding Priorities

In addition to the corporate headquarters, located in Birmingham, Alabama, there are eight Construction Materials divisions. Further, Vulcan has 423* active aggregates facilities located in 22 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, and Honduras, Mexico and the Bahamas. Regarding proposals submitted to the Foundation, first consideration will be given to those organizations that will benefit the communities where Vulcan employees live and work. The Foundation’s giving program is decentralized to spread ownership of the program to a wider base. Because unit managers are directly involved with the communities where they do business, decentralization enables the Foundation to be more informed about, and to better address, local needs. Proposals submitted to the Foundation should be sent directly to the charitable contributions officer in the appropriate geographical area. 

* Updated after the acquisition of U.S. Concrete

The Daniel Foundation of Alabama’s mission is to strengthen communities within Alabama and improve the quality of life for Alabama citizens. We believe this can be achieved through the support of effective organizations that are focused on building a healthy and well-educated population, living in a vibrant and collaborative community.

Operating Grants

The following priority areas will be eligible for operating grants up to $25,000.

Birth - 5

Giving kids birth to 5 a positive start and preparing them to be successful in school.

K-12

Programs working on academic improvement and better educational outcomes for children in Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Adult Life Skills

Programs for adults that teach skills that lead to independence and life success.

Arts & Community

Arts

Support for arts organizations with year round programming.

Youth Mentoring

Groups working with children and youth who directly mentor or teach skills needed to be successful in school and life.

Health & Human Services

Basic Needs

Primarily addressing short term needs for food, emergency shelter, clothing, safety, etc.

Health Care

Programs providing health screenings and medical care and services for low income individuals and families and the uninsured.

Mental Health

Programs supporting mental wellness through counseling and therapeutic services and activities.

Veterans

Programs related specifically to veterans.

The most versatile Alabama Power Foundation tool

As a part of all five of our initiatives – Educational Advancement, Civic and Community Development, Arts and Cultural Enrichment, Health and Human Services and Environmental Stewardship – Alabama Power Foundation Grants are designed to meet a number of different objectives.

Focus Areas

Arts & Culture

• Employing arts to incorporate academic achievement
• Exposing underserved youth to various artistic events and styles
• Grassroots arts programs
• Arts in education

Education

• Programs that improve literacy
• Teach and educational leadership development
• Programs that attract female and minority students to math, science and technology
• Programs that encourage students to finish high school
• Programs that encourage students who show aptitudes for skills to pursue careers in the trades

Environment

• Community gardens
• Aquatic gardens
• Urban forestry programs
• Environmental education
• Recycling/reuse programs
• River/watershed environmental programs

Health & Human Services

• Programs that promote health and well-being
• Programs that promote access to health services
• Direct service programs
• Programs that improve networks services (from parent organizations)
• Programs that combat childhood obesity

Communities

• Playgrounds & Parks
• Community improvement programs
• Youth development programs

Vision

A strong community that nurtures and supports all its families and children with access to opportunity, enrichment, and achievement.

Values

We encourage creativity and collaboration while expecting excellence in ourselves and others.

Our Approach

The work of the Foundation extends beyond grantmaking. We want to be partners in learning not just in funding and are invested in the success and effectiveness of the organizations that are supported. The Foundation staff often provides technical assistance on management and program issues and connects grantees with potential partners and collaborators and helps identify sources of additional support. We also work collaboratively with other grantmakers on important community issues and use our resources and collective voices for solutions.

Grantmaking Focus and Priorities

A healthy and educated community is the foundation’s priority and strategic commitment. In addition to grantmaking, we support the work of the Bold Goals Coalition of Central Alabama and seek partners who share common interests for collaboration and advocacy allowing for greater impact.

Community Health – Good nutrition, quality health care and positive emotional environments are vital to the health and well- being of children and adults. Many families in the Birmingham area lack access to healthy and affordable food and adequate health services. The foundation supports programs that:

• Expand and improve access to health care and healthy and affordable food for vulnerable populations.
• Encourage healthy behavior, improved mental and physical health and promote wellness and preventive measures.

Education – Opportunity and success are dependent on a quality education and all students need opportunities to prepare them to succeed in school and work. The foundation’s resources are targeted to underserved students to improve academic performance, graduation rate and job readiness.

• Promote school readiness and quality early childhood education
• Ensure students have reading and math grade level skills
• Provide youth development programs that offer mentoring and tutoring

Other focus areas include:

• Responding to community needs by providing basic human services for at risk children and adults living in poverty or with disabilities.
• Improving the community by providing families with safe places to live, exercise and play.
• Bringing arts and cultural activities to all people to enrich lives, build community and fuel a prosperous creative economy.

Types of Support

In some cases, we will consider general operating support grants for programs that match the foundation’s priority focus areas. We also make a limited number of multi-year and capital grants to organizations that can demonstrate broad community impact in one of our focus areas.

If you are considering applying for a multi-year or capital grant, we strongly encourage you to have a conversation with the Executive Director before submitting your application.

Snook Foundation Grant

Our mission is to provide funding for scholarships, promote health care, contribute to civic organizations for the general public, enhance school facilities and provide increased educational opportunities.

Over the last two decades, the foundation has provided funding for scholarships, promoted health care, contributed to civic organizations, enhanced school facilities and educational programs, and increased educational opportunities. We have expanded our goals and provided assistance in times of natural disasters, helped open the doors to numerous fitness, health, and medical centers, and provided a large umbrella of educational assistance with funding for libraries, historical organizations and local afterschool programs.

On the humanitarian side, the foundation has moved to help local nonprofit organizations that specialize in aide and assistance to our local residents. We have provided funding for local food banks, first responders, programs for veterans, and numerous other worthy agencies and organizations.

Our goal at The Snook Foundation is to continue to grow, support and provide to the numerous organizations that strive to open doors and lend assistance to the residents of Baldwin County. We will continue to evolve, much like our area, and our trustees will examine each grant request on a case-by-case basis. Our hope is to open new avenues and pave the way for current and future generations to succeed on all levels.

About

Guided by the mission to elevate the state and to improve the quality of life for Alabamians, we are committed to empowering communities and bridging the gaps of inequity to create a better Alabama for all.

Since our formation in 1989, we’ve been spreading good across Alabama. From the white sand beaches in the south to the first mountains of the Appalachians in the north, you’ll find evidence of our work in communities both large and small.

While our most valuable resource is our people, our funding plays a tremendous role in what we accomplish. Thanks to the generosity of Alabama Power shareholders so many years ago, we manage a $130 million trust, which we use to spread the power of good.

Classroom Grants

Helping teachers provide a better learning environment.

Teachers often have to pay for class materials out-of-pocket. Our Classroom grants seek to solve that problem by awarding grants up to $1,000 for materials to better the classroom environment, and in turn, enhance a student’s ability to learn. Funding may also be used to support COVID-19 relief efforts such as technology support, cleaning and sanitation supplies, as well as mental health needs for students and educators.

Nonprofits who provide those services and are partnering with local school systems who meet the grant criteria may also apply for grants.

All applications will be reviewed by Alabama Power Foundation for adherence to the Classroom Grant guidelines. If time permits prior to the deadline, schools will be notified if their grant applications must be modified. Applications submitted on the last day will not be able to be modified if there are problems.

How we’d like to see Classroom grants used:

Examples of uses for Classroom grants include:

• Supplies for the betterment of the classroom.
  • For example:
    • Classroom library
    • Basic school supplies like crayons, pencils, paper, scissors, etc.
    • Classroom décor like bins, bean bags, rugs, etc.
    • Other educational materials
• School Library materials.
  • For example:
    • Headphones
    • Multimedia equipment
    • Books and/or book jacket covers
    • Other educational materials
• COVID-19 related support.
  • For example:
    • Funding mental health support to address the social and emotional needs of educators, students, and students’ families.
    • Adapting curriculum to support distance/virtual learning and instruction.
    • Supporting virtual learning equipment and support. Ex.: laptops, Wi-Fi access, etc.
    • Addressing students’ learning loss resulting from extended school closures.
    • Providing educational enrichment to support student learning.
    • Strengthening educators’/schools’ engagement with families and communities to meet student needs.
    • Funding for sanitation supplies to keep areas clean and safe for students. Ex.: backpack sanitation sprayers, air purifiers, etc.

Alabama Department of Environmental Management

Alabama is blessed with a wealth and variety of natural resources which provide significant social, economic, and environmental benefits and opportunities for the citizens of Alabama. The mission at ADEM is to assure for all citizens of the State a safe, healthful, and productive environment.

Alabama Recycling Fund Grant

The program is open to local governments and local government nonprofits/authorities seeking to promote local recycling efforts by enhancing established recycling programs or by initiating new recycling programs.

The cities of Albertville and Boaz partnered to establish a joint recycling program and create the Albertville-Boaz Recycling Authority. Meanwhile, Auburn University, the City of Auburn, the City of Opelika, and Lee County partnered to increase regional recycling. Funds have been used to expand drop-off sites and purchase equipment such as recycling containers and balers. In addition, funds have supported public education activities to inform local citizens about the benefits of recycling. 

Examples of what we fund:

• Recycling bins/containers
• Recycling storage/bunkers
• Recycling infrastructure/equipment
• Education & outreach materials

About School-Based Healthcare Solutions Network (SBHSN).

Utilizing a unique framework of funding systems offered by the Department of Health and Human Services, managed care organizations, health insurers, and private donors, SBHSN promotes a system of care model (Coaching Model℠) offering a mix of evidenced-based intervention, prevention, and care coordination services to children in grades K-12. The Coaching Model aims to expand quality mental healthcare access on public school campuses and improve children's social, emotional, behavioral, family, and wellness outcomes.

School-Based Mental Health Implementation Grant

In response to the growing number of students who need mental health counseling, the School-Based Healthcare Solutions Network (SBHSN) is accepting applications from Local Education Agencies (LEA), Public and Private Universities, State and local Colleges, Charter School Management Companies, Public Schools, Charter Schools, and Non-Profit Organizations (501c3) to implement and expand mental health program services on local school campuses. Grantees will receive direct funding and reimbursement to support the following activities: 

• Expanding access to School-Based Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).
• Coordinating mental healthcare services with school administration and staff. 
• Delivering mental healthcare services and coordinating academic-support activities to students with a history of attendance, behavior, and poor academic performance.

FUNDING

5-Years, renewable based on meeting performance goals 5-year award ceiling is $5,500,000.

Presentation Grants Program

Presentation Grants are an opportunity for organizations in South Arts' nine-state region to receive fee support to present Southern guest film directors, visual and performing artists, or writers from outside of the presenter's state. Artist fee support is awarded for:

• film (documentary, fiction, experimental, and animation),
• performing arts (theater, music, opera, musical theater, and dance),
• literary arts (fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry),
• traditional arts, and
• visual arts (crafts, drawing, experimental, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media).

Projects must include both a public presentation (film screening, performance, reading, or exhibition) and an educational/community engagement component. These grants are limited and very competitive. Based on the artist fee, the maximum request is $9,500 for modern dance and contemporary ballet or $7,500 for other artistic disciplines. 

South Arts is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We have prioritized this commitment to ensure that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) led organizations, LGBTQIA+ led organizations, and organizations representing persons with disabilities are represented as both applicants and grantees. In addition, we encourage applications for projects that engage BIPOC artists, LGBTQIA+ artists, and artists with disabilities.

Our Mission

“To energize the spirit and potential of our local community through charitable investments that will have significant, measurable impact on our health, education, and quality of life.”

Areas of Focus

Health

Fostering economic growth and development to improve the health and well-being of Wiregrass individuals, families, and the community as a whole.

Education

To increase school readiness, K-12 achievement, and post-secondary attainment.

Quality of Life

To produce a rising standard of living, including increased income, assets and economic security and to build civic engagement and promote effective leadership and organizations.

Digital Inclusion Fund sponsored by Google Fiber Grant Description

In partnership with Google Fiber, the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville launched the Digital Inclusion Fund in 2018 to support digital inclusion efforts in the City of Huntsville. This grant program provides funding to organizations that are preparing students for technology careers, supporting workforce development, and teaching people to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information.

Priorities

Based on feedback from a Digital Inclusion Community Conversations held between 2018 and 2021, our community’s priorities for this Digital Inclusion fund are as follows 

• Education (access to information/research)
• Job training (workforce development)
• Economic development (creating jobs)
• Social connection (interpersonal connection)
• Health care (health information and access)
• Digital Equity/Equitable Access 
• Digital Literacy 

Target Populations

• Low-income members of our community
• Senior adults/elderly
• Homeless
• Disabled
• Adult learners
• English language learners/new Americans
• Foster children
• Individuals/groups who need workforce training

Program Areas

We believe an auto company can also be a vehicle for change. That’s why Toyota is proud to partner with nonprofit organizations in the dozens of communities where we operate. Investing in and creating better opportunities for our communities and its citizens improves their quality of life, builds lasting relationships and helps enrich society. 

Let’s make an impact – together. We work collaboratively to address some of society’s most pressing challenges – and fund programs tied to our strategic priorities.

About Our Program

Toyota seeks to expand access to opportunities that improve people’s lives and create a culture of inclusion—strengthening the communities where we live, work and play. To have meaningful, sustainable impact, we take a holistic approach to investing in our communities. Our efforts go beyond monetary support, amplifying our impact by engaging our team members as volunteers and sharing our Toyota know-how.

What We Fund

Nationally, Toyota focuses on:

• STEM Education
• Workforce Readiness

Regionally, Toyota makes contributions to help support the specific needs of local communities. Please note that Toyota entities based in Plano, Texas (Toyota Motor North America, Toyota Financial Services and Toyota USA Foundation) as well as Production Engineering and Manufacturing Center (PEMC) have moved to an invite-only grant application process.

The Children's Trust Fund:

The Alabama Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Act (ADCANP) was adopted by the Alabama Legislature in 1983 to address the state's growing problem of child neglect and maltreatment. While several state agencies already existed to deal with different aspects of child abuse, none of these agencies specifically focused on solving the problem before it occurred. It was clear that Alabama needed to create a state agency with its own board, funding, and staff to be dedicated solely to preventing child abuse. To address the problem at its origin, instead of merely addressing the symptoms of what could have been prevented, the Alabama Child Abuse Prevention Act established the Children's Trust Fund.

Purpose:

For over 40 years, the Department has worked on behalf of those most vulnerable in our state. Our programs provide essential services to children and families to prevent child abuse and neglect. The types of programs included are Fatherhood, Home Visiting, Mentoring, School-based, Non-School Based, Parent Education and Support, Community Awareness and Training, and Respite Care. These programs are supported by state and federal dollars.

Funds can be used to provide programs for the primary prevention of child abuse and neglect, including, but not limited to, programs to promote public awareness of the need to prevent child abuse and neglect; community-based family resource and support programs on strengthening family skills, including, but not limited to, parent education, prenatal care, prenatal bonding, child development, health and nutrition, care of children with disabilities, and coping with family stress; and community-based programs relating to crisis care, early identification of children at risk of child abuse and neglect, and education, training, and support groups for parents, children, and families. (i.e., Parenting Education and Support, Home Visiting, School-Based/After School, Non-School Based, Public Awareness, Mentoring, and Respite Care.)

Enhancing the quality of life and economic vitality for all Alabamians by providing support for the state’s diverse and rich artistic resources.

Agency goals

• Support excellence and professionalism in the arts.
• Provide opportunities for high-quality arts education for every Alabama student and lifelong learner.
• Provide opportunities for all Alabamians to experience the arts.
• Identify, preserve, and present folk art traditions.
• Promote diverse cultural artistic expressions.
• Recognize and support the arts as a driver of economic vitality.
• Increase public recognition and appreciation for the arts, arts organizations, and individual artists.

Consolidated Project Grant

Consolidated Project grants fund multiple events, such as a performance season or program series, or a combination of several activities that are conceptually related or cohesive. Consolidated Project proposals have included:

• A season of performances.
• Monthly workshops.
• Multiple exhibitions.
• PreK-12 Summer art camps.

Fund Description

To invest in the future of our community by supporting early childhood development, student achievement, college and career readiness, and the success of our educational system.

Focus Areas

• Kindergarten readiness
• Third grade reading proficiency
• Eighth grade math proficiency
• Career readiness
• College readiness
• College graduation

Priority will be given to projects that meet the following criteria:

• High impact (broad number of students supported)
• Strategically address the focus area
• Provide clear and measurable outcomes

Grant Amount

$2,500 - $5,000

Compass Society Grant Description

Created to “Map the Future” the Compass Society brings the region’s spirit of innovation to generosity and serves as a catalyst for Greater Huntsville’s future. Compass Society funding supports high-impact, collaborative, and visionary projects that span the Community Foundation’s Quality of Life Framework. Grants of $50,000 will be awarded to nonprofit organizations serving the Greater Huntsville area – Jackson, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, and Morgan Counties. Exact allocations will be determined based on funding and projects.

Through the power of generosity, the Compass Society implements collaborative, visionary projects that have a significant and sustainable impact across many areas of our community's quality of life. Visionary doesn't just mean something new, but rather it is the future-focused opportunity to create a community you want for your children and your grandchildren. These proposals require organizations in our community to work together to achieve something greater than any one organization could achieve alone, no matter how great the work they are doing. What are your bold dreams for our community's future?

Focus Area: The work of the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville stretches across eight areas in the Quality of Life Framework, which are defined below. 

• ARTS & CULTURE: Enriches the community through arts, culture, and lifestyle experiences
• BASIC NEEDS: Provides food, clothing, shelter, and other basic necessities
• ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY: Equips individuals and organizations through training, creating employment opportunities, and promoting growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem
• EDUCATION: Invests in early childhood development, K-12 students, college and career readiness, post-secondary education, and lifelong learning
• ENVIRONMENT: Stewards our community’s natural resources
• HEALTH & WELLNESS: Addresses physical and mental health and wellness
• NEIGHBORHOODS & COMMUNITIES: Strengthens entire neighborhoods or communities through a holistic approach
• RECREATION: Engages in experiences that refresh the mind, body and spirit

Grantmaking

Compass Society grant objectives include grant applications that are high-impact, collaborative, visionary, and span the Community Foundation’s Quality of Life Framework.

Funding Priority: Priority will be given to projects that meet the following criteria:

• High-impact: Affect a large number of people through scalable, ripple-effect transformation
• Collaborative: Involve three or more partners that may or may not all be nonprofits. The organization applying must meet the Eligible Recipient qualifications below.
• Span the focus areas in the Quality of Life Framework: Impact three or more of the focus areas listed above
• Visionary: Create innovative, future-focused projects or programs

Cross-Sector Impact Grants

South Arts’ mission is advancing Southern vitality through the arts, and this program addresses a strategic goal to cultivate and strengthen deep, cross-sector partnerships that are artist and community centered. As our communities continue to change, the arts play an incomparable role in addressing many of our communal and individual challenges and strengths. The value of partnership and working together across sectors brings new opportunities, increased effectiveness, and greater depth to our collective work. Through this program, South Arts seeks to provide significant support to projects developed by partners that harness the power of “Arts & …” (these are projects at the intersection of arts and other sectors). This year, we are shifting to a new program model.

Over the next three years, South Arts is committed to one community impact area – Health and Wellness. Eligible projects must focus on the “Arts & Health and Wellness” theme - for example, arts & mental wellness or arts & physical health. Matching grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded to support approximately 18 projects. We anticipate funding these 18 projects for three grant cycles and expect applicants to commit to the collaborative work for a three-year duration. Funding will be awarded in three separate fiscal years with streamlined, grant renewal forms submitted for cycles two and three. Matching grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to continue or advance the project with the same two partners in cycles two and three.  

South Arts’ mission is advancing Southern vitality through the arts. This program addresses two of South Arts’ strategic goals:

• Connect artists and arts professionals in the South to resources that will increase opportunities for success within and outside the region
• Advance impactful arts-based programs that recognize and address trends and evolving needs of a wide range of communities in the South

Project Requirements

SSouth Arts welcomes applications from partnering entities working together on a project that addresses Arts & Health and Wellness through cross-sector partnerships. Projects must utilize the arts as a tool in creative approaches to address and advance a health and wellness issue that is of importance in their community. Projects should also establish or advance relationships across at least two different sectors, one being in the arts. 

Arts disciplines may include, but are not limited to:

• Performing arts, including dance, music, theater, musical theater, opera;
• Literary arts, including fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry;
• Visual arts, including craft, drawing, experimental, painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media;
• Film or media;
• Traditional and folk arts, including music, craft, storytelling, dance; or
• Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary artforms.

Community impact areas may include, but are not limited to:

• Physical (overall well-being and the ability of the body to function properly);
• Mental/Emotional (overall well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life and their emotions);
• Social (overall well-being that stems from connection and community); or
• Occupational (overall physical, mental, and social well-being of workers). 

Matching Requirements

The minimum grant request is $5,000 and the maximum request is $15,000 (subject to funding availability). A match of at least 1:2 is required; meaning for each grant dollar, the grantee must provide $.50 towards the project expenses. For returning grantees, in cycles two and three, the maximum request is $10,000 (subject to funding availability).

Up to half of the match may be comprised of in-kind contributions such as donated materials, donated services, or other contributed non-cash assets or staff time diverted to this project. At least half of the match must be cash. For staff time diverted to this project, up to 10% of the total project expenses, but no more than $5,000 can be included as a cash expense or cash match for staff time. The remaining staff time must be an in-kind contribution. Contracted individuals and services specifically for this project are eligible cash expenses. 

Detailed Program Description

Grants of up to $2,500 for organizations to make arts programs accessible to persons with disabilities.

The Southeast is home to some of the world’s more diverse and vibrant artistic communities. At South Arts, we believe that the arts are for everyone. The arts enrich the lives of people of all abilities and backgrounds. In our commitment to amplifying the success of the Southeast’s arts ecology, South Arts offers micro-funding to supplement the efforts of arts organizations throughout our service area.

Art making is for everyone too! South Arts encourages arts organizations to hire artistic personnel of all abilities at all levels; for these grants in particular, we encourage arts organizations to work directly with artists who identify as disabled. 

Through our partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, South Arts offers small grants that compliment existing efforts by arts organizations to include audiences and artists with disabilities. Accessibility micro-grants are available to support Nonprofit, 501c3, arts organizations located within the South Arts Service region states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. This funding program is open to a wide variety of organizations, including community cultural organizations, museums, performing arts presenters, theatre companies, visual arts and music organizations. Priority funding will be given to new applicants to South Arts.

South Arts has prioritized the following:

• South Arts prioritizes applications from BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ identifying organizations.
• South Arts prioritizes applications from organizations led by persons with disabilities or organizations that provide significant programming to artists or audiences with disabilities.
• South Arts is committed to funding artists organizations in rural communities (with populations under 50,000).
• Primary consideration will be given to new applicants.

Usage of Funds

Grants awards may reimburse the applicant for any combination of qualifying expenses incurred during the grant period. Projects may include but are not limited to the following:

Programs

• Usage of large print or braille program materials for patrons/audiences with low vision
• Artist/consultant fees to provide accessibility training or audits
• Transportation of constituents or performers with disabilities
• Preparation for special exhibitions (i.e. space modifications or accessibility audit)
• Audio description
• Sign language interpretation
• Website accessibility
• Docent training for visual or audio enhancement
• Consultant fee to develop an overall accessibility plan for your organization
• Inclusive programming
• Staff training to learn about accessibility as it relates to programming, operations, or facilities modifications (i.e. travel to a workshop and/or training)
• Other accommodations that make programs accessible

Facilities Enhancements

• Accessibility signage for exterior and/or interior space
• Modification of restroom(s) signage
• Modification to drinking fountain(s) signage
• Installation of Braille plaques

Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) Grant

MTM Core Values:

• Motivate 
• Appreciate 
• Relate 
• Collaborate 
• Innovate

Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) strives to impact our greater community the same way we do our team members, with Mendomi - or caring for each other as family. MTM is a hometown company committed to providing support for our diverse community by supporting inclusive programs that include the quality of life in our community.

Focus Areas: 

• Education: PreK-12 STEM programs in and outside of schools; preference for programs supporting low-to-moderate income students 
• Economic Impact: Workforce development in the form of education, training, and supportive services that advances our community's ability to respond to our economic and job growth in our three-county area
• Quality of Life: Programs moving the needle to improve the lives of people in North Alabama

Grant Amount: Up to $20,000

Geographic Focus: Limestone, Madison, or Morgan Counties in Alabama

Funding Priorities: 

• Fits closely with MTM Fund Description
• Ties into one of the MTM Focus Areas 
• Project timeline of at least one year (not a one-time event)
• Offers unique programming and/or is collaborative in nature 
• Provides clear and measurable outcomes 

Grantee Responsibilities: Successful grantees will be required to sign a Grant Agreement prior to receiving funding. The Grantee must also report back on the use of the grant funding and what measurable outcomes were achieved as a result of the funded project. 

Pathway to Sustainability Fund

he Pathway to Sustainability Fund was established to support a cohort of nonprofits intentionally focus their work as it relates to their mission, collaborate to leverage resources, and track outcomes in order to strengthen their organizations and our community.

Fund Description: The Pathway to Sustainability Fund is a collaboration fund to incentivize Madison County direct social service organizations who provide case management to do the following:

• Focus on their mission
• Collaborate to leverage resources
• Track outcomes
• Strengthen organizations and their community

Progress on the Pathway is not linear but progress is possible. Each client’s journey will be unique and organizations will need to work with each client on an individual basis to understand and provide support for their journey. This is not an exhaustive list of client experiences in each phase of the Pathway. It is also not a complete list of possible Focus Areas. Each organization may determine what their clients’ experience looks like and where the organization can intentionally focus its efforts to be most effective.

Crisis

• Likely unemployed & struggle to meet basic needs
• May rely entirely on family, friends, agencies, & other assistance to get by
• May struggle with addiction & mental health issues
• May even engage in illegal activities to survive
• Feel hopeless, helpless, isolated

• Homeless Shelters
• Mental Health Crisis Care
• Hospital Emergency Care
• Law Enforcement
• Domestic Violence Programs
• Basic Needs (food, clothing,shelter, utility assistance)

Transition

• May have obtained part-time employment but still struggle to make ends meet
• Begin to access government and other resources
• Have found a safer living environment
• May enter recovery programs
• Begin accessing legal services

• Transitional Housing Programs
• Health Care Programs
• Child Care Assistance
• Transportation Assistance
• Mental Health, Substance Abuse & Recovery
• Legal services & Court Systems
• Job skills & Employment Programs

Stability

• Earn an hourly wage & regular paycheck & benefits
• Can pay their bills on time & reduce debt
• Have found permanent, safe, affordable housing
• May increase skills and education
• Rely more on their own resources with less outside assistance

• Affordable Housing
• Education & Certification Programs
• Quality Child Care Programs
• Workforce Development
• Financial Counseling
• Health Care & Insurance

Growth

• Permanent employment with good pay, benefits, & opportunities to advance
• May become homeowners
• May even start a business & employ others
• Comfortably meet needs & some wants

• Home-ownership Programs
• Financial Institutions
• Investment Advisers
• Two & Four Year Colleges
• Wellness Centers
• Entrepreneurial Programs
• Personal & Spiritual Growth

Abundance

• Become self-reliant with a sense of having enough & some to spare
• Plan for retirement and build wealth
• Continue to give back by being generous in many ways, including mentoring others
• Worry less & experience peace of mind

Focus Areas

• Philanthropy
• Volunteering & Mentoring Programs
• Civic Engagement & Leadership Development
• Life-Long Learning Opportunities
• Asset Creation & Growth
• Spiritual Development

Why We Created The Pathway To Sustainability

Our vision is to end generational poverty. We believe that is only possible by working with one client at a time and making intentional investments to break down barriers to progress. We know we can’t do it alone. We work with a variety of community partners who share our vision to close service gaps and help our participants move toward self-reliance.

We started the Community Connections project to help create a community wide collaborative care network that now has almost 200 organizations working together on our network. The next step is to create a community model to help each organization on the network find a focus and work in their area of strength. We hope that, as a result, we will all better serve our clients, reduce duplication of services, and leverage community resources.

Using inspiration from change models in other communities, we have created the Pathway model with input from local organizations. We hope the model will start a community conversation about focusing on what we each do best as we work together to help our clients progress toward self-reliance.

Honda’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) vision is to help people fulfill their life’s potential. We support this vision by investing in the communities where we live and work through meaningful funding opportunities. Honda CSR funding is available through two sources: Honda corporate and the Honda USA Foundation.  

Honda corporate and the Honda USA Foundation provide funding opportunities for programmatic support. 

Programmatic Support

Honda corporate and the Honda USA Foundation provide funding to nonprofit organizations and schools to support high impact programs that align with our Pillar Awards. 

Year-over-year certain Pillar Awards may not always be open for funding, are subject to change, and in some cases, Honda may extend invitation-only opportunities to select community partners.  

The application window for programmatic funding opens each fall with decisions announced the following spring. 

Honda Corporate Funding

Honda’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) vision is to help people fulfill their life’s potential. We do this by supporting the communities where we live and work through financial contributions and the volunteer efforts of Honda associates.

Honda offers funding opportunities for programmatic support and community event sponsorships.

Programmatic Support

Honda and the Honda USA Foundation provide funding to nonprofit organizations and schools to support programs that align with our pillar award categories.

Year-over-year certain pillar award categories may not always be open for funding, are subject to change, and in some cases, Honda may extend invitation-only opportunities to select community partners.

Education Pillar Award:

As Honda strives to cultivate a future-ready workforce, we are seeking to support hands-on programs that provide manufacturing industry-relevant workforce pipeline initiatives focused on design, software/data analytics and artificial intelligence/machine learning/automation.

Our overarching goal is to inspire the next generation, fostering a resilient and innovative workforce that will drive our future success and contribute to economic prosperity within our communities where we live and work.

Only programs that strengthen the manufacturing workforce pipeline by preparing individuals for current operations and future innovations will be considered.

Honda Corporate Funding

Honda’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) vision is to help people fulfill their life’s potential. We do this by supporting the communities where we live and work through financial contributions and the volunteer efforts of Honda associates.

Honda offers funding opportunities for programmatic support and community event sponsorships.

Programmatic Support

Honda and the Honda USA Foundation provide funding to nonprofit organizations and schools to support programs that align with our pillar award categories.

Year-over-year certain pillar award categories may not always be open for funding, are subject to change, and in some cases, Honda may extend invitation-only opportunities to select community partners.

Environment Pillar Award:

Honda is working to reduce our environmental impact, which is central to our sustainability vision. Our approach focuses on three key areas: decarbonizing our products and operations, using clean energy, and using natural resources efficiently. Through education, awareness, and infrastructure programs, we are seeking to support programs within our communities that share our mission to protect the health of our planet.

Honda USA Foundation Funding

The Honda USA Foundation gives back to the communities where our associates live and work through programmatic grant opportunities.

Programmatic Support

Honda and the Honda USA Foundation provide funding to nonprofit organizations and schools to support programs that align with our pillar award categories.

Year-over-year certain pillar award categories may not always be open for funding and are subject to change. Full details of the pillar award categories will be made available each fall when the program application opens.

Mobility Pillar Award:

The Honda USA Foundation envisions a world where each person is empowered to dream and fulfill their own life’s potential. We are seeking to fund programs that remove barriers and expand access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that the joy and freedom of mobility can be experienced by all.

Applications for education, awareness, and infrastructure programs may include:

• Therapeutic or adaptive programs
• Comprehensive care programs
• Mobility modifications, accommodations, and assistive technology