Best Macon County Grants for Nonprofits in Alabama

The Central Alabama Family Wellness and Education Grants support nonprofit organizations enhancing community welfare in Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery counties. Grants focus on various needs, including family wellness, education, mental health, and diabetes prevention. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for funding ranging from $1,300 to $25,000 to address critical community issues and strengthen their operational capabilities. This initiative aims to improve quality of life and promote healthier communities through targeted assistance.

The Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative aims to revitalize communities impacted by coal industry transitions. This initiative provides funding for projects that diversify local economies, enhance job training, and create new employment opportunities. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the POWER Initiative supports strategic investments that align with regional economic development plans, ensuring a more resilient future for coal-affected areas.

The Longleaf Landscape Stewardship Fund Grant, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), provides funding for projects aimed at restoring and conserving longleaf pine and bottomland hardwood forests. With approximately $30 million available for 2024, grants range from $250,000 to $3,000,000. This initiative, supported by various federal and private entities, emphasizes the importance of ecological preservation and sustainable land management practices.

About Us

For more than eight decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $6 billion and help more than 550,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 11,000 students scholarships, worth more than $62 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

This three-pronged approach is powerful: Since our founding in 1944, we’ve helped to more than double the number of minorities attending college. The six-year graduation rate for UNCF African American scholarship recipients is 70%. This is 11% higher than the national average and 31% higher than the national average for all African Americans.

Thelma M. Shafran Endowed Scholarship

Cox Enterprises Scholarship Program

A need-based scholarship for students attending UNCF member institutions with preference given to students majoring in STEM.

Individual Award

• Up to $5,000

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants to support communities in the U.S. and Canada where the company operates. Focused on affordable housing, education, environmental stewardship, and more, the fund emphasizes projects that meet local needs and demonstrate community support. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round with a deadline for 2025 on September 30. National initiatives related to working forests are funded by invitation only.

About the Foundation

For more than 35 years, the Central Alabama Community Foundation (CACF) has been a trusted partner in strengthening communities across the River Region, the Wiregrass, and East Alabama. Established in 1987 by civic leaders with a vision to create a permanent charitable foundation, CACF now manages more than $100 million in charitable assets and has distributed over $75 million to organizations serving local needs.

Through the generosity of individual and corporate donors, CACF awards over $6 million each year in grants and scholarships that address critical community priorities. With more than 230 charitable funds, the Foundation supports initiatives in education, health, human services, cultural arts, recreation, historic preservation, and other civic concerns—all designed to create a better quality of life for those who live and work in Central Alabama.

The Hospice of Montgomery Grant

This grant shall be used for the purpose of sustaining the mission of Hospice of Montgomery by supporting an organization serving individuals and families of individuals in the River Region receiving end of life hospice or palliative care.

Detroit HBCU Scholarship Endowment

This generous Detroit HBCU Scholarship provides need-based awards to support students who are in one of the eligible zip codes of Detroit.

The purpose of the Detroit HBCU Scholarship Endowment Fund is to provide 1 (one) annual, renewable, and need-based scholarships up to $5,000 (five-thousand dollars) to students graduating from a high school with a Detroit address or students transferring from a metro-Detroit community college to attend a partner HBCU.

The Mapp Family Foundation Grant aims to support 501(c)3 organizations in Central & South Mississippi and Coastal Alabama. With a focus on aiding vulnerable people and animals, the foundation encourages applications for grants up to $5,000. The foundation prioritizes compassionate care, striving to enhance the quality of life for those in need. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt entities or governmental agencies, while individuals are ineligible for funding.

The Alabama Power Foundation offers grants to support initiatives in education, arts, community development, health, and environmental stewardship. These grants aim to address community needs, promote collaboration, and ensure sustainability. Eligible projects can lead to lasting improvements and must serve underserved populations. The foundation seeks to foster a diverse range of programs that enhance quality of life and educational opportunities while adhering to strict eligibility criteria.

The CFEA Mini Grants program offers three $500 grants annually to nonprofits operating for 2-5 years in the Lee, Macon, Tallapoosa, Chambers, or Russell counties. These grants provide flexible, unrestricted funding for general operating support, enabling organizations to pursue their missions effectively. Eligible applicants must demonstrate community need and submit a 501(c)(3) tax determination letter, mission statement, and measurable objectives. This initiative strengthens local nonprofits and fosters community development.

The CACF: Central AL Cultural and Community Enhancement Grants support 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Montgomery, Lowndes, and Macon counties. These grants aim to enhance community quality of life through social services, shelter, community building, and the arts. Nonprofits can apply for Community Trust Grants between $5,000 and $25,000 or Technical Assistance Grants up to $2,500 to improve internal operations and effectiveness. Applications are encouraged to strengthen local community initiatives.

The Educational Foundation of America (EFA) supports the Reproductive Health & Justice Grant Program to enhance access to abortion and contraception throughout the U.S., particularly in Appalachia, Alabama, and Florida. EFA funds innovative organizations that advocate for reproductive rights, provide direct support to abortion services, and leverage impact investing strategies. This commitment aims to ensure reproductive freedom, foster equity, and promote sustainability in underserved communities.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

East Alabama: Community Trust Grants

Community Trust Grants are available for services and programs provided by any nonprofit in the East Alabama area.

Nonprofit organizations may submit one EACF Community Trust Grant application for a maximum award of $3,000.

Delta Workforce Grant Program

The Delta Workforce Grant Program (DWP) is an initiative designed to build long-term community capacity and increase economic competitiveness by providing grants to support workforce training and education programs throughout the lower Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions.

DWP supports projects and initiatives that create a more vibrant economic future for the Delta region by expanding opportunities to recruit, train, and retain a diverse and local workforce; aligning workforce and economic development strategies; creating sustainable talent pipelines; establishing or enhancing locally/regionally significant sector-based partnerships; and supporting enhanced workforce productivity through investments in innovative programming or services.

NBA Foundation San Francisco Bay Area Scholarship

The NBA Foundation has partnered with UNCF to provide a grant opportunity for eligible residents of the San Francisco Bay Area for up to an amount of $5,000. 

Foot Locker Foundation, Inc-UNCF Scholarship

Foot Locker Foundation, Inc. has partnered with UNCF to fund this scholarship program for students attending a UNCF member college or university during the 2026-2027 school year.

Foot Locker Foundation works to improve upward mobility to build a more equitable and inclusive future through education, economic development and community empowerment. For nearly twenty years, it has partnered with leading organizations helping to mobilize and uplift local communities. 

When applying, a UNCF member school will appear in the drop down options in the application. 

Completed application packages include: transcript, essay, and one letter of recommendation from a faculty member, employer or other community member familiar with your academic performance. All information will be submitted in the appropriate section of the online application.

Individual Award

• Up to $5,000.00

The Black Belt Community Foundation is launching its 2025 Arts and Community Grants Cycle on January 7, 2025, offering grants to support arts organizations and community-based nonprofits in Alabama’s Black Belt region. Grants range from $500 to $3,500 for arts initiatives and $500 to $5,000 for community projects. Organizations from 12 counties are encouraged to apply, and attendance at virtual workshops is recommended for first-time applicants.

The ARISE Grants, offered by the Appalachian Regional Commission, aim to drive regional economic transformation across 13 Appalachian states. With funding of up to $63.5 million for implementation grants and $10 million maximum awards, the initiative supports collaborative projects that enhance community capacity and economic growth. The program encourages innovative partnerships to strengthen local economies and achieve socioeconomic parity, benefiting over 26 million residents in the Appalachian Region.

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

Joe Williams Music Scholarship Program

The Joe Williams Music Scholarship Program was created to help provide funding to students who desire to major in the study of music.

Individual Award

• Up to $6,000

This scholarship will be disbursed for the current 2025-2026 school year. 

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Mid-South RC&D Council Grant aims to improve the quality of life in Autauga, Bullock, Butler, Elmore, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery counties. Established in 1993, this nonprofit organization focuses on community needs through education and resource enhancement. Key priorities include community improvement, workforce development, emergency preparedness, and youth and adult programs. The council supports initiatives that promote economic development, training, and technology resources to benefit local citizens.

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change provides a renewable need-based scholarship to male students attending an accredited, four-year Historically Black College or University (“HBCU”).

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change award recipients will receive a 2026-2027 academic year award of up to $4,000 based on need. UNCF will send electronic notification to the eligible recipients in April 2026; and scholarship funds will be disbursed to the eligible recipients’ enrolled institutions in the fall 2026.

Scholarship Renewal

If funds are available, recipients may be eligible for awards for up to four (4) additional years within a five (5) year period.

Previously awarded students shall be notified and must meet the following criteria:

• Maintain academic standing consistent with the student’s institution standards for continued enrollment.
• Annually complete FAFSA and continue to have a demonstrated unmet financial need, as verified by their college or university.

A student who transfers from an HBCU to any accredited four-year college or university after successfully completing at least one (1) academic term remains eligible for recurring awards for attendance at their new institution if they otherwise meet the renewal eligibility criteria.

A student who withdraws or takes a leave of absence, after completing at least one (1) academic year, has the equivalent of a full academic year to reenroll at any accredited four-year college or university.

The Jack L. Carr Scholarship, established by the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery, supports high school graduates pursuing engineering degrees. Funded by the Central Alabama Community Foundation, this scholarship emphasizes academic performance and financial need. Recipients can renew their scholarship for up to three additional years based on their college performance. Since its inception in 1987, the program has aimed to empower students in the River Region, fostering educational advancement and community growth.