Best Diversity Grants for Nonprofits in Alabama

Alabama artists and culture bearers of color leading social change projects can access funding through the National Performance Network’s Southern Artists for Social Change program. Grants up to US $25,000 support civic practice projects in any discipline that center racial justice and collaborate with community partners, with eligibility also extending to BIPOC artists in Louisiana and Mississippi.

African American graduating high school seniors from Calhoun County pursuing full-time study at Alabama State University can receive one-time scholarship support for an associate, bachelor’s degree, or approved workforce training program in Alabama. Alabama students seeking diversity, equity, and inclusion–oriented higher education support can access this funding via the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama’s ASU Alumni Scholarship Fund.

Alabama NCAA Division II schools and multisport conference offices seeking to fund full-time entry-level athletics administration internships focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion can apply for this grant. Offered by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, it provides US $30,000 for intern salary plus professional development support to increase ethnic minority and women’s representation.

Alabama NCAA Division II conferences and institutions seeking to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion in athletics administration can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Grants support full-time mid- to senior-level administrative roles focused on strategic planning, compliance, fundraising, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare, with a five-year commitment and national eligibility across member schools.

With a mission to expand diversity in athletic coaching, National Collegiate Athletic Association provides Alabama NCAA Division II member schools with multi-year support for new assistant coaching positions. Eligible institutions can receive US $48,000 over three years to help cover salary, wages, and benefits for coaches from underrepresented ethnic and gender groups.

Alabama NCAA Division III member colleges seeking to create new assistant coaching positions that increase ethnic minority and gender representation can receive salary support through this coaching enhancement grant. National Collegiate Athletic Association funding helps cover two years of wages and benefits, with institutions required to match funds while advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in athletics.

NCAA Division III conferences and institutions working to increase ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles in Alabama can apply for this Strategic Alliance Matching Grant. National Collegiate Athletic Association funding supports full-time positions with responsibilities such as strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare over a five-year commitment.

Alabama diversity, equity, and inclusion organizations conducting health-related biomedical research can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to support both scientific projects and DEIA activities. Eligible investigators must be contributing significantly to DEIA, lack current NIH research project funding, and may work anywhere in the U.S. or its territories.

Promising late-stage biomedical graduate students from diverse backgrounds in Alabama can apply for research training support from the National Institutes of Health through this F99/K00 award. This two-phase program funds completion of doctoral research and supports transition into mentored postdoctoral positions, including cohort-based mentoring, networking, and professional development activities.

Alabama graduate students conducting dissertation research on aging and aging-related health conditions can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to support projects that advance diversity in the scientific workforce. This U.S. Department of Health & Human Services opportunity offers up to US $142,312 for work aligned with NIA’s strategic priorities, including diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Alabama research institutions and similar organizations advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in health-related science can seek R01 project support through the National Institutes of Health. NIH provides funding for independent research by New Investigators and At-Risk Investigators from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, supporting scientific work across medicine, science, and medical education.

Postdoctoral research scientists from nationally underrepresented backgrounds conducting cancer-related biomedical, behavioral, clinical, or social science work in the U.S., including Alabama, can receive career development support through this NIH K22 award. The program provides three years of protected time via salary and research support to help launch independent academic research careers that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in oncology.

Alabama diversity, equity, and inclusion–focused medical researchers affiliated with NCATS CTSA Program institutions can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to advance small clinical and translational science projects. Grants up to US $100,000 support pilot studies, secondary data analyses, methodology development, or new research technologies that help early-career scholars move toward independent research careers.

Early Stage and New Investigators conducting independent research on deafness, communication disorders, or related health fields can apply for up to US $2,500,000 in R01 funding from the National Institutes of Health. Alabama-based researchers, including those from groups underrepresented in health-related sciences, may be eligible to support diversity-focused workforce development in these areas.

Nurses in the U.S. pursuing advanced degrees to become or advance as full-time nurse educators can receive $8,000 for tuition, books, and research expenses. Focused on nursing and diversity, equity, and inclusion, the National League for Nursing scholarship may benefit Alabama nurses working toward educator roles in accredited programs.

The NLN Cecelia Lou Vriheas Scholarship Award offers an $8,000 scholarship to first-generation nursing students from historically marginalized groups pursuing advanced degrees. This award aims to support those committed to becoming full-time nurse educators. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited nursing programs and demonstrate academic excellence. The scholarship can be used for tuition, books, and related expenses, fostering diversity in nursing education and leadership.

The Emerging Voices Fellowship offers a five-month virtual mentorship for early-career writers from underrepresented communities, including Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and disabled individuals. This program aims to enhance their publishing skills through one-on-one mentorship, workshops, and access to industry professionals. Participants also benefit from community-building events and an honorarium. Established by PEN America, this fellowship seeks to diversify the literary landscape and is open to various genres, fostering creative growth and professional development in a supportive environment.

The T32 Training Program aims to enhance the participation of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, and sleep disorders research. This initiative, funded by the NIH, supports institutions committed to diversity and health disparity populations. By providing training opportunities for students and postdoctoral trainees, the program seeks to foster research that improves health outcomes for these communities. Note that appointed trainees cannot lead independent clinical trials but can gain experience in trials conducted by mentors.

The Stanley C. Israel Regional Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences recognizes individuals or institutions promoting inclusiveness in the chemical sciences. This award includes a medal, a $1,250 grant, and reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,500 for attending the ACS regional meeting where the award is presented. Eligible nominees must foster programs that increase participation from diverse groups in the chemical enterprise.

Local Data for Equitable Communities CFP

This call for proposals (CFP) invites eligible nonprofit organizations in the U.S. to apply for a grant to collect, analyze, and use data to address inequities in the physical, economic, and social conditions of a place. Improving these conditions is key to achieving health equity where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. Structural racism is one of the leading barriers that results in inequities in conditions within and across communities. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) expects to award up to 30 grants of $50,000 each, with a period of performance of nine months. The Urban Institute, as the national coordinating center for this program, is collaborating with RWJF on program design, grantee support, and communications.

Local data can be valuable tools to make progress on building places that offer everyone the chance to be as healthy as possible. Community organizations and residents can use data to understand challenges, set priorities, advocate for what is important to them, and hold others accountable for promised changes.

The goals of the Local Data for Equitable Communities grant program are to:

• Inform public policy and improve the physical, social, and economic conditions of places
• Build local capacity to use data for action
• Strengthen the use of equitable data practices
• Document successful practices for more communities to learn from and adapt

Funding

• Type of Award: Awards funded under this opportunity will be structured as grants.
• Number of Awards: Up to 30 awards will be funded.
• Amount of Award: Each award will be up to and including $50,000.
• Award Duration: Awards will be nine months.

The ACS Award for Encouraging Women Into Careers in the Chemical Sciences recognizes individuals who promote women's interests in chemistry, fostering their professional development. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize, a certificate, and a $10,000 grant to an academic institution designated by the recipient. Additionally, up to $1,500 for travel expenses to the award presentation will be reimbursed. This initiative highlights the importance of diversity in the chemical sciences and supports women's career advancement.

The Nathan Cummings Foundation offers Venture Grants to support social entrepreneurs with innovative solutions addressing inequality and climate change. These short-term grants aim to foster partnerships and expedite necessary funding. The foundation prioritizes projects aligned with its mission of advancing racial, economic, and environmental justice, focusing on systemic change through a holistic approach. Eligible applicants must demonstrate alignment with the foundation's values of diversity, equity, and inclusion to qualify for funding opportunities.

The Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity (GFSD) aims to increase the number of American citizens with graduate degrees in STEM fields, focusing on a diverse applicant pool. Founded in 1989, GFSD supports various disciplines, including Astronomy, Biomedical Engineering, and Physics, through partnerships with universities and employers. Each fellowship can last from two to six years, with an annual fee of $27,000, covering both expenses for fellows and operational costs for GFSD. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet specific academic requirements.

The NINDS Faculty Development Award aims to enhance diversity in neuroscience research by supporting junior faculty from underrepresented backgrounds. This award provides essential research cost support, protected research time, and mentorship for individuals holding doctoral degrees within their first three years on a faculty tenure track. It specifically encourages research proposals that do not involve independent clinical trials, while allowing participation in trials led by mentors. Key application deadlines span from October 2024 to June 2027.

The Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) program aims to enhance diversity in the research workforce by supporting early career investigators from underrepresented backgrounds. This initiative includes a K99/R00 career transition award for postdoctoral scholars and a UE5 cooperative agreement to foster mentoring, networking, and professional development. With multiple application deadlines from 2024 to 2027, MOSAIC is dedicated to facilitating successful transitions into tenure-track or equivalent research-intensive faculty roles.

The Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) program aims to enhance diversity in research by supporting early career investigators from underrepresented backgrounds. This initiative offers a K99/R00 career transition award for postdoctoral scholars and a UE5 cooperative agreement that provides mentorship and professional development. The program's goal is to ensure successful transitions into independent, tenure-track faculty roles in NIH mission areas, ultimately fostering a more inclusive scientific community.

The MOSAIC Organizational Research Education Award aims to enhance diversity in biomedical research by supporting educational initiatives for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. This NIH program focuses on developing skills through creative courses and mentoring activities designed for the next generation of researchers. Organizations with a proven track record in professional development and networking are encouraged to apply, helping to prepare K99/R00 grantees for successful faculty careers in research-intensive institutions.