Best Diversity Grants for Nonprofits in Alabama

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit organizations with at least five years of experience serving Black, Latina, and Native American women and girls in computing can seek support for recruitment and retention programs, including in Alabama. Reboot Representation Tech Coalition supports research-backed, college-level computing initiatives, with priority for multi-geo programs leveraging existing infrastructure and robust impact data.

Federally recognized HBCUs developing or expanding aquatic programming can receive US $5,000 - US $10,000 to fund competitive swimming or youth learn-to-swim activities, including in Alabama. With a mission to strengthen swimming in diverse communities, USA Swimming Foundation provides grants for youth water safety lessons and university-based swim clubs at HBCUs nationwide.

Swim lesson programs in Alabama that are approved members of the Swim Lesson Provider Network and hold a valid EIN can receive more than US $1,000 to expand youth learn-to-swim offerings. USA Swimming Foundation provides funding for free or reduced-cost lessons and transportation, prioritizing under-served and under-represented children under age 19, which may benefit diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

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.

Senior chemistry, physics, or astronomy faculty and researchers in the U.S. or Canada can receive a US $5,000 cash prize for excellence in research, teaching, and inclusive mentorship. Research Corporation provides Alabama diversity, equity, and inclusion leaders in the physical sciences with recognition, Cottrell Scholar community membership, and access to additional Cottrell Plus and collaborative opportunities.

The NINDS Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD) K99/R00 program promotes diversity by supporting new independent investigators from underrepresented backgrounds in AD/ADRD research. This award facilitates a transition from mentored postdoctoral positions to independent faculty roles, providing essential NIH research support. Applicants must propose research that does not involve leading a clinical trial but may include participation in trials led by mentors. Key deadlines for applications span from October 2024 to June 2027.

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.