Best Shelby County Grants for Nonprofits in Alabama

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.

The Steel Dynamics Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life and local economies by supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Priorities include higher education, economic development, and human services, particularly in communities where Steel Dynamics operates. Grants are awarded based on community impact, employee involvement, and organizational integrity. Applicants must demonstrate a strong ethical track record and effective community engagement to qualify for funding opportunities.

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 Competitive Grants: Cycle 2 by the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham supports nonprofits in Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, and St. Clair Counties. Grants are available for projects focused on Thriving Communities, Equity and Inclusion, and Economic Opportunity. Organizations can apply for one- to three-year funding, with amounts typically ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities, while ineligible funding includes support for individuals and political organizations.

The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham offers competitive grants in various priority areas, focusing on equity, economic opportunity, and regional cooperation. Grants are available for strategic purposes, general operating support for emerging organizations, and established organizations. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profits and government entities serving specific Alabama counties. The foundation aims to foster inclusive, thriving communities through collaborative efforts, addressing persistent poverty and promoting holistic growth and well-being.

The EBSCO Community Impact Grant Program supports initiatives in education, environment, human services, and arts and culture. This grant is available to 501(c)(3) organizations serving specific counties in Alabama. Applicants may submit a Letter of Inquiry, but full proposals are by invitation only. EBSCO is dedicated to enhancing community well-being through innovative programs that promote equitable education, environmental protection, and access to basic human services.

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.

ATI Physical Therapy is dedicated to enhancing community health and wellness through its sponsorship and donation initiatives. With a mission to exceed customer expectations, ATI actively engages in philanthropic efforts that improve lives and promote quality care beyond clinic walls. They encourage requests for support while emphasizing a review process that ensures timely responses. Partnering with local organizations, ATI aims to elevate awareness of health and wellness, impacting thousands of lives each year.

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.

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 Pleiad Foundation, a private family charitable organization in Birmingham, Alabama, supports local non-profits focused on education, medical research, and the arts. Annually, they provide funding to 20-30 organizations that align with their mission, having donated over $17.5 million since their inception in 1996. They meet once a year in January to make funding decisions, prioritizing causes that reflect the interests of their family members.

The Shelby County Community Health Foundation Grant aims to enhance health and well-being in Shelby County, Alabama. It prioritizes projects focusing on preventative healthcare, youth education, and substance abuse prevention. Nonprofits and governmental organizations are eligible, but multi-year grantees must wait before reapplying. The foundation encourages collaborative proposals and emphasizes the need for future funding plans. Overall, the foundation seeks impactful initiatives that contribute to the community's health and wellness.

The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge Grant aims to foster cross-sector partnerships that enhance career-connected learning for youth aged 11-22 in Central Alabama. By encouraging collaboration among local organizations, employers, and community stakeholders, the initiative seeks innovative solutions that promote skills development, self-efficacy, and workforce readiness. Grants of up to $250K are available to support transformative educational programs that address local labor market needs and empower young learners to navigate their career pathways.

The Mike & Gillian Goodrich Foundation offers Program, Operating, and Capital Campaign Grants to support nonprofit organizations in the Birmingham area and the Black Belt of Alabama. Since 2009, it has distributed over $26 million to enhance education, neighborhood revitalization, cultural arts, and environmental initiatives. Applications are accepted quarterly, with specific deadlines for different types of grants, ensuring that funds align with the Foundation's mission to strengthen communities and improve quality of life.

The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge Grant focuses on advancing career-connected learning for youth in Central Alabama. It encourages partnerships between local and national organizations to create scalable educational models. With a grant of up to $250K over 12 to 24 months, this initiative aims to foster community engagement and develop impactful programs tailored to local needs. The Challenge emphasizes collaboration with employers to enhance career pathways and ensure learners acquire valuable skills for future success.

Women's Breast Health Fund

The Women’s Breast Health Fund is a field of interest fund that provides support for holistic breast cancer care for women and their loved ones throughout the region served by the Community Foundation (Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair and Walker counties).

The Fund’s mission covers the entire breast cancer continuum from diagnosis through follow up care throughout the life of the survivor with this focus: to make life better for women and their loved ones who are facing this disease.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

The Remy Fund for Pets and Animal Services, established by philanthropist Ken Jackson in memory of his dog Remy, supports organizations focused on traditional companion animals in Alabama. Priorities include rescue, spay/neuter programs, animal-assisted therapy, and educational advocacy. Since its inception in 2011, the fund has awarded over $500,000 to enhance the welfare of pets and promote humane treatment.

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 Philip A. Morris Fund for the Design Arts, established by Philip Morris in 2015, aims to enhance community awareness of the design arts and their impact. This fund supports various design initiatives, including urban planning and architecture, through grants awarded annually. Eligible applicants, primarily nonprofit organizations serving specific Alabama counties, can request funding for new programs or operational support. The fund emphasizes community building and collaboration within the design arts sector in the Greater Birmingham area.

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 BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

CFGB Grants: LGBTQ Fund

The mission of this Fund is to cultivate one community that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning individuals and families with the belief that all people should be treated with equal respect and dignity in a welcoming and affirming community.

Empowering Equality at the LGBTQ Fund

The LGBTQ Fund is a charitable endowment at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham that supports programs in Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount, and Walker counties :

• Strengthen the infrastructure of organizations led by or serving LGBTQ persons
• Support the provision of services to LGBTQ youth, individuals and families
• Provide educational opportunities that highlight the needs of the LGBTQ community
• Advance collaboration between LGBTQ organizations and other community organizations
• Support nonprofit partners working on public policy and social justice issues that intersect with LGBTQ concerns

The Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (BOLD) Grant Program, initiated by the City of Birmingham’s Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity, invites innovative proposals for enhancing economic development. With a focus on fostering resilience and mobility, the program aims to support women-, minority-, and disadvantaged-owned businesses. Now entering its seventh year, BOLD seeks to collaborate with community organizations to cultivate an inclusive and thriving economic landscape in Birmingham.

The Joseph S. Bruno Charitable Foundation Grant aims to foster a supportive community for families and children in Birmingham, emphasizing health, education, and collaboration. The foundation prioritizes programs that enhance access to healthcare and education for underserved populations, while also providing technical assistance and partnerships. By focusing on holistic community improvement and collaboration with various stakeholders, the foundation seeks to create a lasting impact through strategic grantmaking and support.

The JLB Academic Scholarship, provided by the Junior League of Birmingham, supports women in their pursuit of higher education. Established in 2012, this annual non-renewable scholarship awards between $1,000 and $2,500 to deserving candidates based on financial need and leadership potential. Eligibility includes residency in Jefferson or Shelby County, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and active community involvement. The scholarship fosters the development of future leaders in Birmingham, emphasizing the importance of women’s leadership.