Best Shelby County Grants for Nonprofits in Alabama

Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs works every day to positively impact Alabama communities through partnerships, grant programs, and services to spur community and economic development and enhance quality of life.

ADECA is a state agency that partners with leaders at the local level to positively impact and enhance the quality of life in Alabama communities through dozens of federal and state grant programs, surplus property, and water resource management.

Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program

The Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program (ARHTP) is designed to improve health outcomes, expand access to essential services, and strengthen healthcare infrastructure across the state’s rural communities. The program focuses on addressing longstanding access challenges, including provider shortages, geographic barriers, and gaps in specialty care, through partnerships with healthcare providers and community organizations. Emphasis is placed on prevention, early intervention, and improving access to care closer to home by leveraging innovative service delivery models and strengthening the rural healthcare workforce.

EMS Treat-in-Place Initiative

Funding Purpose

Funding under this NOFO is intended to support the development and implementation of EMS treat-inplace pilot programs that advance one or more initiative goals and align with the EMS Treat-in-Place strategy. Depending on the proposed scope of work, funding may support activities necessary to enable treat-in-place service delivery, including protocol development, telehealth consulting equipment, software, training, and other implementation needs necessary to support treat-in-place service delivery.

All funding under this opportunity is expected to be distributed through a competitive subaward process. Selected applicants will be treated as subrecipients and will be required to comply with all applicable federal, state, and programmatic requirements associated with the award.

Stark Community FoundationStark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.The Wayne D. Ackerman Scholarship FundThe Wayne D. Ackerman Scholarship Fund assists seniors from Stark County high schools who will graduate in May/June. Applicants must be accepted as full-time students at a four-year college or university, have a GPA of at least 3.0, and have demonstrated outstanding involvement in academics and extracurriculars.Renewable Scholarship: No

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.Thelma N. Cotey ScholarshipApplicants must be planning to pursue further education in the areas of medicine, business, or forestry. 

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.

ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.Simonen ScholarshipThe Paul & Alice Simonen Scholarship is offered to any Alger County resident planning to pursue post-secondary education at a college, university, vocational, or technical institute.

Preference will be given to an individual with future potential as evidenced by an exceptional record of achievement in school, community, and/or employment. Examples of achievement may include, but are not limited to, areas such as academics, fine arts, athletics, technology, volunteerism, service clubs, work/military experience.

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.

ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.Native American Education AwardGiven to a Native American graduate, applicants must have participated in Native Cultural/Academic activities, projects, or programs while attending MHS, be a participant in community service activities, and must have a minimum 2.0 overall GPA.

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.

ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.

Munising Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Unendowed FundGiven to an Alger County graduate who has completed one full year (2 semesters) in the medical field. Students may receive scholarships twice, providing college transcripts.

The James & Ursula Williams Teacher Grants Program : Field Trip Grants

As a born native of Vallejo, James was generationally admired for his enduring work ethic and was lovingly embraced for his dedication and support to family, friends, and community. Ursula’s self-motivation, persistence, and quest for excellence brought her professional recognition. As a community activist, she shared her leadership organizational skills as a member of community and political organizations who made positive contributions to the community.

In life, they created and took advantage of all opportunities presented to them. Both recognized the important role that education made in creating healthy, happy, and productive lives for themselves, their children, and their grandchildren. The Williams Family hopes to continue their legacy through The James & Ursula Williams Family Fund.

Field Trip Grants:

Grants of up to $1,000 are available to fund 1-day excursions; field trips should have an academic component that supplements your classroom curriculum. Funds can cover the cost of transportation, and admission fees. Examples: Vallejo Flood and Water District, the Exploratorium, etc. The purpose of this program is to bring learning outside of the classroom and provide hands-on experiences to students.

"Slipperman” Music Scholarship in Memory of Timothy J. Gilles

The “Slipperman” Music Scholarship in Memory of Timothy J. Gilles recognizes the hard-working graduates of Herkimer and Oneida counties pursuing their secondary education in a music-related field.

Candidates are identified by Utica Dollars for Scholars.

Judy Lutz Davidson Scholarship

A scholarship awarded to Marshall-area graduating seniors or previous graduates pursuing a degree in the legal support services, such as but not limited to legal secretary, paralegal, legal clerk, legal assistant, compliance specialist or title examiner. GPA is not a determining factor, however, transcripts are requested. Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years. 

Fred W. Homann Jr. Research and Education Scholarship

Scholarships awarded to Marshall area residents or former graduates pursuing higher education in the health sciences with preference given to applicants with a particular interest in research/preventative medicine. Applicants must maintain a 3.0 GPA average in their previous year of education, whether it be high school or college, or postgraduate. Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years. 

Ayla Lankerd Scholarship for Dreams

Applicants must exemplify Ayla’s attributes of independence, wittiness, intelligence, tenacity, nonconformity, courage, competitiveness, desire for perfection and quirky sense of humor. Ayla Lankerd was born on August 31, 2010 and attended Marshall Public Schools until a sudden illness took her from earth on June 8, 2021. Although she was only alive for 10 short years, she lived each moment to the fullest. She was a competitive gymnast and loved to play soccer and basketball. She liked owls, sloths, rainbows and peace signs. She was unapologetically herself. At one time, she wanted to cure cancer and then wanted to be a rock scientist (her words). She created beautiful artwork from the pictures in her mind. She was a leader, never really caring what others thought of her, only concerned with her self-realization. She had anxiety but always worked herself through it and overcame it. She always pushed through. This scholarship fund was created in her memory as a way to remember her beautiful soul that left this earth too soon. This scholarship also gives the family an opportunity to provide support to other students that embody Ayla’s personality traits so they can go forth and carry out their dreams whether it’s to cure cancer, become a rock scientist or make a living in artistry. 

The Desalination and Water Purification Research Program, led by the Bureau of Reclamation, aims to enhance water supply through innovative research in water treatment technologies. This initiative seeks proposals for laboratory and pilot-scale projects that demonstrate significant benefits and commercialization pathways. By addressing cost and energy barriers, the program aligns with federal priorities to improve resource management and support the development of sustainable water solutions for the American public.

The FY26 Bus Safety, Accessibility, and Innovation Notice of Funding Opportunity offers up to $10 million for innovative projects aimed at enhancing bus safety and accessibility. Administered by the Federal Transit Administration, this competitive grant invites applications for the development of concepts that improve safety for operators and vulnerable road users, ensuring that public transportation is safer and more accessible for all passengers.

The Fiscal Year 2027 Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) by the Department of Defense aims to enhance research capabilities at U.S. higher education institutions. It provides funding for the acquisition of essential research equipment to support education in fields critical to national defense. This initiative specifically excludes for-profit organizations, ensuring that the resources are directed towards accredited educational institutions committed to advancing scientific knowledge and engineering expertise.

The Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program (SPMGP) for FY 2026 aims to bolster the sheep industry in the U.S. by enhancing production and marketing initiatives. It supports innovative projects that address long-term challenges and improve infrastructure, business practices, and resource development. The program fosters collaboration among industry organizations to maximize benefits for sheep producers while minimizing duplicated efforts, ultimately strengthening the economic viability of the sector.

The Fiscal Year 2027 Department of War Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) aims to enhance the capabilities of U.S. higher education institutions by providing funding for essential research equipment. This initiative supports the education of scientists and engineers in fields critical to national defense. However, for-profit organizations are not eligible for participation, ensuring that funds are directed towards accredited educational institutions.

The FY 2027 DURIP program invites universities to submit proposals for purchasing essential research equipment and instrumentation that aligns with the Department of War's research priorities. This initiative aims to enhance educational experiences through research in fields crucial to national defense, supported by agencies such as the Army Research Office, Office of Naval Research, and Air Force Office of Scientific Research. Proposals should demonstrate the potential impact on student education and research capabilities.

This project aims to enhance health outcomes for women living with HIV in the South by integrating HIV care with comprehensive women's health services through coordinated Clinic and Community Collaboratives. By funding organizations to implement targeted strategies such as culturally responsive services and learning collaboratives, the initiative seeks to improve access to essential health services, increase the number of women initiating rapid ART, and foster sustainable healthcare models that address the unique needs of this population.

Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program: Maternal and Fetal Health Initiative

Program Overview

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program was authorized by Public Law 119-21 on July 4, 2025. The RHT Program is a $50 billion federal initiative planned to establish funding to strengthen rural hospitals and modernize the healthcare ecosystem for all 50 states. The RHT Program is designed to transform the rural healthcare ecosystem along five strategic axes: supporting rural health innovations, improving provider sustainability, developing the local healthcare workforce, expanding care delivery models, and testing technology-based solutions.

The Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program (ARHTP) is Alabama’s broader statewide framework for advancing the goals of the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program through coordinated, statedesigned strategies, initiatives, and investments intended to improve rural healthcare access, strengthen quality and delivery systems, support innovation, and promote long-term sustainability and accountability in rural communities. ARHTP is focused on transformational, practical approaches that strengthen provider networks, improve access to appropriate services closer to home, and support more resilient models of rural healthcare delivery across Alabama.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), on behalf of the ARHTP, invites eligible applicants to apply for funding under the Maternal and Fetal Health Initiative. The purpose of this initiative is to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes in rural Alabama by addressing gaps in access to care and strengthening the capacity of healthcare systems to provide maternal and fetal health services. This includes connecting rural healthcare facilities to regional maternal and fetal referral hubs and expanding access to specialized imaging services and telerobotic ultrasound devices necessary to ensure healthcare facilities have the capacity, connectivity, and resources required to provide appropriate maternal and fetal care services. This NOFO establishes the application requirements, review framework, and award parameters for competitive funding designed to accomplish the purpose of the initiative as set forth above.

The Maternal and Fetal Health Initiative is intended to support practical, scalable strategies that strengthen maternal healthcare delivery systems across rural Alabama. Consistent with the State’s ARHTP framework, this initiative supports projects involving the establishment and enhancement of regional maternal and fetal referral hubs, the acquisition and deployment of telerobotic ultrasound equipment, and equipment upgrades and minor building renovations or alterations necessary to provide appropriate services under the defined strategy categories described below.

Projects funded under this NOFO must serve rural Alabama, align with at least one of the defined Maternal and Fetal Health Initiative strategy categories listed below, and clearly demonstrate how the proposed project advances one or more of the initiative goals identified in this section. Applicants do not need to be physically located in a rural area to apply; however, each proposal must clearly demonstrate that the project is specifically designed to provide a direct benefit to rural Alabama communities, expectant mothers, infants, healthcare providers, or facilities participating in regional referral networks.

The Steven Scott Quinn Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, aims to support Stark County, Ohio residents pursuing higher education in fields such as culinary arts, hospitality, nursing, nutrition, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. This initiative reflects the Foundation's long-standing commitment to enhancing the community through philanthropy and addressing diverse educational needs since its inception in 1963.

The Stark County Medical Society Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, established in 1963, supports Stark County residents or graduates from local high schools who are pursuing accredited health care programs. This fund aims to assist students who have completed at least one year of their program, with a preference for those entering their final year of study. By investing in local students, the fund contributes to the development of future health care professionals in Ohio.

The Stark County Dairy Promoters Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to students from Stark County, Ohio. Eligible applicants must be pursuing college-level studies in dairy science, large animal veterinary medicine, human nutrition, or food science, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. This scholarship aims to support the next generation of leaders in these essential fields, fostering educational growth and community development.

The Stark County Bar Association Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, aims to support law students pursuing a Juris Doctorate at accredited law schools. Since its inception in 1963, the Foundation has been instrumental in transforming lives through philanthropic efforts. The scholarship prioritizes applicants from the Stark County area who demonstrate financial need and intend to practice law in their home community, fostering local legal talent and serving community needs.

The Sheriff W. Bruce Umpleby Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, supports Stark County residents who are high school graduates, aiming to pursue a career in law enforcement. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled in a post-secondary institution. This scholarship embodies the Foundation's commitment to empowering students and addressing community needs since its inception in 1963.

The Samuel Krugliak Legal Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, supports law students who demonstrate academic excellence and community commitment. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school and have ties to the Stark County Region. This scholarship aims to empower future legal professionals dedicated to serving their communities while fostering a diverse legal landscape.

The Ruth M. Cogan Foundation Trust Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, supports students from Stark County, Ohio pursuing college education in music. This fund aims to help graduating seniors or current college students who demonstrate a passion for music and embody the spiritual qualities exemplified by Ruth. Since 1963, the Foundation has evolved from a grantmaker to a community leader, transforming lives through philanthropy.

Digital Promise

Digital Promise is a global nonprofit working to expand opportunity for every learner. Working with a wide range of partners and practitioners in the U.S. and around the world, our initiatives have impacted over 4.4 million students and 180,000 teachers across 173 districts and in 27 countries to date.

Digital Promise was authorized by Congress in 2008, signed into law by President George W. Bush, and formally launched by President Barack Obama in September 2011. Startup support came from the U.S. Department of Education, Carnegie Corporation of New York, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Since then, Digital Promise has grown rapidly with support from both original and new funders.

AIMS EduData Initiative

The Advancing Innovative Math Solutions (AIMS) EduData Initiative, funded by the Gates Foundation, seeks to build sustainable and scalable research infrastructure to advance math learning. AIMS EduData especially encourages applications from graduate students and early career professionals, educators with research roles, such as those working in district research offices, and researchers located at minority serving institutions or Title I school districts. Successful applicants will conduct original research using datasets provided by leading digital learning platforms (DLPs) and participate in a growing community.

RightOn Education and Teachley Math RFP

For education researchers and practitioners

Benefits for successful applicants:

• Opportunity to investigate associations between features of a Digital Learning Platform and mechanisms supporting student learning, engagement, motivation, and instructional practice.
• Opportunity to contribute to the education R&D movement by expanding its capacity and skills, providing feedback to DLPs about the utility of their datasets and insights about their features, and demonstrating the affordances and value of conducting research through DLPs.
• Involvement in a dynamic, supportive community of digital learning providers and researchers
• Two proposals will be funded

This solicitation offers opportunities to run experiments in two DLPs. One enables research with Teachley Math, an intervention that includes interactive digital games and problem-solving modeling tools, lessons and formative assessment data for students in grades K-5. The second enables research with RightOn Education, an online digital learning platform for grades 7-10 that allows teachers to create or select math games, engage students in feedback and reflection on their thinking, and access real-time information about student misconceptions. 

Teachley Math

Teachley Math is particularly interested in research investigating:

• Through what mechanisms does feedback shape outcomes?
• What sequences of tool actions best predict eventual correctness?
• What are common error patterns and do they vary by grade level?
• Do process measures add predictive validity beyond final-answer accuracy?