Best Environmental Education Grants in Alabama

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Southern Partners Fund's Discretionary Fund Grant aims to support grassroots community organizing for social, economic, and environmental justice in the Southeastern United States. It provides financial resources and technical assistance to rural organizations and leaders focused on transformative change. Eligible applicants include self-governed rural groups engaging in advocacy and community development. The fund prioritizes education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement, allowing up to two requests per year, with a maximum award of $3,500.

The Vulcan Materials Company Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life through education, environmental stewardship, and employee involvement. Established in 1988, the Foundation supports public charities and government units, prioritizing proposals that improve public education and promote sustainable practices. Special consideration is given to initiatives that engage Vulcan employees and integrate multiple focus areas, ensuring a positive impact in the local communities where Vulcan operates.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

The Alabama Power Foundation's Elevate Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for Alabamians by empowering nonprofits to address pressing community needs. Focused on workforce development and removing barriers to success, this initiative supports organizations that exhibit strong fiscal management and accountability, while also targeting underserved populations. By providing tools and resources, the Elevate Grant strengthens nonprofits to expand their impact across Alabama, ensuring a brighter future for all.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

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 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 Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The Alabama Recycling Fund Grant, managed by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, supports local governments and nonprofits in enhancing or initiating recycling programs. This initiative promotes environmental stewardship by funding projects such as recycling bins, infrastructure, and educational outreach. Recent collaborations, like the Albertville-Boaz Recycling Authority, showcase successful partnerships aimed at increasing recycling efforts and community awareness. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofit organizations, ensuring comprehensive participation in sustainable practices.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Ruth & Lyle Taylor Endowment Fund Grant supports initiatives in historic preservation, environmental conservation, and civic engagement. Established by Lyle and Ruth Taylor, it funds organizations that educate about civic responsibilities and public participation. The grant cycles will alternate annually, focusing on environmental conservation in 2025, civic engagement in 2026, and historic preservation in 2027. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) charities, while programs such as debt reduction or political activities are excluded.

Governor’s Office of Volunteer Services

The Governor’s Office of Volunteer Services works to increase an ethic of service and volunteerism in the State of Alabama, strengthen the capacity of Alabama’s faith and community-based organizations, and promote collaboration among individuals and organizations striving to meet some of the greatest needs in our state.

Alabama AmeriCorps State Notice of Funding Opportunity

Grant Information

The Governor’s Office of Volunteer Services is seeking grant applicants to operate or develop AmeriCorps programs solely within Alabama. The AmeriCorps programs will enroll AmeriCorps volunteers (members) to address community-identified needs in one or more focus areas during their term of service: Disaster Services, Economic Opportunity, Education, Environmental Stewardship, Healthy Futures, or Veterans and Military Families. The Governor’s Office of Volunteer Services (GOVS) is the legal applicant to the federal AmeriCorps agency, and applicants applying under this notice are subgrantees of GOVS. Applicants will initially submit their grant to GOVS via email and successful applicants will enter the final grant application in eGrants for submission (when required) to the AmeriCorps agency. All program proposals will be required to align with and adhere to President Trump’s Executive Orders and directives: Executive Orders – The White House

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, in collaboration with NOAA, is offering funding to enhance environmental literacy and community resilience across the U.S. Gulf Coast. This initiative supports projects focused on local environmental challenges and solutions through place-based education. With $4M available, applicants can request between $100,000 and $750,000 for projects lasting 12 to 36 months, aimed at engaging community members and fostering future leaders in addressing regional environmental issues.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville

Established in 2008, the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville launched with the generous donation of Founding Benefactors Joe and Pam Alexander. In the years since, the Community Foundation has become a valued community partner convening donors, nonprofit organizations, community groups, local government, and businesses to create new pathways of philanthropy that address our region’s most pressing challenges.

Think Outside Grant Fund

Fund Description

The Think Outside Grant Fund Powered by Polaris seeks to fund projects that expand outdoor recreation opportunities and advance environmental stewardship reflecting Polaris's longstanding commitment to innovation, adventure, and the outdoors. Rooted in the belief that time spent outdoors strengthens both people and communities, this fund invests in initiatives that expand access to outdoor experiences in North Alabama while protecting and enhancing natural environments that make those experiences possible.

Funding Priorities

The Think Outside Grant Fund will prioritize projects that:

• Help residents connect with nature
• Strengthen community connection through outdoor experiences
• Support outdoor recreation and programming to encourage individuals and families to get outside
• Protect natural assets that make outdoor recreation possible
• Incorporate National Get Outdoors Day 2027

Special Requirements

All applicants must incorporate National Get Outdoors Day 2027 (Saturday, June 12, 2027) into their proposal. This may include:

• Launching a project or program on that day
• Using the day as a milestone to showcase impact or engagement
• Hosting or participating in a community event tied to the day

Geographic Focus: Greater Huntsville, Alabama (Jackson, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, and Morgan Counties) 

The First Horizon Foundation Grant in Alabama supports various community initiatives, focusing on arts, education, environment, financial literacy, and health. Established in 1993, the foundation has contributed over $100 million to enhance community well-being, promote leadership, and foster cultural enrichment. Eligible organizations can apply for funding, specifically in Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile. However, grants do not support individuals, political activities, or religious organizations. This commitment ensures a brighter, sustainable future for Alabama's communities.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Alabama offers vital funding for developing essential community facilities in rural areas. This program supports projects such as healthcare, public safety, and educational services, ensuring access to necessary resources for communities with populations of 20,000 or fewer. Eligible borrowers include public bodies and non-profit organizations, focusing on areas with low median household incomes. The program aims to enhance community development while prioritizing those most in need.

The Legacy Environmental Education Grant Program aims to cultivate a legacy of environmental stewardship in Alabama. This program funds projects that educate and foster environmentally responsible citizens. Eligible applicants include public and private non-profit organizations in the state, with a focus on feasibility, audience reach, and sustainability of the projects. Grants are evaluated on criteria such as project goals, budget, and public recognition of Legacy’s support, ensuring impactful contributions to environmental education.