Alabama Community Development Grants

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is inviting proposals for its Cumberland Plateau Stewardship Fund, aiming to restore and enhance critical forest, grassland, and freshwater habitats within the Cumberland Plateau region. This initiative aligns with NFWF's broader mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. The program's core strategy involves increasing the voluntary adoption of conservation practices on working agricultural lands, which contributes to NFWF’s strategic priority of supporting wildlife and improving ecological health through sustainable land management. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are the diverse habitats and species within the Cumberland Plateau, as well as landowners and communities in the region who will adopt conservation practices. The impact goals are multifaceted, seeking to improve soil health, water quantity and quality, and carbon sequestration. Ultimately, the program aims to foster resilient ecosystems that support both wildlife and sustainable human activities. The foundation's theory of change is predicated on the idea that by providing financial and technical assistance, they can incentivize conservation practices that lead to measurable environmental improvements and long-term ecological benefits. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined through its program strategies. These include restoring previously mined lands, increasing the adoption of conservation practices on grazing and croplands, establishing, enhancing, and maintaining forest habitats, and restoring instream habitats to support aquatic species. A significant focus is also placed on expanding and coordinating technical assistance and outreach to landowners, recognizing the importance of local engagement and support for successful implementation of conservation efforts. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in acres of restored habitats, improved water quality metrics, enhanced soil health, and greater carbon sequestration. The program anticipates awarding approximately $2.8 million in grants in 2024, with individual grant awards ranging from $250,000 to $750,000. Projects are expected to have a completion time of 24-48 months. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations, state and local governments, Tribal Governments, and educational institutions, with a preference for projects within identified focal areas of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. The program’s success will be measured by the extent to which these conservation practices are adopted and the subsequent environmental benefits realized across the Cumberland Plateau.

The Appalachian Regional Energy Hub Initiative aims to strengthen regional economies by investing in energy resilience through research and planning grants, and implementation grants. The initiative focuses on establishing a regional energy hub for natural gas and natural gas liquids, including hydrogen production. Eligible applicants include local development districts, Indian Tribes, states, counties, cities, and higher education institutions, among others. The total funding available is $5 million, with a grant proposal due by July 24, 2024.

The Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESG), initially established as the Emergency Shelter Grant Program in 1987 under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, underwent significant revisions with the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act of 2009. The program, aimed at addressing homelessness, is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. ESG supports the upgrade of homeless and domestic abuse shelters, covers operating costs, provides essential services to homeless individuals, aids in homelessness prevention, facilitates rapid re-housing, and supports the Homeless Management Information System's administrative costs. Grant renewed every year.

This funding opportunity provides up to $5,000 for neighborhood groups in Montgomery County to implement projects that enhance community pride and improve quality of life through collaboration with local government.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for the construction, renovation, or enhancement of arts facilities in Alabama, benefiting local arts organizations and communities.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that develop innovative resources and services to help adults in the middle or late stages of their careers with reskilling, upskilling, and career navigation, particularly those who are unemployed or underemployed.

This program provides financial support to LGBTQ+-owned and allied restaurants, cafes, and bars to help them thrive and recover.

The Eisner Prize Fellowship is a new program designed to support leaders pioneering innovations in intergenerational connection. Since 2011, the Eisner Foundation has awarded the Eisner Prize to honor people and organizations doing exceptional intergenerational work across the country. In this next phase in the evolution of the Eisner Prize, The Eisner Foundation is providing financial resources, networking opportunities, and the prestige of the Eisner Prize to leaders with new ideas and perspectives that will propel the field forward. The Eisner Prize Fellows application is open to anyone working to innovate in the area of intergenerational connection – whether that be through research, programs, technology, or other efforts advancing the field. Young people, people of color, and those working with historically marginalized communities are particularly encouraged to apply. The application for the 2024-25 cycle is open from April 24 to May 22, and questions can be reviewed in advance here.

The Donaldson Foundation dedicates its efforts to making a positive impact in communities where Donaldson Company employees reside, focusing on supporting educational initiatives. It extends grant invitations exclusively to applications with an educational aim, scrutinizing each based on criteria such as educational focus, the need of beneficiaries, impact, sustainability, and connection to communities near company locations. Eligible recipients are required to be IRS-recognized tax-exempt entities. Funding is available in the Twin Cities and several U.S. locations where Donaldson has significant operations, with grants reaching up to $20,000. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Cycle 2 deadline: January 15th

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Baldwin County, Alabama, and surrounding areas to support programs that assist people and animals facing hardship, neglect, or abuse.

Alabama Arts Project Grants support a wide range of arts activities and events, aiming to deliver positive arts experiences to the public. These include festivals, performances, exhibitions, and workshops among others, with the goal of fostering community engagement and appreciation for the arts. Applications are accepted from April 1 through June 4, 2024, for activities between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, and from July 1 through September 3, 2024, for activities between January 1 and September 30, 2025.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in West Alabama to address critical community needs in areas such as arts, education, health, and social welfare through innovative and collaborative projects.

READY Community Foundations, part of ARC's READY Appalachia initiative, offers no-cost training to community foundations in Appalachia. Participants will build skills in financial management, fundraising, grantmaking, and strategic planning. Eligible foundations can apply for up to $25,000 in funding to implement capacity-building projects post-training. Applications are due by July 5, 2024.

The 2024 States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP), announced by the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), seeks applications for grants to target federal resources toward communities in the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions. With a focus on economically distressed counties and parishes, SEDAP aims to invest in community-based and regional projects across four congressionally mandated funding categories: basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, business development with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, and workforce development. The program is designed to encourage job creation, regional collaboration, and funding partnerships, leveraging a total of $16,930,642, allocated across the eight-state DRA region with awards ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 depending on project type and application score.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions for initiatives that improve earthquake safety and awareness across multiple states or nationally.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

9th Round of Child Care Workforce Stabilization Grant (CCWS) The Department of Human Resources is pleased to announce the 9th round of the Child Care Workforce Stabilization Grant (CCWS). These grants have been issued to child care providers since the onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020, aiming to stabilize the child care community. The CCWS grants have significantly contributed to supporting recruitment and retention efforts in the sector. Grant Details: Grant Type: CCWS Grant Grant Amount: Bonus payment up to $3,000 to eligible child care staff Purpose: Staff retention and recruitment support Eligibility Requirements: Specific eligibility requirements outlined in the grant guidance accessible at https://dhr.alabama.gov/child-care/ Application period: April 17, 2024, to May 22, 2024 No late applications will be accepted All eligible providers must complete the initial application for this round

The National Academy of Sciences Gulf Research Program is investing $50 million in the Gulf Futures Challenge to fund projects addressing critical challenges in the Gulf region. The Challenge aims to discover and promote innovative and transformative solutions by leveraging the talent and knowledge of the Gulf's people. The competition focuses on three main areas: energy transition, environmental change along the coast, and healthy and resilient communities. Up to ten finalists will receive up to $1 million in project development support, with two finalists awarded $20 million each to implement their solutions. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, state, local, and tribal governments, and academic institutions from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, or Texas, with projects located within 100 miles of the Gulf coastline. The registration deadline is August 20, 2024, and the application deadline is September 20, 2024.

This funding opportunity supports educational projects that enhance community resilience and environmental literacy in the Gulf States by engaging learners of all ages in addressing local environmental challenges.

This grant provides funding to Alabama-based nonprofit organizations to enhance freshwater recreation and community engagement through projects like kayak launches, water safety education, and paddling events.