Grant Funding Workshop Held in Auburn, September 22
Alabama Watershed Stewards(AWS) held its first workshop on grant writing this fall. Responding to a need identified by AWS members, the grant funding workshop was intended to help small environmental groups, watershed partnerships, and non profits seek out and gain funding for projects. Kimberly Richardson Consulting provided deep insight into the nuance of grant funding, and Alabama Watershed Stewards developed a list of relevant grant opportunities for environmental groups in Alabama. Find the list below!
If you know of opportunities we should add to this list, please email us and let us know.
Participants at the Grant Writing Workshop. Photo Credit: Laura Bell
Grant Opportunities for Nonprofits or Individuals: a list to enable environmental groups and nonprofits
*Alabama specific opportunities
Alabama Audubon Society Education Mini-Grants*
https://alaudubon.org/minigrants/
This grant provides financial support up to $1,000 for educators and educational nonprofits working to connect students with birds, their habitats, and the next generation of responsible stewardship.
Alabama Invasive Plant Council Education and Outreach Grants*
https://www.se-eppc.org/alabama/
This grant provides funding to organizations or individuals who wish to educate the public about non-native invasive plants and their effects on the environment and/or to conduct small-scale activities for controlling noxious weeds. Proposals are accepted from individuals, public or private nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions.
Alabama Power Foundation Grants*
https://powerofgood.com/grants/
Diverse groups can apply for foundation grants on the Alabama Power website. Proposed projects must address a need in at least one of the five initiatives: Educational Advancement, Civic and Community Development, Arts and Cultural Enrichment, Health and Human Services, and Environmental Stewardship. The project must have the potential to lead to permanent improvements in a community while addressing the needs of underserved segments of the population such as racial or ethnic minorities.
Alabama RC&D*
https://alabamarcd.org/grant-application/
Reimbursement grants (minimum of $5,000) provided by various RC&D councils across the state serving different regions. General Funds A. Projects related to Natural Resources Conservation B. Public Health C. Community Facilities and Services 2. Education Funds A. K-12 Outdoor Education B. Education to Benefit Small Farmers and/or Community Gardens, etc. C. K-12 Technology 3. Other Considerations A. Projects that cover all nine-member council regions B. Projects that cover more than three council regions C. Projects that only cover three council regions D. Projects that support the impact the Coronavirus pandemic has had across the state.
Alabama Wildlife Federation – Outdoor Conservation Education Programs*
https://www.alabamawildlife.org/apps/outdoor-classroom-grant/
For schools already in the Alabama Outdoor Classroom Program, they are eligible to apply for an AWF Outdoor Classroom Grant up to $1,000 to provide for: 1) Outdoor Learning Station – native plants, building supplies, and other materials needed to develop or enhance a songbird sanctuary, butterfly garden, pollinator garden, sensory garden, weather station, or frog and toad bog. 2) Outdoor Activity Kits- Instructional materials, educational tools, and non-consumable activity supplies to develop or enhance hands-on activities to be used in conjunction with the school’s outdoor classroom and specific outdoor learning stations such as field guides, magnifying glasses, digital cameras, etc. 3) Outdoor Educational Signage- Kiosks, plant identification signs, and educational signs that improve the use of the outdoor classroom as an educational tool and can be used in conjunction with outdoor classroom activities.
Ben & Jerry’s Foundation – National Grant Program
https://benandjerrysfoundation.org/national-grants/
This foundation offers competitive grants to not-for-profit, grassroots organizations throughout the U.S. which facilitate progressive social change by addressing the underlying conditions of societal and environmental problems. Grant applicants need to demonstrate that their projects will: lead to societal, institutional, and/or environmental change; facilitate leadership development and strengthen the self-empowerment efforts of those who have traditionally been disenfranchised in our society; support movement building and collective action; and outline specific goals and strategies of their organizing campaign or program. Grant awards are up to $20,000 for a one-year period.
Clif Bar Family Foundation Grants
https://cliffamilyfoundation.org/grants-program
Grant provides operational support for environmental programs. To be eligible for this grant, groups address one of the grants funding priorities from a holistic perspective: protect Earth’s beauty and bounty; create a healthy, robust food system; increase opportunities for outdoor activity; reduce environmental health hazards; or build stronger communities. The group must operate within clearly defined objectives and demonstrate strong community ties and operate at the community level. The group should promote positive change through both the projects and their implementation process.
Coca-Cola Grant foundation
https://www.coca-colacompany.com/social-impact/coca-cola-foundation
The Coca-Cola Company, its global philanthropic arm, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and its regional foundations strive daily to be responsive to the citizenship priorities in the global communities where we live and work.
Grants focus on improving the quality of life in the communities regarding women, water and the environment, education and community well-being.
Conservation Alliance Grant Program
http://www.conservationalliance.com/how-to-apply/
The Conservation Alliance is a group of outdoor businesses that supports efforts to protect specific wild places for their habitat and recreational values. Before Applying for funding an organization must first be nominated by one of their member companies. Members nominate organizations by completing and submitting a nomination form. Members are provided with a link to the nomination form in early April and October. They will then send each nomination organization a request for proposal (RFP) instructing them how to submit a full request. They accept grant requests up to $50,000. Only contact one member per funding cycle (there are two cycles annually: Summer (April 1-October 1) and Winter (October 1-April 1).
Conservation Innovation Grants – Natural Resources Conservation Service
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/cig/
Conservation Innovation Grants is a competitive program that is open to all non-federal entities and individuals as long as the project involves an EQIP-eligible producer. These grants support the development of new tools, approaches, practices, and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands. CIG partners work to address our nation’s air quality, water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat challenges, while improving agricultural operations.
Daniel Foundation of Alabama*
https://danielfoundationofalabama.com
The Daniel Foundation of Alabama’s mission is to strengthen communities within Alabama and improve the quality of life for citizens from all regions of Alabama. We believe this can be achieved through the support of effective organizations that are focused on building a healthy and well-educated population, living in a vibrant community. Priority areas include: Arts, culture and community assets, community needs, education and youth, and health initiatives.
Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Environmental Grant
https://www.ddcf.org/funding-areas/environment/
The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation’s Environment Program awards grants through invited proposals and the occasional funding competition. Funding opportunities may also be available through organizations administering re-granting programs supported by the foundation. The Environment Program focuses its giving on four primary grant-making strategies: Land Conservation in an Era of Climate Change Wildlife and Energy Development Strengthening the Conservation Field Environmental Stewardship in the Tri-State Area Although unsolicited proposals are not being considered at this time, inquiries about future support for projects that fall within the Environment Program’s four primary grant-making strategies above can be submitted through a letter of inquiry.
Extreme Terrain’s Clean Trail Grant Program
https://www.extremeterrain.com/clean-trail-initiative-program.html
Extreme Terrain’s Clean Trail Grant Program provides eligible groups (including Scout troops) the opportunity to apply for a $250 grant to fund their next trail improvement-related project, including clean-up, restoration, or expansion. Eligible expenses: Tools needed for trail cleaning/restoration/expansion Food and non-alcoholic beverage for all volunteers, promotional materials used to attract volunteers Miscellaneous trail improvement expenses.
J.L. Bledsole Foundation- Southwest Alabama*
https://www.jlbedsolefoundation.org/grant-information
The mission of The J. L. Bedsole Foundation is to ensure the continuing health, welfare and prosperity of the citizens of Southwest Alabama by providing greater post-secondary educational opportunities for our worthy youth and by supporting expanded civic, cultural, artistic and economic development opportunities for all citizens of our area.
Landscape Scale Restoration Grants
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r8/workingtogether/grants/?cid=fseprd770030
The purpose of the Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR) competitive grant program is to encourage collaborative, science-based restoration of priority forest landscapes, leverage public and private resources, and support priorities identified in State Forest Action Plans. The LSR request for applications comes out once per year (usually August)
Legacy Environmental Grants
https://legacyenved.org/legacy-grants/
Legacy funds environmental education grants annually through the Environmental Education Grant Program. Funds for this program are allocated specifically to assist with helping to create environmentally responsible citizens through education. Both public and private non-profit organizations in Alabama may apply. All organizations applying need proof of tax-exempt status showing specific Internal Revenue Service qualification. Grant Funding: Environmental Education grants are available in amounts up to $2,500. Grant proposals requesting more than $2,500 will not be considered.
National Park Service – Trails, Rivers and Conservation Assistance Program
https://www.nps.gov/orgs/rtca/index.htm
Non-financial assistance grant that offers planning assistance to state and local agencies, tribes, nonprofit organizations or citizen groups for the development of local trails, river, or park projects.
#SciFund
https://scifundchallenge.org/crowdfunding/
#SciFund Challenge is an experiment – can scientists use crowdfunding to fund their research? It is also a way to get scientists to directly engage with the public. Crowdfunding forces scientists to build public interaction and outreach into their research from day one. It’s a new mechanism to couple science and society. Eligibility: Are you a scientist – at any level (incoming graduate student to emeritus professor to independent researcher) in any field? Are you interested in breaking out of the ivory tower and reaching broad audiences with your science? Do you want to raise money for your research directly from the public? If you answered yes to all of the above, you are eligible for the #SciFund Challenge. If you would like to be informed about future rounds of #SciFund, you can sign up for a mailing list (used for this one purpose only, so you don’t need to worry about spam). You can also learn about current education-related projects seeking funding.
Community Foundations in Alabama*
Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama
Offers a Mini Grant program, awarding three $500 grants to nonprofits annually. Preference will be given to non-profits that have been in operation between 2-5 years. At this time three (3) Mini Grants are available to be awarded. These mini grants may be used for general operating support. See full list of requirements, must be a 501(c)(3). Must operate within or serve individuals in the CFEA’s 5 county area: Lee, Macon, Tallapoosa, Chambers, or Russell).
Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville
https://www.communityfoundationhsv.org
Serving the greater Huntsville area. Grants address: Neighborhoods and community, environment, recreation, economic opportunity, education, arts and culture, health and wellness, and basic needs.
Our Community Foundation – Birmingham
Serving the greater Birmingham area. The Community Foundation has two grantmaking cycles. During each cycle we accept applications in all five of our Priority Areas: Thriving Communities, Equity and Inclusion, Regional Cooperation, Economic Opportunity for All, Overcoming Persistent Poverty.
Community Foundation of East Alabama
https://cfeastalabama.org/grants/
The Community Foundation of East Alabama supports a variety of special programs and events throughout the year that contribute to the overall benefit of our community.
Community Foundation of West Alabama
https://www.thecfwa.org/overview
Offers community and education grants that support a wide range of nonprofit organizations in a variety of areas including Arts and Humanities Children and Youth Education Elder Care Environment Health & Medicine Recreation Social Welfare
Walker Area Community Foundation
Qualified 501c3 nonprofit organizations may apply to the foundation for funding during the Spring Cycle (with a deadline of March 1st) or the Fall Cycle (with a deadline of September 1st) of each calendar year. Feeding programs and food banks must apply in the Spring. Youth Leadership Walker County applications are due November 20, 2022. Grants are made for the following charitable purposes: Arts and Humanities Children and Youth Education Elder Care Environment Health & Medicine Recreation Social Welfare
Central Alabama Community Foundation
Provides funding for community projects via Community Trust Grants to Central Alabama serves Montgomery, Lowndes and Macon Counties; Autauga County; Elmore County; Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston Counties.
Black Belt Community Foundation
Calling non-profit organizations based in and serving the Alabama Black Belt. Non-profit organizations and groups with fiscal sponsors in the following counties are eligible to apply: Bullock, Choctaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, and Wilcox.
Wiregrass Foundation
https://wiregrassfoundation.org
Wiregrass Foundation makes grants to nonprofit community organizations that positively impact the health, education, and quality of life of the Dothan area. The Foundation carefully considers its mission when investing in community programs and is committed to achieving measurable results within its zones of interest.
Grant Opportunities for Cities and Larger Organizations
ADEM 319 Funding – Nonpoint Source Pollution*
http://adem.alabama.gov/programs/water/nps/319grant.cnt
Alabama Nonpoint Source (NPS) Implementation Grants fund projects in support of Alabama’s Nonpoint Source Management Program. Funding is distributed via a competitive process to projects that will lead to direct reductions in pollutant loads and measurable water quality improvements.
Alabama Recycling Fund Grant Program*
https://adem.alabama.gov/programs/land/recycling/ARFGrantsBrochure.pdf
The Alabama Recycling Fund (ARF) Program was established in 2008 when the Solid Wastes and Recyclable Materials Management Act was signed into law. The ARF Program helps promote and fund recycling in local communities throughout Alabama.
ADEM Redevelopment Programs*
http://adem.alabama.gov/programs/land/brownfields/bfredevelopment.cnt
ADEM has several programs to promote and guide the redevelopment of Brownfields. The Brownfields Redevelopment and Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) provides oversight for the voluntary assessment and cleanup of contaminated brownfields sites. A fee-driven program, its greatest benefits are the significant liability protections afforded during and after assessment and cleanup activities. The Alabama Land Recycling Revolving Fund Program offers low interest loans to governmental entities on a competitive basis for the remediation of contaminated sites. To be eligible, the applicants must own the properties. The negotiated loans generally have a 10-year payback period. The Drycleaner Environmental Response Trust Fund Program is a voluntary program that allows eligible parties to be reimbursed for assessment and cleanup costs at current and former dry cleaner sites, making redevelopment easier and less costly. ADEM provides oversight of initial investigations, assessments and cleanup of these sites. The overall program is under the direction of the Drycleaner Trust Fund Board. ADEM’s Federal Brownfields Program is funded by an EPA grant. ADEM provides technical assistance, information and training about the EPA Brownfields program in Alabama, and also conducts a limited number of Brownfields site assessments for local governments or non-profit organizations at no cost. ADEM staff develops, updates and maintains data and information on Brownfields sites, VCP, and dry cleaner sites, and other information that may be useful to local governments and developers considering sites.
ADEM- Scrap Tire Marketing Program*
https://adem.alabama.gov/programs/land/landforms/ScrapTireMarketingProgram.pdf
The Scrap Tire Marketing Program’s goal is to promote the growth of scrap tire markets and beneficial end-use. The Scrap Tire Environmental Fee funds and promotes the development of scrap tire markets. Up to twenty percent of the Scrap Tire Environmental Fee is used for market development. Eligibility for funding is limited to local governments and local governmental non-profits only.
Alabama Tourism Community Grant*
https://tourism.alabama.gov/2022-cg-guidelines/
The Alabama Tourism Department (ATD) is starting the new Community Grants Program in 2022. The Community Grants Program provides assistance to municipal and nonprofit Alabama organizations promoting travel and vacation business to Alabama on a reimbursement basis. Organizations approved for Community Grants may be considered for grants for an amount up to $2,500 for festivals and/or events and up to $5,000 for attractions.
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant)
https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/building-resilient-infrastructure-communities
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) will support states, local communities, tribes and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards.
The BRIC program guiding principles are supporting communities through capability- and capacity-building; encouraging and enabling innovation; promoting partnerships; enabling large projects; maintaining flexibility; and providing consistency.
Community Development Block Grant: Planning Fund
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/cdbg
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. The program is authorized under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, Public Law 93-383, as amended 42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.
Clean Water + Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Loan Program- ADEM*
https://adem.alabama.gov/programs/water/srf.cnt
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) are low-interest loan programs intended to finance public infrastructure improvements in Alabama. The programs are funded with a blend of state and federal capitalization funds. ADEM administers the CWSRF and DWSRF, performs the required technical/environmental reviews of projects, and disburses funds to recipients.
Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers Program
The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTAC) Program provides grant funding to eligible applicants to establish technical assistance centers across the nation providing technical assistance, training, and related support to communities with environmental justice concerns and their partners. The new technical assistance centers will provide training, assistance, and capacity building on writing grant proposals, navigating federal systems such as Grants.gov and SAM.gov, and effectively managing grant funding. These centers will also provide guidance on community engagement, meeting facilitation, and translation and interpretation services for limited English-speaking participants.
Flood Mitigation Assistance (FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance)
Grant funding from Flood Mitigation Assistance can be used to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The focus is on mitigating Severe Repetitive Loss and Repetitive Loss properties that have incurred multiple flood losses and NFIP claim payments. In addition, funded projects will reduce flood risk in communities disproportionately impacted by flooding.
Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA)
https://mississippiriverdelta.org/handbook/gulf-of-mexico-energy-security-act-gomesa/
Projects and activities for the purposes of coastal protection, including conservation, coastal restoration, hurricane protection, and infrastructure directly affected by coastal wetland losses; mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or natural resources; implementation of a federally approved marine, coastal, or comprehensive conservation management plan; mitigation of the impact of outer Continental Shelf activities through the funding of onshore infrastructure projects; and planning assistance and the administrative costs of complying with this section.
Land and Water Conservation Fund
https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1600/index.htm
The Land and Water Conservation Fund was established by Congress in 1964 to fulfill a bipartisan commitment to safeguard our natural areas, water resources and cultural heritage, and to provide recreation opportunities to all Americans. Grants include acquisition of park and recreation lands, recreation facilities, improved access to natural resources, etc.
National Fish and Wildlife – 5 Star Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program
https://www.nfwf.org/programs/five-star-and-urban-waters-restoration-grant-program
The Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program seeks to develop nation-wide community stewardship of local natural resources, preserving these resources for future generations and enhancing habitat for local wildlife. Grants seek to address water quality issues in priority watersheds, such as erosion due to unstable streambanks, pollution from stormwater runoff, and degraded shorelines caused by development.
Office of Water Resources: Floodplain Management*
https://adeca.alabama.gov/floods/
Floodplain Management is loosely defined to include all actions that states and communities can take to reduce flood damage to both new and existing buildings and infrastructures. ADECA’s OWR Floodplain Management Unit works closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local communities to build relationships to strengthen their mitigation plans and take action to better protect their residents and to reduce flood risk in communities through flood studies and flood mapping.
Recreational Trails Program*
https://adeca.alabama.gov/trails/
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides grant assistance to State and Federal agencies and local units of government for the acquisition and/or development/improvement of recreational trails and trail related resources. Examples of eligible trail types include but are not limited to walking, jogging, cycling, skating, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, off-highway vehicle, and equestrian. Applications may be submitted for the following activities: Construction of new recreational trails Maintenance and restoration of existing recreational trails Development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages for recreational trails Provision of features which facilitate the access and use of trails by persons with disabilities Acquisition of easements and fee simple title to property for recreational trails or recreational trails corridors from willing sellers Assessment of trail conditions for accessibility and maintenance Development and dissemination of publications and operation of educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection related to recreational trails
AWS also hosts specialized educational trainings, technology transfer workshops, and develops educational content. Find more resources the AU Water Center Resources webpage. For other AWS workshops and events, see the AUWRC calendar.