OVERVIEW: This funder supports many issues in nine counties of Western Alabama. It accepts unsolicited applications, and grants are awarded twice per year.
IP TAKE: This funder’s grants are not large, but there are a lot of them, and they are locally focused. Grantmaking has been increasing in recent years, and nearly any type of nonprofit should keep CFWA in mind for supplemental funding.
PROFILE: The Community Foundation of West Alabama (CFWA) was established in 1999 as an initiative of the Tuscaloosa Estate Planning Council. CFWA is headquartered in Northport, Alabama, but has a P.O. Box in Tuscaloosa for its mailing address. CFWA makes over $1 million in grants per year. Recent financial information can be viewed here.
CFWA provides educational grants up to $500 with a November 1 deadline. New grant seekers can access the education grant application online.
The foundation’s other funding priorities include arts and humanities, children and youth, health and medicine, environment, recreation, elder care and social welfare. There is a separate grant application for these issues. Only organizations in the following counties are eligible for these grants: Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Pickens, Lamar, Marengo, Sumter and Tuscaloosa. Grants are awarded in amounts of up to $1,500, with applications due on October 1 and April 1.
The foundation does not typically fund general operating expenses or ongoing program expenses. However, it will support the early stages of local pilot projects. Grant applications should be mailed or hand delivered to the foundation. Past grants can be viewed by year on the website.
The foundation’s Pillars of West Alabama program recognizes individuals who have given back to their community. It also manages the Elois Zeanah Endowed Scholarship, which is open to college sophomores at four-year colleges in Alabama.
Blog articles and Facebook posts are available on the funder’s homepage.
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
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