Community Foundation of West Alabama Announces Fall Grant Cycle

TUSCALOOSA, AL. — Local nonprofits are encouraged to apply for funds through the Community Foundation of West Alabama's (CFWA) Fall Grant Cycle, which was announced this week.

CFWA says community grant applications are available for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations only and must be postmarked no later than Oct. 1.

Glenn Taylor, executive director of the CFWA, told Patch the foundation manages over 100 funds set up for charitable purposes. On any given year, he said the CFWA will award grants to about 150 different organizations, who must be IRS-approved charities such as 501(C)3, religious, or educational institutions.

Taylor said target amounts for the regular grants are about $2,000 per grant, with the maximum for the educational grants capped at $500. These grants are usually directed to the classroom teachers in west Alabama.

"Most of the funds directed to the charities are directed by the donors through Donor Advised Funds," he said. "The CFWA manages a few endowments that have been set up for the benefit of the community. Monies are pulled from these endowments to fund two grant cycles and one educational grant cycle per year. "

Taylor also explained that grants are directed to agencies located in the organization's nine-county footprint. This service area includes Bibb, Fayette, Green, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties

The regular grant applications are due April 1 and Oct. 1, while the educational grant applications are due Nov. 1.

Both applications, along with additional information, can be found on the CFWA website.

Those interested in applying are asked to visit the website or call (205) 366-0698 for additional information.