Grants for Youth Programs Alabama 2025

Are you running a youth-focused nonprofit in Alabama, whether it’s a grassroots mentoring group, a summer camp, or a school-based wellness program? If so, you know how hard it can be to find funding that’s actually designed to support youth development work.

This 2025 roundup highlights national and local grantmakers actively investing in children, teens, and young adults in Alabama. From community wellness to civic engagement and job training, these programs fund a wide range of youth-focused efforts.

Bookmark this list: We update it every year with new deadlines and fresh opportunities, so you’ll always have a go-to resource when it’s time to apply.

1. Annie E. Casey Foundation – Youth Justice and Economic Opportunity Grants

• Deadline: Rolling; no specific deadline
• Focus Area: Systems-level change for youth at risk
• Eligibility: Nonprofits improving outcomes for children and families
• Grant Size: Varies (recent awards ~$100,000)
• Link: aecf.org

2. W.K. Kellogg Foundation

• Deadline: Rolling, year-round LOI submissions
• Focus Area: Racial equity, early childhood, family mobility
• Eligibility: Organizations aligned with foundation goals
• Grant Size: Varies by project
• Link: wkkf.org

3. Charles Stewart Mott Foundation – Afterschool and Youth Civic Engagement

• Deadline: Rolling (submit 60+ days before project start)
• Focus Area: Afterschool programs and youth leadership
• Eligibility: Nonprofits matching foundation program areas
• Grant Size: $15,000–$250,000
• Link: mott.org

4. Toyota USA Foundation – Driving Possibilities

• Deadline: Rolling
• Focus Area: STEM education and career pathways
• Eligibility: Nonprofits and educational institutions
• Grant Size: Varies (up to $6.5M for large initiatives)
• Link: toyotaeffect.com

5. Bank of America Charitable Foundation – Economic Mobility RFP

• Deadline: Two RFP cycles annually (dates vary)
• Focus Area: Youth employment, leadership, financial literacy
• Eligibility: Workforce development nonprofits
• Grant Size: $25,000–$50,000
• Link: bankofamerica.com

6. No Kid Hungry / Share Our Strength

• Deadline: Varies by program
• Focus Area: Youth hunger, summer meals, student advocacy
• Eligibility: Schools and nonprofits combating child hunger
• Grant Size: Varies by initiative
• Link: nokidhungry.org

7. Daniel Foundation of Alabama – Community Needs (Youth Priority)

• Deadline: LOIs due July 7–25, 2025; proposals due Sep 12, 2025
• Focus Area: K–12 enrichment, mentoring, rural youth
• Eligibility: Alabama-based nonprofits
• Grant Size: $10,000–$100,000
• Link: danielfoundationofalabama.com

8. Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham – Competitive Grants

• Deadline: July 28–August 15, 2025
• Focus Area: College access, youth workforce, civic leadership
• Eligibility: 501(c)(3)s in five-county Birmingham area
• Grant Size: Up to $50,000 (project); $25,000 (operating)
• Link: cfbham.org

9. Alabama Power Foundation – Foundation Grants (Cycle 2)

• Deadline: June 20, 2025
• Focus Area: STEM, education, youth leadership
• Eligibility: Alabama-serving nonprofits
• Grant Size: Up to $100,000
• Link: powerofgood.com

10. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama – Be Healthy School Grants

• Deadline: New cycle expected Spring 2025
• Focus Area: Fitness, nutrition, school gardens
• Eligibility: Alabama K–12 schools
• Grant Size: ~$10,000 per school
• Link: bcbsal.org

11. The Caring Foundation (BCBS of Alabama)

• Deadline: January 1 – November 15, 2025
• Focus Area: Youth wellness, mental health, life skills
• Eligibility: Health-focused nonprofits
• Grant Size: $5,000–$25,000
• Link: community.bcbsal.org

12. Serve Alabama – AmeriCorps State Grants (FY 2025–26)

• Deadline: January 9, 2025 (Intent + Application)
• Focus Area: Tutoring, mentoring, youth service teams
• Eligibility: Youth-service organizations
• Grant Size: Operational support + AmeriCorps stipends
• Link: servealabama.gov

13. Children’s Trust Fund of Alabama – Prevention Grants

• Deadline: FY 2025–26 NOFO now open
• Focus Area: Child abuse prevention, mentoring, youth safety
• Eligibility: Community-based nonprofits
• Grant Size: Varies
• Link: ctf.alabama.gov

Tips for Successful Youth Grant Applications

• Match your mission to the funder’s focus. Funders want alignment more than flash. If they focus on education, don’t submit a health proposal.
• Be specific. Don’t just say “empower youth.” Say how: “through weekly robotics mentoring” or “by hiring teen peer-educators.”
• Use local data. Reference Alabama-specific youth needs (e.g., food insecurity stats, rural education gaps).
• Include youth voice. Funders love when young people are involved in program design, leadership, or storytelling.
• Keep track of deadlines. Set calendar alerts for LOI and full proposal deadlines—many programs have multiple stages.