Foundation / Corporation
Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham (CFGB)
08/17/18
Grants to Greater Birmingham area, Alabama nonprofits, churches, and government agencies for programs and projects that focus on the areas of children and education, health, sustainable communities, and economic security. For the purpose of this grant program, the Greater Birmingham area includes Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount, and Walker counties.
The Foundation's priority areas have evolved over time and now reflect four "Results" most important to the community’s well-being. Each Result includes targeted Strategies as well as proposal deadlines depending on the grant cycle for that Result (listed in the paragraphs below).
Results, Cycles, and Strategies are as follows:
Grant Cycle 1 (Opens January 19, 2018; Brief Proposal deadline February 16, 2018)
Result 1
Children are successful along the education pipeline - Applications relevant to this Result should focus on one of these two Strategies:
- Increase high quality early learning opportunities from birth through fifth grade
- Increase career and college readiness
Result 2
People can lead healthy lives - Applications relevant to this Result should focus on one of these two Strategies:
- Improve nutrition/healthy food access and increase physical activity
- Improve access to care for vulnerable populations
Grant Cycle 2 (Opens July 20, 2018; Brief Proposal deadline August 17, 2018)
Result 3
Communities are sustainable, livable and vibrant - Applications relevant to this Result should focus on one of these four Strategies:
- Expand and improve public green space
- Improve the natural environment
- Further develop vibrant city center for Birmingham
- Expand access to arts and cultural opportunities
Result 4
Individuals and families are economically secure - Applications relevant to this Result should focus on one of these three Strategies:
- Improve housing stability
- Increase public policy changes that positively impact low-income individuals and families
- Increase direct services that positively impact low-income individuals and families
Please note, the Community Foundation has an interest in proposals across all four results that address issues of aging and reference the findings of the Foundation's EngAge report on aging-related needs in the Greater Birmingham area. Click here to find out more about the EngAge report: http://www.cfbham.org/engage/.
Collaborations: CFGB encourages collaboration, but we expect collaborative requests to not just be a ‘collective ask’ but a true collaboration, characterized by cost efficiencies and the opportunity to accomplish something none of the partnering agencies could accomplish independently.
Capital Construction: CFGB will consider support for capital construction projects with an imminent start date and deemed clearly relevant to one of CFGB’s Targeted Result Strategies.
GrantWatch ID#: 178470
Amount to Request:
As a general rule, the Foundation prefers requests that do not exceed 25% of the budget for the program/project/activity the proposal is seeking support for.
Note: Emerging organizations with documented revenue of less than $25,000 are limited to requesting a Seed Grant of no more than $5,000.
Grant Terms: Grants may involve a funding commitment of one to three years depending on the scope and purpose of the grant. Applicants will request a grant term and amount at the Brief Proposal stage; CFGB may adjust the term and amount for applicants advancing to the Full Proposal stage. (See Pre-Application Information section below for further details regarding single-year and multi-year requests.)
Nonprofits that are headquartered in Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair or Walker counties are eligible. If based outside of these counties, then the organization must demonstrate that a majority of customers /beneficiaries are located in these counties.
Applicants must be classified as a 501 (c)(3) public charity in good standing.
Note: Churches that meet the requirements of IRC section 501(c)(3) are automatically considered tax exempt and are not required to apply for and obtain recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS. Further, governmental agencies are generally eligible to receive a distribution of funds from CFGB, but proof of the applying organization’s status as a government entity should be provided.
Restrictions:
CFGB does not make grants for general operating expenses. See Competitive Grantmaking Guidelines (attached below) for more details on restrictions.
General Operating Support: CFGB does not make grants for general or ongoing operating support. Successful proposals present an opportunity for strategic investment such as building organizational capacity, expanding a successful program, establishing a new program, and launching a policy/systems change project.
Indirect Costs: CFGB does not accept project budgets that include unspecified indirect costs, including flat indirect cost rates. CFGB will consider reasonable administrative expenses provided these expenses are deemed necessary for project success, are presented as specific line items in the project budget, and are justified in a budget narrative.
If interested in one of the grant focus areas, a nonprofit organization should first review the Upcoming Grant Deadlines and Grantmaking FAQ for details on when and how to apply: http://www.foundationbirmingham.org/for-nonprofits/grantmaking-process/frequently-asked-questions/
Click on the links in the Supporting Documents section below to download the Competitive Grantmaking Guidelines and Application Instructions.
Organizations can then register on the Foundation’s online Grant Application Center and submit a brief proposal at any time after the cycle’s opening date.
Following the review of the brief proposals, selected nonprofits are invited to submit a full proposal through our on-line application process.
Key Dates:
Grant Cycle 1 (Opens January 19, 2018; Brief Proposal deadline February 16, 2018)
Grant Cycle 2 (Opens July 20, 2018; Brief Proposal deadline August 17, 2018)
Visit the Results Framework page to determine which Grant Cycle your proposal will address: http://www.foundationbirmingham.org/for-nonprofits/results-for-the-region/
Additional Information Regarding Multi-Year and Single-Year Requests:
Typically, multi-year commitments:
1) Involve a very active relationship between CFGB and the grantee throughout the duration of the grant
2) Are made to applicants with a proven track record in delivering programs and services that are clearly relevant to a specific Result Strategy
3) Require on-schedule reports to maintain the agreement and avoid interruption/cancellation of scheduled grant installments (see Award and Reporting Requirements)
Single-Year Grant Requests:
One-year grantees are also expected to work closely with CFGB and report on schedule, but the multi-year grant requires a more sustained commitment. In all cases, applicant organizations should have a proven track record in delivering programs relevant to one or more of CFGB’s Result Strategies or should be wellpositioned to do so based on the experience and qualifications of key personnel.
Before starting your grant application, please review the funding source's website listed below for updates/changes/addendums/conferences/LOIs.
Click here to apply online: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfgb
Note: Groups considering a collaborative request to CFGB are encouraged to discuss this with Gus Heard-Hughes, Vice President, Programs, prior to submitting a proposal (gheardhughes@cfbham.org or 205-327-3817).
USA: Alabama: Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount, and Walker counties
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