GRANTS

CFEA FACILITATES GRANTS TO NONPROFITS IN THE EAST ALABAMA REGION THAT ARE LOOKING TO STRENGTHEN THEIR ORGANIZATION.

Through our Mini Grant program, we award 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.

General operating support provides unrestricted funding to help support and maintain an organization as it pursues its mission.  This type of grant is flexible and gives the grantee the ability to use the funds where they are most appropriate.

These funds come from the General Fund.  While some donors set up their own donor-advised funds with us, other donors choose to support critical issues in the community by donating unrestricted dollars to our General Fund.  Donors who give to the General Fund help us to meet the needs of our community today and for years to come.  This pool of unrestricted funds allows nonprofit organizations in our 5 county area to apply for grants through a competitive process.  After a review process and under the guidance of our Board of Directors, grants are made on the basis of community need and strength of the application.

PROPOSALS MUST INCLUDE:

  • A copy of its 501(c)(3) tax determination letter.

  • Must operate within or serve individuals in the CFEA’s 5 county area: Lee, Macon, Tallapoosa, Chambers, or Russell).

  • Include a Mission and Vision statement

  • Show strategic goals and measurable objectives

Funds must not be used to support the following:

  • Religious services and/or religious education

  • Fundraising and marketing events

  • Endowment funds

  • Capital Campaign fundraising or contributions

Applications will be accepted beginning October 1 and must be received by December 31. Grants will be awarded the first quarter of the year. All funds must be used by October 31.  It is expected that each awardee will submit a report outlining the way the funds were used and the difference it made in the non-profit’s operations.

All approved awardees will be recognized in a press release, in foundation publicity and/or at an event and must agree to this recognition.

2023 Mini-Grant Recipients

Redeeming Grace Ministries

Redeeming Grace Ministries is a non-profit organization that works with and advocates for women transitioning out of correctional facilities or rehabilitation programs. Redeeming Grace Ministries exists to train and equip people to live a life of everlasting recovery through Jesus Christ. Their program has been designed to assist their residents in finding a livable wage job, developing a healthy support system, learning life skills, discovering hobbies, furthering their education, and connection with God; all of which they believe are the foundation to living a life of everlasting recovery. Read more about the grant in the press release linked to the left.

Worthy2 a non-profit organization, currently under the auspices of the Envision Opelika Foundation, that advocates for those who have been exploited through commercial sexual exploitation or sex trafficking. Worthy2 provides direct support to victims of commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. The organization provides emergency safe shelter, clothing, transportation and other basic needs to support victim/survivors while navigating detox, rehabilitation, trauma-informed treatment, and other post-exploitation services. Read more about this grant by selecting the press release linked to the right.

Jesse Parkhurst Guzman Foundation

worthy2

The Jesse Parkhurst Guzman Foundation is a non-profit organization that works with and provides services to the Macon County and Tuskegee communities. This organization seeks to provide a multitude of community services in their region. This includes, but is not limited to, support and implementation of educational programs, promoting cultural involvement, support or programs for families, youth, and other organizational groups, and fundraising from public, private, corporate, and governmental sources for such purposes. Read more about this grant and organization at the press release linked to the left.

The Community Foundation of East Alabama is a 501(c)3 organization.