OperatinG Grants
A Grant Opportunity AreaPlease note this information is for operating grants only. There are different requirements for each of our grant opportunities. Please review each one carefully to determine the proper fit for your project or programming.
Priority Areas
The following priority areas will be eligible for operating grants up to $25,000.
Education
Birth - 5
Giving kids birth to 5 a positive start and preparing them to be successful in school.
K-12
Programs working on academic improvement and better educational outcomes for children in Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Adult Life Skills
Programs for adults that teach skills that lead to independence and life success.
Arts & Community
Arts
Support for arts organizations with year round programming.
Youth Mentoring
Groups working with children and youth who directly mentor or teach skills needed to be successful in school and life.
Health & Human Services
Basic Needs
Primarily addressing short term needs for food, emergency shelter, clothing, safety, etc.
Health Care
Programs providing health screenings and medical care and services for low income individuals and families and the uninsured.
Mental Health
Programs supporting mental wellness through counseling and therapeutic services and activities.
Veterans
Programs related specifically to veterans.
Eligibility
Organizations must meet all the following criteria to be eligible for consideration of an operating grant.
- IRS Determination Letter must indicate an effective date of exemption that is at least two years prior to the submission date of the LOI.
- Organization must have filed Form 990/990EZ within the last two years. 990-N does meet this qualification.
- Revenue (line 12, Form 990)/ (line 9, Form 990EZ) cannot exceed 5,000,000.
- Revenue mix must not include more than 75% government grants or contracts.
- Organization must have at least one paid employee.
- Organization must be based in Alabama; funding will only be considered for the benefit of Alabama residents.
Priority Exclusions
We have strategically narrowed our priority areas; the following areas will no longer be considered during the Operating Grants opportunity:
- Higher education
- Public schools and public school foundations
- Public libraries
- Summer learning (we will continue to participate in the SAIL (Summer Adventures in Learning) opportunities)
- Historical preservation
- Greenspace projects such as parks, playgrounds, trails, etc.
- Medical research
- Long-term affordable housing
- Adult Leadership programs
- Community revitalization
Policies
- Maximum request amount of $25,000.
- Organizations awarded funding must sit out one year before being eligible to apply for future funding (e.g., if an award is made in 2026, application cannot be made again until 2028).
- For 2026, we will not be considering organizations that have never received board funding from the Foundation.
Process & Timeline
Cycle 1
Open for Letters of Intent
October 20, 2025
Letters of Intent Due
October 31, 2025
Declination Letters &
Invitations Sent
December 01, 2025
Proposals Due
December 15, 2025
Grant Decisions Made
February 2026
Cycle 2
Open for Letters of Intent
February 23, 2026
Letters of Intent Due
March 6, 2026
Declination Letters &
Invitations Sent
March 30, 2026
Proposals Due
April 15, 2026
Grant Decisions Made
June 2026
Cycle 3
Open for Letters of Intent
June 22, 2026
Letters of Intent Due
July 1, 2026
Declination Letters &
Invitations Sent
July 27, 2026
Proposals Due
August 15, 2026
Grant Decisions Made
October 2026
Each cycle will accept letters of intent from any of the eligible priority areas. Cycles are no longer issue specific.
How to Apply
The Daniel Foundation of Alabama uses GLM – Grant Lifecycle Manager by Foundant as our online grants management portal. Click the log in button below to sign in or create an account. Should you have questions about how to use this system, please contact Joyce, (205) 874-3523 or joyce@df-al.com.