J. L. Bedsole Grant Program
General Criteria
The Foundation considers requests that most closely match its overall mission: to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Southwest Alabama and to strengthen the communities in which they live. A group may apply for a grant only if it is a nonprofit organization with tax-exempt status under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code, and Section 509(a)(1), (2) or (3) as a "public charity" or "a governmental unit." The Foundation will consider only those grant applications that meet several of the following guidelines.
- The project addresses needs in at least one of the following areas: education, arts and culture, health and human services and economic development.
- There is potential for permanent, enduring benefits that will provide value to the community and the residents of Southwest Alabama.
- Diverse groups are collaborating on the project to achieve common goals.
- The organization and the project clearly demonstrate sound fiscal management and accountability.
- The organization attracts multiple sources of support for the project.
- The project addresses underserved segments of the population, the economically disadvantaged or citizens of rural communities.
Restrictions and limitations
The Foundation will not support the following:
- Grants that support political activities or attempts to influence action on specific legislation.
- Multiple year pledges nor make grants beyond the current year.
- Grants to endowment funds of other organizations.
- Grants are not made directly to individuals.
- Grants are not made to organizations, programs or projects outside of the State of Alabama.
