Alabama Forward
Alabama Forward is a public charity based in Montgomery, Alabama. It is a statewide civic engagement coordinating table that supports a coalition of Alabama-based organizations through subgrants, training, technical assistance, collaboration, and capacity-building resources.
Alabama Forward at a glance
In short: Alabama Forward gave $1.0M across 25 grants in 2024 (avg $41K), mostly in Alabama. 28% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,023,637
- +37.8% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 25
- +31.6% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $40,945
- +4.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $30,650
- Total assets
- $3,467,713
- +62.6% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 28% first-time grantees (7 of 25, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Alabama (98% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Alabama Forward
- Contact
Mailing address: 3066 Zelda Road Pmb 231, Montgomery, AL 36106
Phone: (334) 294-6886
Website: https://alforward.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Alabama Forward funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Transform Alabama ($140K). Together the top 10 received $653K.
Grant Size Distribution
81 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 69 grants of 81 (85%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Alabama Forward describes its work as statewide and its partner coalition as Alabama-based. In 2024, 98% of grant dollars went to recipients in Alabama and 2% to recipients in Georgia.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 25 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Alabama Forward open to new grantees?
28%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 7 of 25 grantees (28%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $37K; repeat grants $43K. How we count
Medians: $31K first-time, $37K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $307K (2021) to $1.0M (2024). In 2024 it made 25 grants totaling $1.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Transform Alabama Talladega, AL | Subgrant | $139,606 |
| Gasp Birmingham, AL | Subgrant | $70,500 |
| NAACP Alabama Athens, AL | Subgrant | $67,675 |
| Hometown Organizing Project Montevallo, AL | Subgrant | $61,750 |
| Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice Irondale, AL | Subgrant | $61,000 |
| Project Say Something Florence, AL | Subgrant | $60,000 |
| Alabama Justice Initiative Birmingham, AL | Subgrant | $51,000 |
| United Women of Color Huntsville, AL | Subgrant | $49,430 |
| Black Belt Community Foundation Selma, AL | Subgrant | $46,000 |
| South Alabama Black Women's Roundtable Dothan, AL | Subgrant | $46,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Alabama Forward?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3,467,713 | $3,730,432 | $2,405,777 | $1,023,637 | 25 | $3,804 |
| 2023 | $2,132,388 | $1,998,335 | $1,828,247 | $742,676 | 19 | $216 |
| 2022 | $1,990,810 | $3,212,039 | $1,514,474 | $757,046 | 28 | $169 |
| 2021 | $1,588,247 | $472,961 | $718,558 | $306,647 | 9 | $60 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
Alabama Forward’s mission is to advance greater freedom and progressive, solution-oriented policy through a diverse coalition of Alabama-based partners, so every Alabamian can engage in the democratic process. It prioritizes race and gender equity.
Its stated support includes subgrants, trainings, technical assistance, capacity-building tools and resources, and programs that amplify member organizations’ work. Grant eligibility described by the organization includes member organizations and certain 501(c)(3) organizations affiliated with members. In 2024, for example, Transform Alabama received a subgrant; the organization describes its mission as building a more equitable democracy through community events, oral histories, and multimedia content to provide political education and increase Black constituent engagement. Gasp, another 2024 grantee, describes its mission as advancing healthy air and environmental justice in the Greater Birmingham area through education, advocacy, and collaboration. Hometown Organizing Project says it promotes inclusive and sustainable rural Alabama communities through grassroots organizing, leadership development, and civic engagement.
Alabama Forward also describes two projects: Shake the Field, a narrative campaign and digital space intended to encourage civic identities and engagement among Alabamians ages 18–45, and Power on the Line, a statewide narrative campaign about the impact of the Merrill v. Milligan case and of census and redistricting processes on Alabamians.
Grantmaking
In 2024, Alabama Forward reported 25 grants totaling $1,023,637. Grants ranged from $9,100 to $139,606, with a median of $30,650. The largest awards included:
The organization says grant opportunities use requests for proposals, with eligibility criteria set out for each opportunity. Applicants are required to submit a proposal or online application and a detailed budget describing how funds will be used over the grant cycle. It says proposals or applications meeting the RFP criteria are typically funded in the order submitted. The organization’s separate affiliation process for prospective members and partners includes an application reviewed by the executive director at least quarterly, followed by a vote of current table members.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Dr. Adia Winfrey as chair, Angela Curry as vice chair, and Robyn Hyden as secretary. Other listed board members are Kynesha Brown, Patricia Todd, Benard Simelton, Letetia Jackson, Camille Goldstein Bennett, Shante’ Wolfe, and Veronica Johnson.
Alabama Forward is led by Deanna Fowler, Executive Director since 2024 (on filings since 2021); 1 of 11 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Deanna Fowler
Executive Director
Deputy Director → Executive Director, 2024
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$69K (2021) → $92K (2024)
Adia Winfrey
Chair
Board Member → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kynesha Brown
Board Member
Chairman → Board Chair, 2023
Board Chair → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Patricia Todd
Board Member
Treasurer → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Angela Curry
Vice Chair
Board Member → Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Benard Simelton
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Letetia Jackson
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robyn Hyden
Secretary
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Camille Goldstein Bennett
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Shante' Wolfe
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Veronica Johnson
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (10)
- Former: Carlos Aleman (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Evan Milligan (2021–2023) — Executive Director ~
- Former: Jataune Bosby (2021–2023) — Vice Board Chair
- Former: Rodreshia Russaw (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Ashley Edwards (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Ana Delia Espino (2022) — Board Member
- Former: Jilisa Milton (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Justin Vest (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Katie Glenn (2021) — Secretary
- Former: Tari Williams (2021) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $92K, to Deanna Fowler (Executive Director).
Frequently asked questions about Alabama Forward
How much does Alabama Forward give each year?
Alabama Forward gave $1.0M across 25 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $743K across 19 grants.
What is Alabama Forward's typical grant size?
Alabama Forward's median grant in 2024 was $30,650, and its average grant was $40,945, across 25 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Alabama Forward that year got $37K on average.
Where does Alabama Forward give grants?
Alabama Forward gives mostly in Alabama: 98% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Birmingham, AL (6 grants), Montgomery, AL (5 grants), Huntsville, AL (2 grants) and Dothan, AL (2 grants).
Does Alabama Forward give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 25 grants with a stated purpose on Alabama Forward's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Subgrant" (25 grants).
Who are Alabama Forward's largest grantees?
Alabama Forward's largest 2024 grantees include Transform Alabama ($139,606), Gasp ($70,500) and NAACP Alabama ($67,675), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 27% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Alabama Forward?
Alabama Forward reported $3.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $3.7M.
What does Alabama Forward fund?
Alabama Forward’s mission is to advance greater freedom and progressive, solution-oriented policy through a diverse coalition of Alabama-based partners, so every Alabamian can engage in the democratic process. It prioritizes race and gender equity. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Alabama Forward?
Alabama Forward has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check alforward.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Alabama Forward's EIN?
Alabama Forward's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 85-3077637. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(5)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS March 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS June 18, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 17, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Alabama Forward's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Alabama Arise
Montgomery, AL
Alabama Arise is a statewide, member-led organization advancing public policies to improve the lives of alabamians who are marginalized by poverty. Our membership includes faith-based, community, nonprofit and civic groups, grassroots leaders and individuals from across al.
Assets
$1.7M
Grants
4
Total Given
$100K
The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc
Selma, AL
The Black Belt Community Foundation funds community-led work in education, child development, arts, community development, and related local needs across 12 Alabama Black Belt counties. Its 2024 grants had a median award of about $13,700, while its annual Arts and Community Grants offer smaller awards of $500–$5,000; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$26.3M
Grants
45
Total Given
$1.5M
Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation
Winston-Salem, NC
The foundation funds nonprofits serving the South that work to reduce poverty and advance social and economic justice, with an emphasis on civic engagement, community power, and racial equity. Its 2024 grants ranged from $15,000 to $1.25 million, with a median of $202,500, and it favors the southeastern United States. It accepts organizational summaries year-round and may invite selected organizations to submit a full proposal.
Assets
$181.7M
Grants
76
Total Given
$17.7M
Alabama Alliance Network
Birmingham, AL
The Alabama alliance netowrk works to strengthen and enhance Alabama's civic society through research, education, and grantmaking
Assets
$175K
Grants
1
Total Given
$45K
Women's Foundation of Alabama
Birmingham, AL
The Women’s Foundation of Alabama funds community organizations advancing women’s economic opportunity, including workforce training, leadership, financial wellbeing, child care, and related support services. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $75,000, with a median of $25,000, and its competitive grants serve organizations across Alabama; the profile states that it accepts proposals through competitive cycles and some initiative-specific applications throughout the year.
Assets
$11.7M
Grants
57
Total Given
$2.0M
BVM Capacity Building Institute Inc
Atlanta, GA
BVM Capacity Building Institute funds grassroots and community-based organizations advancing social justice, especially through civic engagement, voter access, and organizational capacity building, across more than 20 states. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,153 to $412,500, with a median of $14,000; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$13.6M
Grants
426
Total Given
$8.6M
More similar funders
More Funders in Alabama
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Alabama Forward funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 15, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/alabama-forward-morg_86f627e3717d40ac827e1e35cb91ba2c
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_853077637_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Alabama Forward funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/alabama-forward-morg_86f627e3717d40ac827e1e35cb91ba2c},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-15. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Alabama Forward's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Alabama Forward down — hundreds of funders to go?