The Daniel Foundation of Alabama
The Daniel Foundation of Alabama is a private foundation based in Birmingham, Alabama. It supports organizations and projects intended to strengthen Alabama communities and improve residents’ quality of life, with grant opportunities addressing education, community needs, arts and community assets, and rural initiatives.
The Daniel Foundation of Alabama at a glance
In short: The Daniel Foundation of Alabama gave $7.5M across 521 grants in 2024 (avg $14K), mostly in Alabama. 27% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $7,518,920
- +9.1% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 521
- +4.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $14,432
- +4.9% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $114,472,875
- -1.0% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 27% first-time grantees (119 of 446, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Alabama (96% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Daniel Foundation of Alabama
- How to Apply
-
Review the requirements for the relevant grant opportunity and submit a letter of intent through the foundation’s online grants management system. The foundation directs applicants to its website for application materials and restrictions.
- Review Cycle
- The rural Cycle 1 letter of intent is due October 15, 2026. The website lists 2027 operating Cycle 1 letters of intent due October 30, 2026, and Cycle 3 letters of intent due July 2, 2027. The 2027 special project Cycle 2 letter of intent is due March 5, 2027.
- Deadline
- The rural Cycle 1 letter of intent is due October 15, 2026.
- Contact
Application contact: Maria S Kennedy Executive Director
Mailing address: 510 Office Park Drive Suite 210, Birmingham, AL 35223
Phone: (205) 874-3523
Website: https://danielfoundationofalabama.com
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
7 open opportunities from The Daniel Foundation of Alabama
Daniel Foundation of Alabama: Arts, Culture and Community Asset Grants
The Daniel Foundation of Alabama
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Daniel Foundation of Alabama: Community Needs Grants
The Daniel Foundation of Alabama
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Daniel Foundation of Alabama: Education & Youth Grants
The Daniel Foundation of Alabama
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who The Daniel Foundation of Alabama funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Troy University Foundation ($151K across 3 grants). Together the top 10 received $1.0M.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($10,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
2,557 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 2,408 grants of 2,557 (94%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation states that its mission and grantmaking serve Alabama communities. In 2024, 96% of grant dollars went to recipients in Alabama; the filing also lists recipients in DC, Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia. Its rural opportunity identifies 35 Tier 1 and 15 Tier 2 Alabama counties, with preference given to Tier 1 counties. Operating and special project opportunities are described as serving organizations based and doing work in 17 specified non-rural Alabama counties.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 521 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Daniel Foundation of Alabama open to new grantees?
27%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 119 of 446 grantees (27%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $14K; repeat grants $18K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $10K repeat.
- 50% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+3%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 115% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). 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 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $6.9M (2023) to $7.5M (2024). In 2024 it made 521 grants totaling $7.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University Charter School Livingston, AL | Charitable | $112,500 |
| Community Food Bank of Central Alabama Birmingham, AL | Charitable | $100,000 |
| Lovelady Center Birmingham, AL | Charitable | $100,000 |
| University of South Alabama Mobile, AL | Charitable | $100,000 |
| Alabama CASA Network Inc- Opelika Opelika, AL | Charitable | $75,000 |
| Birmingham Zoo Birmingham, AL | Charitable | $75,000 |
| Jimmie Hale Mission Birmingham, AL | Charitable | $75,000 |
| McWane Science Center Birmingham, AL | Charitable | $75,000 |
| Mobile Area Education Foundation Mobile, AL | Charitable | $75,000 |
| Nature Conservancy of Alabama Birmingham, AL | Charitable | $75,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $114,472,875 | $7,475,168 | $9,696,859 | $7,518,920 | 521 | $7,512,554 | $5,618,179 | $6,533,437 |
| 2023 | $115,676,328 | $3,316,063 | $8,433,762 | $6,893,982 | 501 | $6,893,982 | $2,307,873 | $6,208,663 |
| 2022 | $119,124,094 | $3,403,391 | $8,915,974 | $7,497,200 | 507 | $7,497,200 | $2,285,935 | $6,359,598 |
| 2021 | $125,925,900 | $11,135,386 | $8,621,701 | $7,322,000 | 518 | $7,322,000 | $10,079,536 | $6,893,874 |
| 2020 | $122,912,404 | $3,602,204 | $8,323,179 | $6,994,227 | 510 | — | $2,512,106 | $6,334,403 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Daniel Foundation of Alabama reported a distributable amount of $6.5M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is to strengthen communities within Alabama and improve the quality of life for Alabama citizens. It says this work involves supporting effective organizations focused on building a healthy, well-educated population and vibrant, collaborative communities.
Its grant opportunities include education and youth development, basic needs, health and human services, arts, mentoring, and community projects. Its operating grants are for specified priority areas in 17 Alabama counties, while rural grants focus on projects or programming in designated Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties. Special project grants support substantial capital projects, new programming, strategic expansions, and larger one-time projects; they do not support operating expenses or ongoing programming.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate the range of grantees. University Charter School describes its mission as operating a public charter school in Livingston. Community Food Bank of Central Alabama says it feeds people in need and fosters collaborative solutions to end hunger. McWane Science Center says it sparks wonder and curiosity in the community. Birmingham Zoo describes its work as including animal exhibits, conservation, research, and educational activities.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 521 grants totaling $7,518,920. Grants ranged from $200 to $112,500, with a median of $10,000. Among the largest were $112,500 to University Charter School; $100,000 each to Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, Lovelady Center, and University of South Alabama; and $75,000 each to Alabama CASA Network, Birmingham Zoo, Jimmie Hale Mission, McWane Science Center, Mobile Area Education Foundation, and Nature Conservancy of Alabama. The filing also lists a $75,000 grant to Phalen Leadership Academies in Quincy, Massachusetts.
The foundation’s website says applications begin with a letter of intent submitted through its online grants management system. The filing directs applicants to the foundation’s website for forms, materials, deadlines, and award restrictions. For operating grants, the website lists eligibility requirements including an Alabama-based organization, at least one paid employee, annual revenue no greater than $5 million, and no more than 75% of revenue from government grants or contracts. Rural applicants must meet the rural opportunity’s geographic and public-charity requirements; special project applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Charles W. Daniel as chairman; Marion Daniel Head as vice president; Lyndra P. Daniel as president; Maria S. Kennedy as executive director; and Lucy McVay, Jack Hawkins Jr., Zachary J. Daniel, and Christopher H. Daniel as directors.
The Daniel Foundation of Alabama is led by Lyndra P. Daniel, President on every filing since 2020; all 8 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Lyndra P. Daniel
President
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$6K (2020) → $6K (2024)
Maria S. Kennedy
Executive Director
On filings since 2020
32 hrs/week
$119K (2020) → $150K (2024)
Charles W. Daniel
Chairman
On filings since 2020
32 hrs/week
$36K (2020) → $36K (2024)
Christopher H. Daniel
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$6K (2020) → $5K (2024)
Jack Hawkins Jr.
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$6K (2020) → $3K (2024)
Lucy McVay
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$6K (2020) → $6K (2024)
Zachary J. Daniel
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$6K (2020) → $6K (2024)
Marion Daniel Head
Vice President
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$6K (2020) → $5K (2024)
Former officers (1)
- Former: James F. Hughey Jr. (2020–2023) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "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 $150K, to Maria S Kennedy (Exec. Director). 8 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Daniel Foundation of Alabama
How much does The Daniel Foundation of Alabama give each year?
The Daniel Foundation of Alabama gave $7.5M across 521 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $6.9M across 501 grants.
What is The Daniel Foundation of Alabama's typical grant size?
The Daniel Foundation of Alabama's median grant in 2024 was $10,000, and its average grant was $14,432, across 521 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Daniel Foundation of Alabama that year got $14K on average.
Where does The Daniel Foundation of Alabama give grants?
The Daniel Foundation of Alabama gives mostly in Alabama: 96% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Birmingham, AL (159 grants), Mobile, AL (38 grants), Huntsville, AL (27 grants) and Montgomery, AL (26 grants).
Does The Daniel Foundation of Alabama give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 521 grants with a stated purpose on The Daniel Foundation of Alabama's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Charitable" (521 grants).
Who are The Daniel Foundation of Alabama's largest grantees?
The Daniel Foundation of Alabama's largest 2024 grantees include Troy University Foundation ($151,000 across 3 grants), Nature Conservancy of Alabama ($150,000 across 2 grants) and University Charter School ($112,500), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($10,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 5% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Daniel Foundation of Alabama?
The Daniel Foundation of Alabama reported $114.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $7.5M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $6.5M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Daniel Foundation of Alabama fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to strengthen communities within Alabama and improve the quality of life for Alabama citizens. It says this work involves supporting effective organizations focused on building a healthy, well-educated population and vibrant, collaborative communities. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Daniel Foundation of Alabama?
Review the requirements for the relevant grant opportunity and submit a letter of intent through the foundation’s online grants management system. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Daniel Foundation of Alabama's EIN?
The Daniel Foundation of Alabama's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 63-0736444. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Daniel Foundation of Alabama funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 25, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-daniel-foundation-of-alabama-morg_353a298473404da69f478ba37c72b4f6
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_630736444_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Daniel Foundation of Alabama funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-daniel-foundation-of-alabama-morg_353a298473404da69f478ba37c72b4f6},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-25. 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 The Daniel Foundation of Alabama'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.
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