Education MiniGrants

Alabama Audubon's Education MiniGrants provide up to $1,000 per award to support educators and educationally-oriented nonprofits throughout Alabama. They provide funding for projects that promote conservation and greater knowledge of birds, their habitats, and the natural world.

Geographic Scope: Throughout Alabama

Eligibility:

• Tax-exempt nonprofits with IRS public charity status
• Public entities qualifying under Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code
• K-12 educators and educationally-oriented organizations
• All potential applicants welcome to reach out to discuss general suitability of project idea prior to submission

Funding Priorities: Four kinds of bird-focused educational projects:

• Physical improvements within school or community habitat sites (native plants, identification signage, benches, bird-specific houses)
• Purchases of classroom birding equipment
• Innovative, student-led projects with community-science or habitat-monitoring components
• Select field trips to visit significant public bird areas

Award Decision Process: Selection committee appointed by President of Alabama Audubon reviews applications and makes funding recommendations following closing of submission deadline. Committee recommendations reviewed by Alabama Audubon Board of Directors, with whom final funding decisions rest. Final award amount may be adjusted at discretion of Alabama Audubon. Recipients notified by email 4-6 weeks following submission deadline.

Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrates strong focus on Alabama birds and their conservation
• Maximizes number of students benefiting from project
• Targeted toward diverse student audience
• Contains detailed, carefully considered budget outline
• Explains how project can serve as stepping stone for future bird-based learning
• Details how project fits within school or organization's educational plan
• Contains plan for evaluating student outcomes
• Should be innovative, creative, and "outside the box"

Ineligible Expenses:

• Salaries, stipends
• Indirect costs (overhead or "facilities and administrative" expenses)
• Expenses outside those approved in submitted budget

How to Apply

Deadline: February 15, 2027, at 11:59 PM (current deadline for 2027)

Submission Methods:

• Email completed application as PDF to info@alaudubon.org, OR
• Mail completed application to: Alabama Audubon, PO Box 130819, Birmingham, AL 35213
• If mailing, application must be received (not postmarked) by February 15, 2027

Application Materials:

• Signed, completed application form (saved as PDF)
• Application Form available for download on website
• Advice for Applicants document with detailed information about Education MiniGrants, types of projects, and FAQs

Post-Award Requirements (must be completed by May 15, 2027 for current cycle):

1. Completed MiniGrants Report Form
2. Photo Release form (if applicable)
3. MiniGrant Funds Received form (due within 14 days of receiving funds)

Important Note: Failure to submit any required post-award forms will void any opportunity for eligibility for future grants offered by Alabama Audubon.

Payment: Awards made payable to organization, not directly to applicant. Contact info@alaudubon.org to discuss payment logistics if necessary.

Technical Support: If experiencing difficulty scanning signed copy or need further technical assistance, email info@alaudubon.org or contact Keith Wolfe-Hughes at 205-719-3678 ext 9.