WACF Community Fund Grants

The WACF Community Fund Grants support eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Walker County, offering opportunities through Spring and Fall cycles or year-round requests under $5,000. The Walker Area Community Foundation focuses on community needs, funding innovative projects that foster economic growth, lifelong learning, health, and leadership development. With a commitment to collaboration, the foundation aims to enhance the quality of life for residents and encourage impactful community engagement.

NOTE: Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply annually in one of three ways:

• The Spring Cycle (application open Feb. 1 - Mar. 1)The Fall Cycle (application open Aug. 1 - Sept. 1)$5,000 or Less Grant Requests (open all year)
• About Us

The Foundation is organized as a nonprofit corporation [public 501(c)(3)] under the laws of the State of Alabama and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors of civic leaders selected for their demonstrative awareness of the educational, cultural, civic, public and other charitable needs of the Walker County area.
What does the Walker Area Community Foundation do?
Awards creative, visionary and sensitive grants that address the evolving needs of our nonprofit organizations.Leverages and multiplies local giving with outside sources of assistance Demonstrates community leadership by providing seed funding for the initiation of new, innovative, or missing services and aspects of a healthy, whole, and fulfilling communityEngages the next generations in philanthropy through Project Connect and Project Community and being a partner of Youth Leadership Walker CountyConnects and convenes local organizations with other resources to help cultivate informative and collaborative relationships Supports donors’ planned giving options, providing benefits to the community and financial and tax benefits to the donor(s)
Areas Of Focus
Collaborative Planning for Economic Growth –Support economic development and other community leaders in pursuing projects, initiatives, grants, and funding as a collective, unified entityInstill a greater sense of pride and shared ownership across all communities to promote a positive image of the area and understanding that economic development in one community benefits allLifelong Learning and Success –Expand access to high-quality early childhood education from birth to age fiveSupport family engagement and student success in the K12 system by bridging community resources with the system’s greatest needsIncrease awareness of career and technical education opportunities by expanding training and mentoring for youth and young adultsSupport community members to access and achieve success in education and workforce training in high school and throughout adulthood for lifelong learningHealth, Well-being and Quality of Life –Promote community health education and knowledge of resources and services throughout the communityExpand resources, capacity, and access to substance use treatment and recoveryIncrease counseling and mental health resources for all, with a particular focus on youthDevelop and sustain more community amenities, recreational opportunities, and after-school activities desired by youth and familiesNext Generation Leadership –Increase community engagement, service, and champions through expanded leadership development opportunitiesIncrease mentorship opportunities and activities to engage youth in communities throughout the county

Eligibility

Qualified 501c3 nonprofit organizations may apply.Requests should address a critical community need and target the root cause of a problem, serve more than just a few people, avoid duplicating existing services (unless they reach an underserved population), encourage collaboration with other organizations and agencies, and include an effective method for measuring the impact of the Foundation’s investment.

Ineligibility

We do not make grants for:IndividualsReligious Organizations for religious purposesDinnersBalls or other Ticketed EventsPolitical PurposesLobbying ActivitiesReplacement of Government Grants or FundingEndowments or Other Discretionary PoolsCapital funding will not be granted if the property is not owned by the organization. With the application, organizations must submit proof of ownership including title opinion or an informational title commitment to show that the organization has clear title to the property, with no restrictions. Include deed and property description.