By BETH THOMAS
Special to Atmore News
Two Alabama Power Foundation grant application cycles are slated to open in the coming weeks.
Opening on June 23 and closing on July 18, Gateway Grants are aimed at developing communities across Alabama. From the makers of Gees Bend to the natural beauty of the Cahaba to the powerful stories told in the many stops along the winding civil rights trail, there is just so much to be discovered in Alabama. The Alabama Power Foundation’s Gateway Grants are intended to unlock the economic and cultural value within Alabama communities by helping towns invite new visitors, new industries, and new neighbors to their area of the state.
The grant funds can be used for new signage, the renovation of existing signage, website development or upgrades, and marketing materials for a town / city or for town / city event promotion. Funding is limited to a maximum of $2,500 per grant. Additionally, Gateway Grants must meet the following criteria:
- Applying entity is a city, town or community. Awards will be paid to the municipality.
- Municipalities receiving a Gateway grant must not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, nationality, ethnic origin or disability.
- Project helps maintain civic pride in the communities in which we live.
- Project enhances economic development opportunities by providing signage that is appealing and welcoming.
- Project enhances community aesthetics by encouraging physical improvements in our neighborhoods.
- Project assists with town or event promotion for economic impact.
Grant recipients in 2024 included the cities of Lanett, Ozark, Sylacauga, and Tallassee — all of which received Gateway Grants for installing new and/or restoring old welcome signs in their communities.
The Power to Play Grant application cycle opens on July 28 and runs through August 22. Power to Play Grants empower student success through athletics, arts and music. Studies show that students who participate in extracurricular activities perform better in the classroom and are more likely to graduate from high school. The Alabama Power Foundation’s Power to Play grant program offers three types of grants to expand opportunities and promote student participation.
Like Gateway Grants, Power to Play Grants are limited to $2,500 per grant. Awards are paid to the school or the 501(c)3 program, not individuals. Recipients will also submit a six-month and final report documenting how the funds were used in accordance with the grant purpose. Here are some examples of who may apply: - Those applying for athletics support can be schools or 501(c)3 organizations that aim to eliminate barriers in student participation serving students ages K through 12.
- Those applying for support with arts or music programs should be educators in grades K through 12.
- Priority will be given to Title I public schools, or schools with 50 percent or more of its full-time students receiving free or reduced meals.
- For schools applying for athletic support, the school be a member in good standing of AHSAA / AISA, where applicable.
Examples of recipients from the 2024 grant cycle include Fairfield High Preparatory School, who used the funds to purchase new uniforms for its marching band, and McAdory High School, who purchased 13 new weight bars for their athletic department’s weight room.
Those interested in applying for either grant can find more information as well as submit their application at the Alabama Power Foundation’s website, www.powerofgood.com.
Beth Thomas is the External Affairs Manager with Alabama Power.