Best Head Start Grants in Alabama

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

Nonprofit organizations, K-12 schools, colleges, and public libraries offering family-focused literacy programs in Alabama can receive up to US $10,000 for adult education, children’s education, and parent-child literacy time. Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports early learning initiatives within 15 miles of its stores, which may complement Head Start and preschool programming.

Alabama 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible public entities working in early childhood education, health, family empowerment, or conservation can seek capital or special project funding that may benefit Head Start and similar preschool programs. Grants from James M Cox Foundation support organizations in Alabama communities where Cox Enterprises operates, with preference for groups engaged with local Cox businesses and staff.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Alabama offering education-focused programs for children and young adults can seek project funding to improve learning outcomes, self-esteem, and motivation. Malone Family Foundation supports innovative, high-impact, and measurable initiatives in preschool, K–12, and youth development that create long-term opportunities and strengthen communities; limited consideration extends to Florida and Georgia.

The Harry Sudakoff Foundation Grant supports qualified charities in Sarasota, Florida, focusing on arts, community, education for youth, environment, human services, and science. Established by builder Harry Sudakoff, the foundation prioritizes organizations with a history of support. Grants are restricted to 501(c)(3) entities, excluding individuals and certain funding types like endowments and operating expenses. A commitment to impactful contributions is central to the foundation's mission.

Alabama early learning and education nonprofits, including Head Start providers, can access funding to enhance storytelling about their community impact. Alabama education and preschool organizations can access funding through Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant, which supports 501(c)(3) and aligned for-profit organizations working within its preservation, education, or wellness pillars across the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting children and youth in arts, education, health, or welfare in Alabama can apply for the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $10,000 for one-year projects. Programs serving children and young adults up to age 21, including early learning and Head Start-related services, may be eligible.

Title I pre-K–12 classrooms in Alabama can use this grant to fund student field trips and learning experiences in parks, historic sites, and other public lands. National Park Trust provides support for program fees, transportation, hands-on materials, and stewardship supplies for under-resourced U.S. schools, including Head Start and early learning programs.

Educators working with pre-K through 9th grade students in Alabama classrooms can apply for Pets in the Classroom’s Petsmart Grant, awarding up to US $50 to purchase and maintain small classroom animals. Public and private school teachers, librarians, counselors, nurses, and other school-based staff may be eligible; homeschools and in-home daycares are excluded.

Nonprofits, schools, religious institutions, and government agencies in Alabama’s Greater Huntsville area can apply for $2,500 - $5,000 grants to support early childhood and K–16 education programs. With a mission to invest in student success, Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville funds program costs and volunteer training, including preschool and early learning initiatives that may complement Head Start efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, churches, and government entities in Alabama working on early learning, youth development, family services, or community health can apply for Cdv5 Foundation’s flexible funding. Grants may support general operations, capital campaigns, or specific programs that nurture successful children, strengthen families, and cultivate healthier communities.

Early learning and K–12 education providers in Alabama and across the U.S. can apply for the Yass Foundation for Education’s Yass Prize, awarding US $1,000,000 for innovative, student-centered education models. Programs advancing sustainable, transformational, outstanding, and permissionless learning, including those enhancing preschool and early learning access, may be competitive.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving educational outcomes for children and youth can apply for Comis Foundation grants, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $75,000 for programs, pilots, and capacity building. Early learning and Head Start-style initiatives in Alabama may be eligible if they have national scope and reach.

Alabama early childhood and preschool education organizations, especially those offering STEM-focused programs or basic needs support, may be eligible for funding that advances learning and stability for young children. Head Start and similar providers within American Electric Power’s service territory or serving its customers can seek support from American Electric Power Foundation for education, housing, hunger, social justice, and related initiatives.

U.S. nonprofit professional development providers, school districts, and colleges improving early childhood education quality can seek up to US $500,000 over three years for large-scale workforce initiatives. With a mission to strengthen early learning, Stranahan Foundation provides Alabama preschool and early learning organizations with funding for scalable coaching, leadership development, and substitute teacher pool models serving primarily low-income children birth to five.

Early learning and education nonprofits in Alabama can seek Hearst Foundation funding for high-impact education programs, scholarships, capital projects, and limited general support. Focused on higher education, early childhood, K-12, STEM, and educator development, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation awards more than US $100,000 to large, U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with strong track records.

Alabama early childhood and preschool education programs, along with other 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, can access funding through the Roy and Gloria Dinsdale Foundation for services like education, healthcare, disabilities support, arts, and veterans or first responder programs. Grants of More than US $10,000 prioritize communities served by Pinnacle Bank, Bank of Colorado, and related Dinsdale companies.

Nonprofit organizations providing high-quality early childhood education in Alabama can seek funding to improve school readiness for children from birth to age 5. Focus areas include vocabulary, social-emotional learning, math, science, and the arts. Focused on early learning, PNC Foundation invites eligible groups in specified counties to partner through its Grow Up Great initiative.

Alabama early childhood and preschool education nonprofits can access funding through Ohio Childrens Foundation to support at-risk children and families, especially ages 0–5. Grants up to US $20,000 back programs that build school readiness, foster early brain and language development, strengthen parenting for literacy, reduce toxic stress, and advance supportive public policies.

Head Start programs and other early childhood organizations in Alabama can receive free On My Way to Kindergarten kits to support preschool and early learning. Grants from The Molina Foundation help providers serving children ages 3–5 offer bilingual (Spanish-English) activity books, songs, games, and caregiver resources that build kindergarten readiness at home and in the community.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

Linda K. Freeland Early Childhood Education Scholarship

For High school senior from Saline County, KS, with an intended major of early childhood education.

Applicant must submit an essay that states why they have chosen to major in early childhood education.

Renewals

• This award is not renewable.

Jacquie Porter Scholarship for Aspiring Early Childhood Teachers in Austin ISD

Aspirations of becoming an early childhood educator.

Awards

• (1) $5,000.00

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Meghan Lynn Rippeon Memorial Scholarship

The purpose of the Meghan Lynn Rippeon Memorial Scholarship is to honor the life of Meghan Lynn Rippeon by providing a scholarship for any senior graduating from a Carroll County, Maryland high school who has shown academic achievement and is pursuing an education in early childhood development and who has been accepted at an accredited College, University, or Technical School. Applications will also be accepted from continuing students, i.e. those that are already in college, who meet the criteria established for this scholarship.

The Kiwanis Club of Albuquerque Scholarship Fund, established in 1948, supports graduating seniors from Albuquerque metro area high schools who demonstrate strong academic performance and community service. Annually, one to four scholarships of up to $1,000 are awarded to students pursuing careers in child development and teaching. The fund emphasizes the importance of community involvement and academic excellence, encouraging students to share their career goals and financial needs through an essay as part of their application.

The Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant aims to enhance early care and education systems in the U.S. by supporting targeted investments in technology and data analytics. This initiative, led by the Administration for Children and Families, encourages states to improve program quality, family choice, and data-driven decision-making for children from birth to five years old. The funding is designed to create measurable outcomes and strengthen coordination within the mixed-delivery system.

The Early Head Start Expansion and Child Care Partnership Grants aim to enhance early childhood services for low-income families across GA, NC, and VA. With approximately $7.7 million in federal funding, this initiative will provide comprehensive support to pregnant women, infants, and toddlers, fostering family stability and community prosperity. The program reflects the Administration for Children and Families' commitment to improving economic and social well-being through accessible, high-quality early education services.

The McInnes Charitable Trust, founded by Sally and John McInnes, aims to support organizations in Colorado focused on animal welfare, children's health, education, and empowerment. The Trust prioritizes funding for exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) with a proven track record. It typically does not fund capital improvements or multi-year commitments. By fostering a spirit of generosity, the Trust honors the McInnes family's legacy and commitment to various charitable causes.