With the idea of “unlocking economic opportunity for Alabama women through the power of community partners,” the Women’s Foundation of Alabama, is set to take its grantmaking efforts statewide for the fall 2023 season.

The foundation has been an engine for women’s philanthropy in the Greater Birmingham area for over two decades – granting more than $8 million to local partners. This is the first time grant opportunities will be open to organizations across Alabama. Applying for the grants opens Friday.

“This is an exciting milestone for us as we extend our impact and partnerships across Alabama. These new focus areas will give us the chance to meet and partner with organizations that are aligned with our vision of equitable economic opportunity in the state,” says Zhaundra C. Jones, Women’s Foundation of Alabama Vice President of  Philanthropy and Learning.

Organizations will select one of three categories to apply under: Women + Work, Women + Leadership, or Women + Wellbeing.

• Women + Work: The foundation plans to fund nonprofit organizations providing education, skills training, credentials, and critical supports that enable women to access quality jobs and advance along their career path. 
• Women + Leadership: Supporting programs that invest in the personal and professional leadership development of women and the implementation of women led policy and practice solutions. 
• Women + Well-being: Focused on funding programs that enable women to thrive, within and beyond their career, along the  eight dimensions of wellness with a focus on the following three: financial, physical,  and mental wellness. 

“As Alabama’s first and only philanthropic foundation solely addressing the unique needs of  women and girls, Women’s Foundation of Alabama pools the resources of generous  individuals, nonprofits, corporate partners, and community leaders to create a society where  all women thrive,” said Brantley Fry of the foundation board. 

“This extraordinary organization has been creating  a ripple effect of progress for years, and with this strategic shift to statewide giving, I am confident we’ll soon see incredible waves of change toward economic equity for women in Alabama.” 

The foundation will host an informational webinar to answer questions  on the process on Aug. 8 at 11 a.m. 

The initial phase of the grant cycle opens online Friday and runs through Aug. 25.