← Back to US Funders Directory

Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville

Annual Giving
$13.0M
Grant Range
$3K - $0.1M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $12-14 million
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Varies by program (two-stage process)
  • Grant Range: $2,500 - $100,000
  • Geographic Focus: Five counties in Alabama (Madison, Limestone, Marshall, Morgan, Jackson)

Contact Details

Website: https://givehsv.org
Phone: 256-489-3525
Email: info@communityfoundationhsv.org
Grant Questions: Ann Kvach at ann@communityfoundationhsv.org
Grant Portal: https://www.grantinterface.com/Process/Apply?urlkey=cfhsv

Address: 303 Williams Ave SW, Suite 1031, Huntsville, AL 35801

Overview

Founded in 2008 by Joe and Pam Alexander, the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville has distributed over $100 million in grants to nearly 2,000 nonprofit organizations. With a mission to "mobilize generosity to improve quality of life in our community," the foundation manages 408 funds with total charitable assets of $160 million. The foundation focuses on strategic generosity across a five-county region in North Alabama, with over 78% of grant funds staying local. Rated 4/4 stars by Charity Navigator, the foundation emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and equity in its approach to community philanthropy.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Compass Society Grant: $50,000 (innovative collaborative projects spanning 3+ focus areas) - Apply April 1-June 30
Education Fund: $5,000-$15,000 (K-12 education priorities) - Apply April 15-June 16
GFiber Digital Inclusion Fund: $10,000-$100,000 (digital equity in Huntsville) - Apply March 1-April 30
give256 Fund: $2,500-$7,500 (giving circle model) - Apply July 1-August 28
Women's Philanthropy Society: High-dollar grants (systemic change for women/families) - Apply May 1-July 15
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing Grant: $10,000-$100,000 (education/economic/quality of life) - Apply through March 31
MartinConnects Fund: Variable amounts (homelessness, veterans, STEM) - Rolling basis
Huntsville Utilities Innovation Dividend: Variable (community enrichment) - Apply April 1-May 15
Pathway to Sustainability: $10,000 (capacity building) - Apply February 1-October 31
Racial Equity Fund: Variable (addressing racial equity gaps) - By invitation

Priority Areas

The foundation uses a Quality of Life Framework with eight impact areas:

  1. Basic Needs
  2. Health & Wellness
  3. Neighborhoods & Community
  4. Lifestyle (Arts & Culture)
  5. Economy (Economic/Workforce Development)
  6. Emergency Relief
  7. Environment
  8. Education

What They Don't Fund

  • Organizations outside the five-county service area (Madison, Limestone, Marshall, Morgan, Jackson counties)
  • Private foundations
  • Organizations not in good standing with IRS
  • Unsolicited general proposals (only accepts applications through specific program windows)

Governance and Leadership

CEO/President: Melissa Thompson, CAP® - "This milestone tells a powerful story about what is possible when generosity is focused and strategic. Every dollar granted from our donors reflects a shared belief in our community's bright future."

Board Chair: Lynn Troy (President, Troy 7, Incorporated)

Vice President of Community Impact: Ann Kvach (primary grant contact)

The foundation emphasizes collaboration, stating "We believe that generosity has the power to change lives, change communities, and even change the future." CEO Thompson notes their commitment to "level the playing field" and ensure "all members of our community have an opportunity to thrive."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

All applications submitted through online portal at https://www.grantinterface.com/Process/Apply?urlkey=cfhsv. The foundation does NOT accept unsolicited proposals - organizations must apply during specific program windows.

Two-Stage Process for most grants:

  1. Letter of Interest (LOI): Short initial application reviewed by sub-committee
  2. Video Application: Invited organizations submit video presentation

Decision Timeline

Varies by program. Each grant has specific application windows with different review schedules. Applicants are notified based on individual program timelines.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. In 2023, the foundation made 261 grant awards totaling $14.4 million.

Reapplication Policy

Not specifically detailed in public materials. Contact Ann Kvach for guidance on reapplication after unsuccessful attempts.

Application Success Factors

Collaboration is Essential: Many programs require multiple organizational partners. The Compass Society specifically requires 3+ partners. Foundation believes "together they can accomplish more than any company, organization, or person can alone."

Demonstrate Measurable Outcomes: Applications must include specific metrics and evaluation plans. Show how you'll track outcomes, not just outputs.

Align with Quality of Life Framework: Explicitly state which of the 8 impact areas your project addresses. For Compass Society, show how project spans 3+ areas.

Show Innovation & Scalability: Explain what makes your approach innovative and demonstrate potential for scaling or replication.

Address Equity: Given strong commitment to racial equity, show how your project addresses disparities and serves vulnerable populations.

Deep Community Roots: Foundation seeks nonprofits "deeply embedded in local community work." Demonstrate your organization's history in the five-county area.

Strategic Approach: Frame your project as "strategic" rather than just charitable. Show long-term vision and potential for systemic change.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Partnership is mandatory for many grants - Start building collaborative relationships before applying • Two-stage process requires video skills - Prepare for compelling visual storytelling in Stage 2 • No unsolicited proposals accepted - Monitor specific program windows and apply only during open periods • Strong equity focus - Projects addressing racial and economic disparities have competitive advantage • Local impact essential - Must clearly serve the five-county Greater Huntsville region • Innovation valued over traditional approaches - Demonstrate new solutions to community challenges • Contact Ann Kvach directly with grant-specific questions at ann@communityfoundationhsv.org

References

← Back to US Funders Directory