Holle Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,308,482 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 4-6 weeks after November 1 deadline
• Grant Range: $800 - $1,044,000
• Geographic Focus: Central Alabama (8 counties)

Contact Details

Website: https://www.hollefoundation.org/

Phone: (205) 603-8746

Address: 2112 11th Avenue South, Suite 541, Birmingham, AL 35205

Application Portal: Online through foundation website

Overview

The Holle Family Foundation is a grant-making institution established in 2014 to honor the legacy of Brigadier General Everett Hughes Holle (1929-2017) and his parents, Evelyn and Fred Holle. With total assets exceeding $47.9 million, the foundation awarded $2.3 million in grants to 34 organizations in 2023. The foundation promotes individuals and institutions throughout central Alabama that nurture individual accomplishment and worth, with grantees addressing local disparities in knowledge, opportunity, and care. General Holle was a 1950 University of Alabama graduate who served 35 years in the U.S. Army and spent four decades in Birmingham television at WAPI/WVTM NBC 13. The foundation's largest commitment was a $10 million gift in 2019 to the University of Alabama's College of Communication and Information Sciences.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Annual Grant Cycle: Applications due November 1
• Reimbursable grants only (organizations must front costs)
• Project Timeline: January 1 start, December 1 completion

Priority Areas

1. Services and Advocacy for Vulnerable Populations
2. Academic Excellence
3. Leadership Development
4. Outdoor Recreation
5. Community Development
6. Celebrating Alabama's Art, History and Culture
7. Supporting Veteran Programs

What They Don't Fund

• Non-501(c)(3) organizations
• Ongoing annual support (unless specifically stated)
• Full project funding (prefers partial support)
• Organizations outside central Alabama (rare exceptions)

Governance and Leadership

Patrick O'Neil serves as Chair of the Holle Family Foundation. The foundation partners with CAWACO RC&D for administrative and program services.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

• Online application through www.hollefoundation.org
• Must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit
• Annual deadline: November 1
• Single application cycle per year

Decision Timeline

• Application Deadline: November 1
• Notifications: December (4-6 weeks)
• Grant Period: January 1 - December 1

Success Rates

• 34 grants awarded in 2023
• 40 grants awarded in 2022
• Foundation notes requests greatly exceed available funds

Reapplication Policy

Successful applicants: Wait one year after receiving grants two years in a row Unsuccessful applicants: Wait one year before reapplying unless request has materially changed

Application Success Factors

The foundation explicitly prefers:

• Pilot projects that can be scaled or replicated
• Collaborative approaches involving multiple organizations
• Measurable impact with clear evaluation mechanisms
• Partial funding requests with other funding sources
• Sustainability planning for future funding

Strong alignment with General Holle's legacy in military service, education, broadcasting, and community leadership strengthens applications. All grants are reimbursable, requiring organizations to have adequate cash flow to front project costs.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Single annual deadline - November 1 only, no rolling applications
• Central Alabama focus - 8 counties strongly preferred (Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Tuscaloosa, Walker)
• Reimbursable grants only - Must have cash flow to front all costs
• Prefer pilot projects - Emphasize scalability and replication potential
• Show collaboration - Partner with other organizations
• Request partial funding - Demonstrate other funding sources
• Measure impact - Include specific, quantifiable metrics

References

1. Holle Family Foundation official website, https://www.hollefoundation.org/, accessed March 10, 2026
2. Holle Family Foundation Grant Guidelines, https://hollefoundation.org/hffgranteeeguidelines/, accessed March 10, 2026
3. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Holle Family Foundation, https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/464166996, accessed March 10, 2026
4. Cause IQ - Holle Family Foundation Profile, https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/holle-family-foundation,464166996/, accessed March 10, 2026
5. CAWACO RC&D - Holle Family Foundation, https://cawaco.org/holle-family-foundation/, accessed March 10, 2026
6. University of Alabama News, "$10 Million Gift from Holle Family Foundation," September 18, 2019
7. Instrumentl 990 Report - Holle Family Foundation, https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/holle-family-foundation, accessed March 10, 2026