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Community Foundation Of Northeast Alabama

Annual Giving
$1.9M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.0M
Decision Time
3mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,855,723 (2023)
  • Total Assets: ~$35 million
  • Number of Funds: 143 funds
  • Decision Time: 2-3 months (varies by program)
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $10,000+ (varies by fund)
  • Geographic Focus: 9 counties in Northeast Alabama
  • Total Grants Since Inception: $15+ million

Contact Details

Address: 1130 Quintard Avenue, Suite 100, Anniston, AL 36201
Phone: (256) 231-5160
Website: www.cfnea.org
Grant Application Portal: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfna
Grant Support Contact: Cassandra Norton (Events & Technology Manager) and Lethea Cortner (Scholarships & Grants Manager)

Overview

The Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama (CFNEA) was established on October 1, 1999, when it received its initial endowment of just over $13 million from the Stringfellow Hospital Trust. Originally known as the Community Foundation of Calhoun County, the organization expanded its reach and changed its name in 2009 to reflect its broader service area. With assets of approximately $35 million across 143 funds, CFNEA awarded $1,855,723 in grants during 2023 (63 awards) and has distributed more than $15 million in grants and scholarships since inception. The foundation's mission is "to achieve positive change through the generosity of donors, now and for generations to come," serving nine counties in northeast Alabama. CFNEA operates with seasoned staff and premier community leaders on its Board of Trustees, enabling comprehensive strategic planning and effective grant distribution. The foundation has earned a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator with a perfect score of 100%.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

CFNEA administers several competitive grant programs with different focus areas:

Stringfellow Health Fund Grant (Spring and Fall cycles)

  • Focus: Community healthcare, health education services, prevention, and direct services
  • Grant Amounts: Varies - grant seekers can request any amount
  • Also Funds: E2 Program (education and employment poverty-reduction initiative)
  • Application: Pre-application required, followed by full application

Summit Grant (Summer cycle)

  • Focus: Broad community needs
  • Application: Pre-application required, followed by full application
  • Disbursement: August

Farley Moody Galbraith Fund (FMGF)

  • Focus: Broad spectrum of charitable needs, with historical emphasis on needy children, disadvantaged youth, and the arts
  • Application: Rolling basis through Fall Grants cycle
  • Grant Amounts: Not publicly specified

Harland Jones Charitable Fund (HJCF)

  • Focus: Youth up to age 19, specifically programs promoting education, literacy, safety, moral and physical development
  • Grant Amounts: $1,000 - $10,000
  • Duration: One year
  • Background: Established by Oxford resident Harland Jones who believed that educated children are more productive members of society

Foothills Community Partnership Charitable Fund

  • Focus: Critical human care issues
  • Geographic Scope: Calhoun County specifically
  • Grant Amounts: $1,000 - $10,000
  • Duration: One year

Longleaf Fund

  • Application: Online through grant portal
  • Contact: Fran Smith (fsmith@cfnea.org)

Priority Areas

The foundation supports grants across multiple categories:

  • Community Development
  • Environmental
  • Food Pantry/Food Security
  • Healthcare & Health-Related
  • Human Services
  • Mental Health
  • Youth Development
  • Education and Literacy
  • Arts and Culture
  • Safety Programs

What They Don't Fund

In compliance with federal regulations and Community Foundation policies:

  • Organizations with discriminatory policies or practices based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex/gender, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, or political beliefs
  • Organizations without 501(c)(3) IRS status (unless government/state agencies)
  • Capital campaign contributions for building construction (regular maintenance is acceptable)
  • Capital campaign feasibility studies or campaign implementation expenses
  • Exhibition expenses
  • Employee conference registrations, mileage to conferences, and conference fees

Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership

Matt Holdbrooks - President & CEO (starting August 25, 2025)

  • Native and resident of Etowah County (Glencoe) with wife Mitzi
  • Brings 30+ years of senior executive experience in nonprofit leadership, healthcare, and philanthropic organizations
  • Previously served as president of Kid One Transport
  • Quote: "It is an honor to be selected for this important leadership role."

J. Mitchell Rogers, MBA, CAP® - Interim President & CEO (2024-2025)

  • With the foundation since 2016, initially as Director of Scholarships and Initiatives
  • Quote: "Working at the Community Foundation feeds my unceasing desire to use my knowledge and talent to improve my community and positively impact the region we serve."

Jennifer S. Maddox - Former President & CEO (retired 2024 after 13 years)

  • Quote: "I am incredibly proud of everything we have achieved together, and I have full confidence that the future of CFNEA is as bright as ever."

Board of Trustees

Blair Goodgame - Board Chair

  • Represents St. Clair County
  • Tourism coordinator on the county's Economic Development Council

Recent Trustees (appointed 2022-2023):

  • Pat Borstorff, Ph.D. - Retired Executive Director, Jacksonville Christian Outreach Center; represents Calhoun County
  • The Honorable Wes Mobley - District Judge of Cherokee County
  • Dr. Jacquline (Jacquie) Tessen - Jacksonville resident; leads the board in medical-related issues

Governance Philosophy: Trustees represent the counties they serve and provide stewardship by establishing policy, setting priorities, governing effectively, and determining final funding decisions.

Key Staff

  • Fred Smith - Vice President of Community Partnerships ("My why - helping people fulfill their charitable dreams while positively impacting the region we serve")
  • Deborah J. Pfledderer - Chief Financial Officer
  • Cassandra Norton - Events & Technology Manager
  • Lethea Cortner - Scholarships & Grants Manager
  • Katelyn Ferguson - Finance & Accounting Manager
  • Norma Mancilla - Accounting & Payroll Manager

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted online through the foundation's grant portal at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfna. A prequalification application is required for any grant offered through the foundation.

The foundation uses a two-step process:

  1. Pre-Application: Initial screening to determine eligibility and fit
  2. Full Grant Application: Invited applicants complete detailed proposal

Pre-application virtual workshops are offered before each deadline to help applicants understand the process.

Grant Cycles and Deadlines

Spring Stringfellow Health Fund Grant

  • Pre-Application Opens: January 13
  • Pre-Application Due: February 16
  • Grant Application Opens: February 18
  • Grant Application Due: March 16
  • Grant Announcement: Mid to Late May

Summit Grant

  • Pre-Application Opens: May 4
  • Pre-Application Due: May 19
  • Grant Application Opens: May 21
  • Grant Application Due: June 18
  • Grant Disbursement: August

Fall Grants

  • Pre-Application Opens: July 20
  • Pre-Application Due: August 17
  • Grant Application Opens: August 20
  • Grant Application Due: September 15
  • Grant Announcement: Late November

Decision Timeline

Typical timeframes from application submission to decision:

  • Spring Cycle: 2-3 months (application in March, decision in May)
  • Summer Cycle: ~2 months (application in June, disbursement in August)
  • Fall Cycle: 2-3 months (application in September, decision in November)

Decision notifications are made via email and posted on the foundation's website.

Success Rates

The foundation made 63 grant awards in 2023 and 49 awards in 2022. While specific application-to-award ratios are not publicly disclosed, the foundation describes its grant programs as "competitive."

Application Review Process

The foundation employs a rigorous and impartial review process:

  • Trustees, area residents with special expertise, and staff review applications online
  • All grants use a numeric ranking process to foster impartiality and fairness
  • Statistical analysis screens outlying scores to ensure consistency
  • Final funding decisions are made by the Board of Trustees

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may reapply in subsequent grant cycles. The foundation encourages ongoing relationships with nonprofits in the region.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's structure and stated priorities:

Alignment with Fund Purpose: Each grant fund has specific purposes and historical emphases. The Farley Moody Galbraith Fund, for example, honors Mrs. Galbraith's historical charitable giving that supported needy children, disadvantaged youth, and the arts. The Harland Jones Charitable Fund reflects Mr. Jones's belief that "educated children are more productive members of society and more likely to live a life of faith."

Geographic Fit: Strong preference for organizations operating within CFNEA's nine-county region (Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, DeKalb, Etowah, Randolph, St. Clair, and Talladega counties). In 2024, grants ranged from $15,387 to $174,943 per county, demonstrating commitment to balanced regional distribution.

Pre-Application Engagement: The foundation offers pre-application virtual workshops and is described as "an accessible foundation that encourages local nonprofits to get in touch for help with the application process and to discuss proposals before submitting." Contact Cassandra Norton for GrantStation access and support.

Logic Models and Planning: The foundation provides logic model templates and examples, indicating they value clear articulation of program theory, inputs, outputs, and outcomes.

Collaborative Partnerships: The foundation offers a Collaborative Partnership Template, suggesting they value and may prioritize projects involving multiple organizations working together.

E2 Program Success: The foundation's signature E2 Program demonstrates their commitment to two-generational strategies and measurable outcomes. Programs showing evidence of breaking cycles (poverty, illiteracy, health disparities) align with their values.

Numeric Ranking Criteria: Applications are scored numerically, so clear, specific, measurable outcomes and well-defined budgets are essential for competitive scoring.

Resources Available: The foundation provides access to GrantStation search engine, Core Operating Standards for Non-Profit Organizations document, progress report templates, and final grant report templates - using these resources demonstrates organizational capacity.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Know Your Fund: Each grant fund has distinct purposes and histories. Research the fund's origins and donor intent - tailor your application to reflect those specific priorities.

  • Geographic Emphasis Matters: CFNEA trustees represent the counties they serve. Demonstrate deep understanding of local needs in your specific county and how your work impacts that community.

  • Engage Early: Attend pre-application workshops and contact staff before applying. The foundation explicitly encourages this and wants to help organizations succeed.

  • Two-Generation Thinking: The success of the E2 Program (helping parents gain education while children receive early learning) shows the foundation values sustainable, multi-generational impact strategies.

  • Measurement and Accountability: The numeric ranking system, logic model requirements, and progress/final report templates indicate the foundation values data-driven programs with clear outcomes.

  • Start with Pre-Application: Don't skip the pre-qualification step. It saves time and helps ensure your project is a good fit before investing in a full proposal.

  • Plan for Multiple Cycles: With three distinct grant cycles annually, organizations can strategically plan which cycle best fits their project timeline and which fund aligns with their mission.

References

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