Community Foundation Of South Alabama

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3.5 million (2018)
• Success Rate: Not available
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Grant Range: Not specified
• Geographic Focus: 8 counties in Southwest Alabama (Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe, Washington)

Contact Details

• Website: www.communityfoundationsa.org
• Phone: 251.438.5591
• Location: Mobile, AL

Overview

Founded in 1976, the Community Foundation of South Alabama (CFSA) serves as a cornerstone philanthropic institution for Southwest Alabama, managing over 500 philanthropic funds with total assets exceeding $79 million as of 2018. The foundation has awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout its history, focusing on assembling and directing philanthropic assets to improve the quality of life across eight counties in the region. CFSA operates with a mission to amplify generous gifts through wise investment, support community enhancement efforts, and lead collaborative initiatives with broad impact.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

The foundation awards grants across multiple categories:

• Arts and Culture
• Education
• Health
• Human Services
• Environmental
• Civic and Community Development
• Recreation
• Anti-Crime and Abuse initiatives

Geographic Focus

Exclusively serves eight counties in Southwest Alabama: Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe, and Washington

Governance and Leadership

Leadership structure includes:

• Marshall Shields (Chair)
• Peter Susman (Vice Chair)
• John Bedsole (Treasurer)
• Anna Goldman (Secretary)

The foundation operates through a comprehensive approach: investing charitable donations for maximum impact, connecting philanthropists with vetted nonprofits, leading strategic community initiatives, and inspiring educational opportunities through scholarships.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Based on available information, the Community Foundation of South Alabama does not appear to have a publicly accessible grant application process on their website. The foundation manages over 500 philanthropic funds and works primarily through donor-advised funds and designated funds that support specific causes or organizations chosen by donors. Grant distributions appear to be made through these established funds rather than through open application cycles.

Getting on Their Radar

Organizations seeking support from CFSA should consider:

• Establishing relationships with existing fundholders who may recommend grants
• Contacting the foundation directly at 251.438.5591 to discuss potential funding opportunities
• Working with the foundation's affiliate foundations in specific communities (Fairhope/Point Clear, Atmore, Tri-City, North Baldwin)

Application Success Factors

While specific application guidance is not publicly available, organizations should:

• Align programs with the foundation's focus areas
• Demonstrate clear impact in Southwest Alabama's eight-county service area
• Show how their work contributes to making Southwest Alabama "a better place"
• Consider connecting with existing fundholders who might champion their cause

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Community Foundation of South Alabama primarily operates through donor-advised and designated funds rather than open grant cycles
• Focus exclusively on programs serving the eight-county Southwest Alabama region
• The foundation manages significant assets ($79+ million) and has a long history of community investment since 1976
• Direct relationship building with the foundation and its fundholders may be more effective than traditional grant applications
• Consider working through one of the four affiliate community foundations for more localized support
• Annual giving of approximately $3.5 million indicates substantial grant-making capacity

References

• Community Foundation of South Alabama official website (www.communityfoundationsa.org) - Accessed January 2026
• GuideStar Profile for Community Foundation of South Alabama (EIN: 63-0695166) - Accessed January 2026
• Foundation website pages on mission, impact, and fund creation - Accessed January 2026