Alpha Foundation, Inc.

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $2,607,010 (2023)
Average Grant Size: $72,417
Total Assets: $45.9 million
Grant Range: Varies (average ~$72,000)
Number of Grants: 36 grants awarded (2023)
Geographic Focus: Primarily Madison County, AL; also considers AL, GA, TN, and other southeastern states
Decision Time: Approximately 6-8 weeks after annual meeting (late November)

Contact Details

Address: P.O. Box 2087, Huntsville, Alabama 35804

Phone: (256) 713-2277

Grant Inquiries: Meagan Owens at (256) 227-6370 or mowens@alphafoundationhsv.org

General Email: info@alphafoundationhsv.org

Website: www.alphafoundationhsv.org

Overview

Established in 1997 by visionary entrepreneur Lonnie S. McMillian, the Alpha Foundation Inc. is a private family foundation with approximately $45.9 million in assets. The foundation's mission is "improving the human condition through grants to educational, scientific, and charitable organizations." McMillian, co-founder of ADTRAN and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, created the foundation to honor his long-standing commitment to Huntsville's economic development and growth. Following McMillian's death in 2018, his grandson Robert Key now serves as President, continuing the legacy of supporting scientific innovation and community development. The foundation distributed $2,607,010 in grants during 2023 across 36 awards, with a major focus on biotechnology to aid in the discovery and cure of diseases.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Alpha Foundation operates on an annual grant cycle with a single application deadline each year (October 1). Grants are awarded across multiple focus areas:

Biotechnology Research: Major emphasis on supporting disease discovery and cure research
Education: Grants for educational institutions and programs
Youth Development: Programs supporting young people
Human Services: Charitable organizations serving community needs
Capital Projects: Major capital projects and endowments are eligible
Operating Support: Administrative, program, or operating support requests are considered

Priority Areas

The foundation gives primarily for:

Biotechnology and Life Sciences: Strong emphasis on supporting research and innovation in disease cure and prevention
Education: Educational institutions and programs at various levels
Youth Development: Programs benefiting young people
Human Services: Organizations addressing community social needs
Scientific Research: Support for scientific advancement and innovation

What They Don't Fund

Multi-year Grant Commitments: The foundation generally does not approve multi-year grant commitments, preferring single-year awards
Geographic Limitations: While the foundation will consider requests from outside Madison County, Alabama, its main geographical focus is the Madison County area, which may limit funding for organizations far outside this region

Governance and Leadership

Board Structure: The foundation is managed by an unpaid board of directors.

Key Leadership:

Robert Key, President - Grandson of founder Lonnie McMillian, continuing the family's philanthropic legacy

Founder's Legacy: Lonnie S. McMillian was a visionary entrepreneur who co-founded ADTRAN in 1986 and later turned his attention to biotechnology in the 1990s. He was honored as an outstanding community philanthropist and won the Entrepreneur Champion of the Year award. McMillian was known for making many of his financial gifts anonymously, with many beneficiaries never realizing he had provided key charitable support.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted in written and/or electronic form (via thumb drive or email).

Required Materials:

Completed Grant Cover Sheet (do not alter the form)
Brief statement of the purpose of the grant and the amount requested
Description of the organization, its purposes, programs, staffing, and governing board
Latest financial statements, including the most recent year-end report
Evidence from the Internal Revenue Service of the organization's non-profit status

Additional Requirements for Project Funding:

Description of the proposed project, why it is needed, and the expected impact
Explanation of how the project relates to the organization's long-term plans and priorities
Brief overview of project plans and timetables
Summary of funding commitments received to date for the project
Itemized project budget, including other sources of support in hand or anticipated

Signature Requirement: The grant application must be submitted over the signature of the organization's Chief Executive Officer, Chairperson of the Board, or other authorized representative.

Submission: Applications can be mailed (must be postmarked by the deadline) or submitted electronically.

Decision Timeline

Application Deadline: October 1 annually (for the following year's grants)
Board Meeting: Toward the end of November each year, the directors meet to review and select grant recipients
Notification: Every applicant will be notified of the decision in writing shortly after the annual meeting (typically within a few weeks)
Total Timeline: Approximately 6-8 weeks from submission deadline to notification

Success Rates

Based on available data:

36 grants awarded in 2023
37 grants awarded in 2022
32 grants awarded in 2021
26 grants awarded in 2020

The foundation has been increasing its number of awards over recent years, suggesting growing grant activity. However, specific application-to-award ratios are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication Permitted: Applicants who receive grants or who are denied grants may make a subsequent application for a grant. There are no stated restrictions or waiting periods for reapplication, meaning unsuccessful applicants can apply again in the next funding cycle.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's mission and funding patterns, successful applications likely demonstrate:

Alignment with Biotechnology Focus: Given the foundation's stated "major focus on biotechnology to aid in the discovery and cure of diseases," projects related to life sciences, medical research, and health innovation appear particularly competitive.
Strong Local Connection: While the foundation considers applications from outside Madison County, Alabama, its main geographical focus is the Madison County area. Organizations based in or serving Huntsville and Madison County likely have an advantage.
Clear Community Impact: The foundation's mission emphasizes "improving the human condition." Applications should clearly articulate how the project will benefit the community and contribute to human welfare.
Educational and Scientific Merit: With priorities in education and scientific advancement, applications should demonstrate academic rigor, innovation, or educational value.
Comprehensive Budget Information: For project funding, the foundation specifically requests itemized budgets and information about other funding sources, suggesting they value fiscal planning and diversified funding strategies.
Established Organizations: The foundation's requirements for organizational descriptions, governing board information, and financial statements suggest preference for established nonprofits with demonstrated capacity.
Single-Year Projects: Since the foundation generally does not approve multi-year grant commitments, applications for defined, single-year initiatives may be more competitive than requests for ongoing, multi-year support.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

October 1 deadline is critical: This is an annual cycle with one deadline per year—missing it means waiting until the next year. Plan accordingly and submit well in advance.
Biotechnology and life sciences projects are priority: The foundation has a "major focus" on biotechnology for disease discovery and cure. If your project has any connection to health, medical research, or life sciences, emphasize it strongly.
Madison County connections matter: While out-of-area applications are considered, the foundation's primary geographic focus is Madison County, Alabama. Highlight any local connections or impact in the Huntsville area.
Complete applications are essential: The foundation has specific documentation requirements. Ensure all materials—including the unaltered Grant Cover Sheet, financial statements, IRS documentation, and project budgets—are included.
Contact Meagan Owens with questions: The foundation provides a specific contact person for grant inquiries. Don't hesitate to reach out with questions before applying at (256) 227-6370 or mowens@alphafoundationhsv.org.
Reapplication is encouraged: If unsuccessful, organizations can and should reapply. With no waiting period restrictions, unsuccessful applicants can submit again in the next annual cycle.
Average grant size is substantial: With an average grant of approximately $72,000, this foundation makes meaningful awards. Requests should be appropriately scaled to significant projects with substantial impact.

References

Accessed December 24, 2024