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Alfa Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.3M
Grant Range
$0K - $0.2M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,268,550 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $250 - $160,000
  • Median Grant: $3,000
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Alabama, with some grants to organizations in DC, FL, GA, LA, MI, MN, MS, TN, TX, and VA

Contact Details

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 11189, Montgomery, AL 36111

Phone: 1-800-964-2532 (Alabama Farmers Federation)

Website: https://www.alfainsurance.com/about-alfa/caring-for-our-community

Note: The Alfa Foundation operates in conjunction with Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation.

Overview

The Alfa Foundation is a private independent foundation established in 2014 (tax-exempt status granted October 2014), closely affiliated with Alfa Mutual Insurance Company and the Alabama Farmers Federation. With assets of approximately $29.3 million, the foundation's mission is to promote education and support impactful organizations in Alfa's communities. The foundation has been contributing to Alabama communities for over 75 years through various programs, investments, and donations. In 2024, the Alfa Foundation, along with Alfa Mutual Insurance, Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation, and Trexis, collectively gave more than $1.99 million to 180 organizations. The foundation focuses on cancer research, education, agricultural resources, disaster recovery efforts, and support for nonprofit organizations across Alabama and neighboring states.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Organizational Grants: $250 - $160,000 (median grant: $3,000)

  • Application method: Accepts unsolicited applications
  • 95 grants awarded in 2023

Scholarship Program: 100 scholarships of $1,000 each annually

  • Restricted to Alabama Farmers Federation members
  • For students attending Alabama post-secondary institutions
  • Application period: November 1 - February 3
  • Scholarships based on GPA, participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience, and future goals
  • Since 2014, the foundation has awarded $1,150,000 to deserving students

Priority Areas

The foundation supports organizations involved with:

  • Education: Secondary, higher, and engineering education programs
  • Health: Cancer research and health services
  • Children's Services: Programs supporting youth and families
  • Agricultural Resources: Supporting agriculture in Alabama
  • Disaster Recovery Efforts: Emergency and disaster relief
  • Community Nonprofits: Various impactful community organizations
  • Environmental: Pollution control initiatives
  • Equestrian Programs: Supporting equestrianism

What They Don't Fund

Information about explicit exclusions is not publicly available. However, the foundation appears to prioritize Alabama-based organizations and those aligned with the agricultural community served by the Alabama Farmers Federation.

Governance and Leadership

James L. (Jimmy) Parnell - President

  • President and CEO of the Alabama Farmers Federation (elected 2012, currently in his seventh term)
  • President of Alfa Insurance
  • President of the Board of Directors for the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation

John D. Hemmings Jr. - Treasurer

  • Chief Financial Officer, Chief Investment Officer, and Senior Vice President of Alfa Insurance

Angela L. Bradwell - Secretary

  • Secretary and Director for Alfa Life Insurance Corporation

All officers serve without compensation.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Alfa Foundation accepts unsolicited applications. However, detailed information about the application process, portal, or submission requirements is not publicly available on their website or in public documents.

For Scholarships: Applications are submitted through an online portal managed by Kaleidoscope, with a clear annual deadline (February 3).

For Organizational Grants: Applicants should contact the foundation directly at the Montgomery address or through the Alabama Farmers Federation phone line (1-800-964-2532) to inquire about application procedures.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines and notification methods are not publicly disclosed. With 95 grants awarded annually from what appears to be a rolling or discretionary process, decisions may be made on an ongoing basis or at periodic board meetings throughout the year.

Success Rates

Specific success rates for organizational grants are not publicly available. The foundation awarded 95 organizational grants in 2023, 74 in 2022, 70 in 2021, and 81 in 2020.

Reapplication Policy

The reapplication policy for unsuccessful organizational grant applicants is not publicly documented.

Note: For scholarships, students must reapply each year even if they previously received a scholarship; awards do not automatically renew.

Application Success Factors

Given the limited publicly available information about the Alfa Foundation's specific grant-making criteria, the following factors are likely important based on the foundation's stated mission and affiliations:

  • Alignment with Foundation Mission: The Alfa Foundation's mission is to "promote education and support impactful organizations in Alfa's communities." Applications should clearly demonstrate how the project or organization advances education or creates significant community impact.

  • Geographic Connection: Strong preference for Alabama-based organizations, particularly those in communities where Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation members are located.

  • Connection to Agricultural Community: Given the foundation's affiliation with the Alabama Farmers Federation, projects that support or benefit the agricultural community may receive favorable consideration.

  • Focus on Priority Areas: Projects in education, health (especially cancer research), children's services, agricultural resources, and disaster recovery align with documented funding priorities.

  • Demonstrated Community Impact: As evidenced by their 2024 giving of $1.99 million to 180 organizations, the foundation supports a broad range of community organizations. Applications should clearly articulate measurable community benefit.

  • Example of Recent Support: In December 2024, the foundation provided a $25,000 matching donation to Children's of Alabama, demonstrating support for major health institutions serving children.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The Alfa Foundation accepts unsolicited applications, making it accessible to organizations not previously connected to the funder
  • Grant amounts vary widely ($250-$160,000), suggesting flexibility based on project scope and organizational need
  • The median grant of $3,000 indicates most awards are modest; organizations seeking larger grants should provide strong justification
  • Strong geographic focus on Alabama, though some out-of-state grants are made
  • Connection to the Alabama Farmers Federation and agricultural community may be advantageous
  • The foundation operates as part of a larger giving ecosystem including Alfa Mutual Insurance and Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation, collectively distributing nearly $2 million annually
  • Limited public information about application procedures suggests direct contact with the foundation is advisable to understand current priorities and processes

References

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