Longleaf Fund for Nonprofit Organizations in Alabama

The Longleaf Fund, established by The Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama (CFNEA), is designed to create a sustainable pool of charitable dollars to invest in community projects or initiatives within its nine-county region. This unrestricted fund aims to align with the foundation's mission by addressing the constantly changing needs and strengths of the community through strategic investments. It serves as a mechanism for individuals and families to support responsive and impactful local endeavors. The primary target beneficiaries are 501(c)(3) qualified public charities or governmental/state/county agencies operating within Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, DeKalb, Etowah, Randolph, Saint Clair, and Talladega counties in Alabama. The impact goal is to strengthen these communities by providing financial support for various charitable purposes, fostering growth, and addressing identified needs through a flexible funding approach. The fund prioritizes organizations with a minimum one-year operating history that possess a board-approved strategic plan covering at least 24 months, including a mission statement and measurable objectives. Financially, organizations with revenues over $200,000 must submit an audited financial statement, while those between $50,000 and $199,999 need to submit an audit review or compilation. Organizations with operating budgets below $50,000 are exempt from audited documents. These requirements ensure that grants are directed towards well-established and accountable organizations. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of diverse community projects or initiatives across the nine-county region, leading to tangible improvements in various charitable areas. Measurable results will likely be derived from the strategic goals and objectives outlined in the grantee organizations' plans, as well as the impact reported in their final grant reports. The grant duration for supported activities is one year, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. For awards over $3,000, 100% of the amount is disbursed upon signing the grant agreement, facilitating immediate project commencement.