The application period for Alabama Power Foundation’s 2015-2016 Elevate grants began Friday, June 12. Nonprofits across the state are encouraged to apply for grants through this program. Up to 14 grant recipients will be chosen in 2015.

The Elevate grant program is a way to empower nonprofits by providing funds for community-centered projects, hosting capacity-building workshops and providing networking opportunities within the nonprofit community.

The Elevate grant packages include a $10,000 grant in 2015 and a $5,000 challenge grant in 2016 for each grant winner. Grant winners will also participate in workshops through 2016 to help them grow and find ways to expand their positive impact in the community.

New to the grant package this year, Elevate grant recipients will receive a technology assessment from TechBridge. The assessment will provide a detailed look at their technology and an implementation plan for identified projects. This assessment adds $5,000 in value to the Elevate grant packages.

“In the past year, we have seen the great impact that our Elevate grantees have had on the community. This year, we decided to do more,” said John Hudson, president of the Alabama Power Foundation. “Through our new partnership with TechBridge, we will provide even more resources to make it easier for this year’s grantees to serve their communities.”

“TechBridge is honored to partner with the Alabama Power Foundation to bring the leverage of technology to its Elevate grantees,” said James Franklin, CEO of TechBridge. As a nonprofit ourselves, we are uniquely positioned to empower these nonprofits to apply business strategies and technology to grow their capacity to serve the Alabama community.”

The Alabama Power Foundation celebrated its 25^th anniversary in 2014. Since its creation in 1989 with funds donated by shareholders, the foundation has provided Alabama communities, educational institutions and nonprofits support with non-ratepayer money through more than 20,000 grants and scholarships. To learn more about the Alabama Power Foundation and its charitable initiatives, please visit www.powerofgood.com.