Gulf Shores Awards $10,000 to Five Local Nonprofits in New Grant Program

OBA Staff • October 24, 2025

Each organization receives $2,000 to fund programs serving Gulf Shores residents

Gulf Shores City Hall

Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores has launched a new program to help local nonprofit organizations that serve its residents. The city recently announced the winners of its first-ever Nonprofit Grants Program. Five organizations will each receive $2,000 to fund important community projects. City leaders say the program shows their dedication to building a stronger and healthier community.


The announcement came on October 23, 2025. Applications for the next round of grants will open in March 2026 for the Spring 2026 cycle.


Jon Walker serves as City Administrator for Gulf Shores. He explained why the city created this program. Walker said the grants formally recognize the important work that local nonprofits do every day. These groups tackle major challenges facing the community, including hunger, healthcare access, education, and arts programs.


  • The Christian Service Center received funding for its Emergency Aid Program. This money will help Gulf Shores residents who face sudden crises. The program provides emergency help with food, rent, utilities, medical bills, and transportation costs.
  • Feeding the Gulf Coast won a grant for its Mobile Pantry Program. The organization plans to deliver more than 8,000 meals to families struggling with food insecurity. The mobile pantry brings food directly to people who need it most.
  • The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance will use its grant for art and music classes. The funding covers supplies for beginner-level classes at the GCAA Learning Center. These classes are open to everyone in the community.
  • Sea Glass Initiative earned support for its Access in Motion Transportation Initiative. This program helps homeless and underserved residents get where they need to go. Services include emergency transportation, car repairs, and rides to medical appointments and job interviews.
  • South Baldwin Literacy Council received funding for operational support. The grant helps pay for basic supplies needed to run literacy programs. These programs include youth and adult education, English language classes, and career readiness training for Gulf Shores residents.


City officials encourage other qualifying nonprofits to apply during the next grant cycle. Organizations can find eligibility requirements and application information on the city website at
www.gulfshoresal.gov/1908/Nonprofit-Grants-Program.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Orange Beach Lady Makos - Photo by Brent Williams, Wolf Bay Media
By John Mullen April 30, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Orange Beach Lady Makos advanced to the second round of the Class 4A state playoffs with a 10-0 win on the road at New Brockton on Tuesday night. The No. 2-ranked Lady Makos scored early and often, with Gami Ausmuth scoring four goals en route to the blowout win. The home game highlight
Grand Lagoon Yacht Club - Stock Image
By R. Ken Cooper April 30, 2026
Perdido Key, Fla. — (OBA) — The Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce is kicking off a new event series for women in business. The Women Mean Business Committee created the LeadHer Lunch Series to connect, inspire, and empower professional women in the area. The series showcases local leaders making a real difference
Gulf Coast Businesses Are Saddling Up for Kentucky Derby Celebrations
By OBA Staff April 30, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Kentucky Derby is one of the United States' most celebrated sporting events, and Gulf Coast residents will have several ways to join the fun this year. Three venues in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores will host watch parties this weekend. Fans can expect live music, themed cocktails, costu
Gulf Shores City Hall
By OBA Staff April 29, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — At their Monday night meeting, the Gulf Shores City Council approved a pre-zoning and annexation request for the Riviera property. The decision permits a new residential and commercial development. The property sits at the northwest corner of County Road 8 West and Highway 59. City official
Nesting season runs through late October
By R. Ken Cooper April 29, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Sea turtle nesting season is set to begin along the northern Gulf Coast, including Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi. The annual event brings threatened sea turtles ashore to lay eggs. Officials say public awareness is key to protecting the endangered animal and urge beachgoers to follow s
Facility engineered to withstand 160 mph winds and store vessels up to 55 feet
By OBA Staff April 29, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — With hurricane season approaching, boat owners along the Alabama Gulf Coast are being urged to be prepared. Legendary Marina & Yacht Club in Gulf Shores is offering storage options designed to protect vessels during a major storm. The marina is one of the only facilities on the Gulf Coast
Flora-Bama Lounge
By R. Peevy April 28, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The iconic Flora-Bama has been nominated for USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for Best Beach Bar. This selection, made by a panel of experts, puts the legendary spot in the national spotlight, with the ultimate winner determined by public votes.
54th Annual Art In The Park Returns To Downtown Foley
By OBA Staff April 28, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Foley Art Center will host the 54th Annual Art in the Park in Heritage Park on Mother’s Day Weekend in downtown Foley. The event is held each year at the intersection of Highways 59 and 98. Planners say the festival will feature more than 80 artists. The event is free and open to the public.
Three Makos Teams Ready for Postseason Play This Week
By John Mullen April 28, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – It’ll be a busy week in post-season play for at least three Orange Beach Makos spring sports teams. Two teams – baseball and girls' soccer – will play state tournament games, with baseball at home and girls' soccer on the road. The Lady Makos softball powerhouse will be the host team for...
Residential Developments Proposed Near Hospital, Sportsplex, and Oyster Bay
By John Mullen April 28, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – A short meeting agenda for the Gulf Shores Planning Commission is long on requests for 256 new residences in three subdivisions planned in the city. Expansion areas include one for townhomes across State Route 59 from the Baldwin Regional Medical Center’s freestanding emergency department.
Show More