Daniel Foundation of Alabama | Strengthening Alabama from Corner-to-Corner

Daniel Community Scholars Program

Through the Daniel Community Scholars Endowed Support Fund, The Daniel Foundation of Alabama funds Blackburn student-led initiatives to address the needs of Alabama communities. The new class of students has multiple projects funded each year and there are opportunities for additional project funding for returning students as well as a rural initiative which will launch in 2023.

Examples of previous projects include the formation of an after-school reading program for at-risk children, the implementation of the first high school debate team in Tuscaloosa, the creation of an organization uniting interfaith as well as interdenominational ministers in the area to address healthcare concerns, the development of Hispanic JumpStart within Tuscaloosa, the implementation of peer mediation within Holt High School, and several programs related to tornado relief.

2021 DCS Select Team

New Student Class Projects

Each Blackburn New Student Class is divided into team to develop community-based grant proposals to compete for funding. Selected civic engagement projects projects are implemented in Tuscaloosa County. 

2019 DCS Select Team

Returning Student Projects

Returning students may work independently or in groups to develop a proposal. Selected projects must be completed within a two-year period and prior to the graduation of the project lead.

2020 DCS Select Team

Rural Initiative

In 2023, The Daniel Foundation expanded their endowed fund for the purpose of creating new immersive, robust, and extended experiences for students working on projects to positively impact rural Alabama communities.