Fuse Project is excited to announce that we have been awarded a $15,000 grant from The Community Foundation of South Alabama as part of their 2024 Closing the Opportunity Gap Initiative. This funding will support our mission to provide high-quality educational opportunities to children in the historic Avenue communities.

The Community Foundation of South Alabama (CFSA) recently distributed a total of $383,277 in grants to 36 nonprofit organizations across its eight-county region in Southwest Alabama. These grants aim to narrow the opportunity gap among local youth by addressing critical areas such as mental and behavioral health, family education, work, racial equity, and arts and culture.

“We remain steadfast in our support of nonprofits and programs dedicated to our local youth because we believe in the power of young minds to transform our community,” said CFSA President & CEO Rebecca Byrne. “By investing in their growth and potential, we are building a foundation for a brighter, more inclusive future for all."

Empowering Children Through the ABC Program

Fuse Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to sparking innovation, funding, and implementing projects that benefit children along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Since our founding in 2012, we have been committed to bridging educational divides and promoting community engagement. Our holistic approach aims to empower children, regardless of their circumstances, to reach their full potential and break the cycle of generational poverty.

We believe that every child, regardless of their zip code, deserves the opportunity to succeed. This generous grant will allow us to further our efforts in making this belief a reality through our Avenue Bridge Collaboration (ABC) Program, a comprehensive initiative designed to advance equity in education by offering accessible and impactful programming that meets each child’s unique abilities and experiences. 

Funding from this one-year grant will assist the ABC Program in serving more students by supporting the addition of new and more frequent extracurricular and academic clubs, expanding SPARK Summer Camp, and purchasing new materials. A portion of the grant will be designated for the salary of the staff who will oversee the implementation, planning, and coordination of these activities, ensuring that we continue to make a significant impact on the lives of the children we serve.

Measurable Objectives & Outcomes:

ABC Academic Support Program

This component will be expanded with the introduction of three new extracurricular and academic clubs, increasing our reach from 160 to 280 students across our partner schools – Florence Howard Elementary School, Calloway-Smith Middle School, and Pathway K-5.

SPARK Summer Camp

Based on feedback from caregivers, we will extend the camp from four to six weeks, providing more time for fun, learning, and growth.

ABC Early Learning Program

Coming soon, this new addition will further enhance our efforts to bridge educational divides and promote community engagement.

A Shared Commitment to Our Youth

"We are incredibly grateful to The Community Foundation of South Alabama for their continued belief in our mission," said Ann-Brooks Morrissette, Executive Director of Fuse Project. "This investment will enable us to serve more students and increase the impact of our ABC Program this school year."

Since its founding in 1976, The Community Foundation of South Alabama has been a vital force in addressing the needs of an eight-county region through leadership and grants. It serves as a vessel for donors, volunteers, and the community to share ideas, identify issues, and build financial resources necessary to make positive changes. Over the years, CFSA has awarded more than $85 million in grants and scholarships to nonprofit organizations, supporting programs that enhance the quality of life in the community.

As we continue to work toward empowering children and fostering a love for learning, we are reminded of the importance of community support in achieving our goals. This grant is a testament to the shared commitment between Fuse Project and CFSA to create a brighter future for our youth.

For more information about Fuse Project and our initiatives, click here. To learn more about The Community Foundation of South Alabama and their impactful work, visit www.communityfoundationsa.org.