From its beginning, the APA Journalism Foundation has supported journalism education in Alabama.

APA leaders started the Foundation in 1968 with a 10-year drive to raise $100,000. The Foundation's endowment doubled by 1990 after a five-year drive to raise another $100,000. In 2005, a $220,000 five-year drive began. Other members contribute money to the Foundation in memory of deceased former newspaper editors and publishers.

The Foundation Board meets each year to select grants that support college journalism programs, workshops, an annual job fair, scholarships and internships.

Board members stay in touch with the professors who teach journalism in Alabama. They usually meet once a year on a college campus with journalism faculty and students.

The Foundation today also owns the building that houses APA, ANAS and a first-floor tenant. All three pay rent to the Foundation. The rental income has helped the Foundation board offer some innovative new grants for colleges and highschools, and it has supported new internships.