Igniting passion for transformational change
Change happens when bold leadership meets opportunity. The Community Foundation is dedicated to addressing our communities’ most challenging issues and providing hope for the future. By bringing together the dedication of community members and the generosity of philanthropic partners, we work to be a center for progress and a catalyst for change.
Grants
Our grantmaking framework is the vehicle that provides funding to nonprofits creating impact, empowering the people and organizations that best understand how to serve their communities with the resources they need. These investments are powered by the generosity of donors who have entrusted the Foundation to meet our community’s needs.
Recent Grants
Hand in Paw, Inc.
$5,000 from the Remy Fund for Pets and Animals Services for the Wags for Wellness (Wags) program, a mental health and stress relief program that benefits healthcare workers and first responders.
A.G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club
$40,000 to support the After School Care and Summer Camp programs in Bessemer’s Southside Homes Unit to offer tutoring, homework assistance, and enriching activities designed by Boys & Girls Clubs of America for youth aged 6-18.
Shelby Emergency Assistance
$30,000 over two years to hire a Food Recovery Specialist to spearhead efforts in food pantry management, garden oversight, and the food recovery program involving local grocery stores, restaurants, and farmers.
Parkinson Association of Alabama
$10,000 to support the Care Navigation program to support one-on-one sessions, provide kits to the newly diagnosed, and to support the online Parkinson’s Disease Resource Center.
Studio By the Tracks
$25,000 over two years to establish an artist residency program benefiting local artists and individuals on the autism spectrum. The program offers paid opportunities, enhanced training, and art sales opportunities for participants.
Give Today, Tomorrow & Forever
Explore ways to organize and focus your giving to benefit the community, causes and organizations you care about today, tomorrow, and forever. We offer tailored strategies to optimize your giving for maximum community impact.
News & Updates
Jefferson County Greenways: Leaders in Regional Cooperation
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve For decades, the Greater Birmingham region has proven its passion for parks and greenspaces. Three great examples of our love for the great outdoors: Ruffner Mountain, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, and Red Mountain Park.
Community Foundation Names New VP of Philanthropy
Liz Edwards The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham has named Liz Edwards the organization’s new Vice President of Philanthropy. She has more than 25 years of experience, as both a volunteer and a professional, in the nonprofit sector.
Hope Squad: Improving Mental Health in Children and Youth
Building hope in Alabama In 2022, suicide was the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-14 in the United States. One of the top goals of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham is to improve child and youth mental health support in schools. This commitment includes working directly with school mental health coordinators in each district. One way the Community Foundation has done that is through Hope Squad, a national evidence-based, peer-to-peer suicide prevention program built around the power of connection.
LGBTQ Fund Provides Grants to Nine Local Organizations
The LGBTQ Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham announced $65,000 in grants awarded to 9 area nonprofits. Since its founding, the LGBTQ Fund has provided more than $365,000 to support programs in Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount, and Walker counties. Organizations receiving funds this year are: