The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham has awarded $1,362,000 in grants to 47 area nonprofits serving Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, and Walker counties. These grants are focused on the five priorities identified in our strategic plan: Thriving Communities, Regional Cooperation, Overcoming Persistent Poverty, Equity and Inclusion, and Economic Opportunity for All.
All of these grants are made possible by discretionary funds entrusted to the Foundation by generations of donors with additional support coming from current Donor Advised Fundholders through the Community Foundation’s Giving Together program.
Grants that will benefit the Greater Birmingham area include:
- $30,000 to YMCA Birmingham to support the training and certification of up to 1,500 lifeguards for free, regardless of their place of employment. This addresses the city-wide lifeguard shortage, ensuring safe swimming environments in pools, fitness centers, campgrounds, and country clubs.
- $80,000 to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office to assist with the planning and design of a new metropolitan jail in Jefferson County. The goal is to replace the existing jail, which is outdated, and bring together various municipal jails under one roof.
- $10,000 to St. Clair Community Health Clinic to expand mental services to diverse populations in St. Clair County, including formerly incarcerated individuals. After-hours and remote clinics will be offered to address barriers such as transportation.
- $8,000 to Dance Levels to provide dance education and dance experiences to underserved youth in grades K-12. Dance Levels promotes an active lifestyle, provides access to performing arts classes and performances, and collaborates with local organizations to facilitate dance workshops in schools.
- $50,000 to Sight Savers America to support their Blind Program, which addresses health disparities faced by economically disadvantaged individuals who are blind. The program aims to increase access to blind aids for children and adults on the waiting list and expand the range of aids provided.
- $22,00 to Miles College to address the need for mental health services at Miles College. The program will provide accessible and effective mental health services to support the well-being and success of college students.
Click here to see a complete list of grants awarded