The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham has awarded $1,511,000 in grants to 48 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.

The 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:

$50,000 to Alabama Goodwill Industries, Inc. to increase the accessibility of two career centers in Jefferson County by mobilizing a dedicated specialist that will allow the centers to be open on a walk-in basis. These career centers are strategically positioned to provide resources, referrals, education, workforce training and credentialing in financial and digital literacy. These free services assist people in overcoming barriers to employment and propelling them into in-demand career pathways.

$13,000 to Redemptive Cycles to support “Bike Rodeos” at twelve Birmingham housing authority communities. These rodeos will provide 6–13-year-olds with newly refurbished bikes, new helmets, lights, and bike locks, as well as safe committing education in a fun format. Redemptive has designed the program to build healthier and more connected communities through cycling, to encourage a healthy lifestyle, and to encourage families and individuals to use the cycling lanes and paths that are available throughout the city.

$35,000 to The Exceptional Foundation to support growth in response to increased demand for programs that serve individuals with intellectual disabilities in the Greater Birmingham Area. Since 2022, daily program attendance has increased by 40%. The Exceptional Foundation provides year-round day programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as a summer camp and after-school program for school-age children with similar needs.

$75,000 to East Lake Initiative to expand the Thrive Family Coaching Program, a holistic three-year pathway that supports families in goal setting, budgeting, employment, housing, and building healthy relationships. Funds will also support a pilot program to build 15 single family homes over five years. Through this New Family Housing Initiative, families completing the coaching program have the option to purchase those new construction homes.

$6,000 to Leadership St. Clair County Inc. to support a leadership network across St. Clair County and to educate those leaders on current issues. The curriculum includes training on government, safety and justice, education, economic development, infrastructure, quality of life, and agriculture. The program has had success producing educated leaders and regional cooperation partnerships in St. Clair County.

Read the full list of 2024 Cycle 1 Grants.