The Remy Fund for Pets and Animal Services at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham is pleased to announce its 2026 grants, awarding a record $93,500 in grants to companion animal (dogs, cats, and horses) nonprofit organizations that improve the lives of animals and the humans they touch in Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount, and Walker counties.
Since 2011, the Remy Fund has awarded over $829,000 in grants, and the amount in 2026 is the largest in its 16-year history.
The Remy Fund for pets and animal services is a special field of interest fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. The Remy Fund was established by Birmingham area community volunteer, animal lover, and philanthropist Ken Jackson to honor the memory of his dog, Remy. Jackson shares, “Remy brought joy and comfort to my life, as we shared our “growing up adventure,” and her memory continues to make me smile.” Jackson is also the donor of Remy’s Dog Park at Red Mountain Park.
The Remy Fund is supported by many generous donors, including VPFunds, the Diane and Warren Ferguson Fund for Animals, the Jean K. Forman Fund for Animal Welfare, and the Anne Knight Townsend Fund for the Welfare of Animals.
The Remy Fund Grant Committee conducts in-depth reviews of all grant applicants, including virtual and in person site visits. The Remy Fund Grant Committee members include Debra Linton (Chair), Cathy Adams, Bert Gaddis DVM, Sheryl Kimerling, Maggie McDonald, Isabel Rubio, Cameron Vowell, and Laura Wainwright. Ken Jackson serves as an ex-officio member of the Committee.
Organizations receiving grants this year:
• Alabama Spay Neuter Clinic, $10,000, for the Remy SNIP Program, which will subsidize spay/neuter surgeries to qualified households in Central Alabama.
• Greater Birmingham Humane Society, $10,000, to expand spay and neuter capacity, with a focused commitment to providing free surgical services for dogs and pets in need.
• Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue, $10,000, to provide veterinary care for cats whose medical needs extend beyond standard intake treatment.
• Shelby Humane Society, $10,000, to spay or neuter animals in custody of Shelby Humane. The number of Shelby Humane shelter animals sent for surgery each year averages 1200 – 1500.
• Walker County Humane Society, $10,000, for low and no cost spay/neuter services for cats and dogs of Walker County.
• The Sugarbelle Foundation, $8,000, to further mission of keeping pets and people together by providing essential veterinary and supportive services.
• Hand in Paw, Inc, $7,500, to help HIP reach their goal to recruit and train 30 new volunteer Therapy Teams in 2026, in celebration of their 30th anniversary.
• Red Barn Foundation, $7,500, to sustain The Red Barn’s growing herd as their Therapeutic Riding and Equine-Assisted Learning programs expand, specifically direct support to horse care.
• Special Equestrians, Inc., $5,500, for sponsorship of one equine partner. The well-being of each horse is carefully managed through a care plan that includes a balanced diet, tailored exercise routines, regular veterinary checkups, and chiropractic care as needed.
• All the Dogs, $5,000, for the immediate and ongoing needs of dogs in care. All the Dogs Rescue is dedicated to rescuing “priority” dogs at heightened risk of euthanasia due to extended shelter stays, behavioral challenges, medical needs, or age, providing them with the care, safety, and support necessary to prepare them for permanent homes.
• Birmingham AIDS Outreach, Inc., $5,000, for the Pets are Wonderful Support (PAWS) Program, which provides free pet support for all HIV-positive individuals in BAO’s care, including spay and neuter surgery, high-quality monthly pet food, and other essential pet supplies.
• KatDadde, $5,000, to sustain KatDadde’s cat rescue, foster, and adoption programs in our community.
About The Remy Fund for Pets and Animal Services
Founded by philanthropist Ken Jackson in 2010, the Remy Fund for Pets and Animal Services provides grants to organizations that involve traditional companion animals (dogs, cats, and horses). Jackson has contributed over $750,000 to the endowed fund, ensuring the Remy Fund for Pets and Animal Services will continue in perpetuity to provide annual grants that fund local nonprofit organizations, providing services for dogs, cats, horses, and their humans.
If you share Ken’s passion for animals, you can be part of the Remy Fund by making a gift online at cfbham.org/remy-fund/ or by check mailed to Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, 1531 Third Ave. N., Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35203.
The 2027 grant cycle for the Remy Fund will open for applications Monday, March 15, 2027 and will close Friday, April 30, 2027. Learn more at The Remy Fund for Pets and Animal Services. For more information about grants, contact Meg Ford at mford@cfbham.org.
Media Contact: Kiwi Lanier, (205) 327-3811, klanier@cfbham.org