The January 2012 tornadoes remind us of the importance of the Emergency Response Fund, established by the community Foundation back in 1998 to respond after an F5 tornado destroyed homes, schools and churches in western Jefferson County. Part of that same community, plus Clay, Chalkville and other areas, now face the challenge of recovery. It’s…
More than a billion dollars in unmet needs? That staggering figure reported in The Birmingham News on Dec. 30, 2011 includes the daily challenges of so many individuals, families and communities across our state still trying to get back on their feet after the devastating storms of April 2011. While nothing can replace the lost…
As of Oct. 26, 2011, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham has made grants totaling $1,019,913 for tornado recovery in 22 counties across Alabama, leveraging gifts from individuals, families, businesses and foundations, locally and across the nation, and fundraising efforts such as the Bama Rising benefit concert. In the first days after the April 27…
It’s been wonderful and inspiring to see how our community has responded to the devastating tornadoes of April 27. The Community Foundation has been responding too, helping caring people leverage their gifts for maximum impact and now, on May 5, to announce our own grant on the same night we announce the top winners of…
After talking with community foundations across the state, we have set up the Alabama Tornado Recovery Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham to accept gifts that will focus on long-term recovery in all communities impacted by the April 27 tornadoes. It is so moving to see the generosity that is already pouring out…
The nonprofit organizations serving the community of Greater Birmingham are already at work, each using their special expertise to reach out to help people in the wake of the tornado. Red Cross and Salvation Army still provide opportunities to give and Hands On Birmingham is organizing volunteers. In addition, here are some of the opportunities…