Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham

Camp McDowell, a long-time haven for nature enthusiasts of all physical abilities, just became even more accessible. During the Fall 2024 Competitive Grant Cycle, the Community Foundation awarded Camp McDowell a $15,000 grant for the construction of a new, wheelchair accessible trail. "The newly completed ADA-compliant path along Sloan Lake at Camp McDowell is already making a significant impact on our guests!" says Mary Yancey, Grants Administrator for McDowell. "It provides accessible hiking opportunities for individuals using wheelchairs, while also benefiting parents with strollers, seniors, and anyone who finds it difficult to navigate a dirt trail. Mary anticipates that the new trail will have a popular debut at their summer camps this year, during which campers of all abilities, who may not otherwise have access to a classic camp experience, are welcomed to McDowell's ADA-compliant Bethany Village: "they will be thrilled with our new addition!"

Happy Valentine's Day! ❤️ Yesterday, our development team spread some extra love by delivering a special batch of Valentine’s Day cookies to our professional advisors. These behind-the-scenes champions play a vital role in connecting donors with the nonprofits they care about, making a lasting impact on our community. We are grateful for their partnership—our work wouldn’t be the same without them! 💙🍪 #thankyou #valentinesday #cfgbham

Originally from Louisville, Ky., Liz Edwards has lived in Birmingham for nearly three decades. She has more than 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, both as a volunteer and a professional. Liz's volunteer involvement includes past stints as president of The Altamont School Board of Trustees, president of the Junior League of Birmingham, and a member of the YWCA Board. She has served as a Planned Giving Officer for the United Way, Executive Director of Start The Adventure In Reading (STAIR), and Development Director for Sight Savers. Liz is a graduate of the University of Georgia. She and her husband William have three grown children, Will, Lydia, and Merritt. In her free time, she loves to travel and train for endurance hikes. Liz chose to spotlight Start The Adventure in Reading (STAIR). STAIR is an organization that adults with a free hour a week can join and make a lifetime of difference for Birmingham students. Volunteers partner weekly with first and second graders in schools across the city to help them become stronger readers. #staffspotlight #cfgbham

Adrienne Fowler Payne gets unapologetically emotional when she talks about her experience in the Momentum Works program: “I learned that I’m worthy. To tell a group of women that they’re worthy of success, I get emotional, even thinking about it.” Momentum, Alabama’s premier leadership organization for women, launched the Momentum Works program in 2024 with the help of a $15,000 grant from the Community Foundation. Last year, Momentum Works served 51 women, with most graduates reporting a promotion or salary increase due to the program. In fact, the total reported salary increases for women who participated in last year’s cohorts exceeded $450,000!

Here's how our incredible donors chose to make an impact through their Donor Advised Funds last year. Their generosity continues to fuel transformational change throughout our community! #cfgbham #donoradvisedfunds

We are pleased to announce our new Board Chair, Sanjay Singh, Ph.D. We also welcome the newest members of our Board: Dr. Anupam Agarwal, Tate Forrester, Danny McKinney, Mitchie Neel, and Ralph Williams. We are honored to have them all as part of Our Community! #cfgbham #birminghamal Read more: https://loom.ly/EB1WqIY

Workshops Empowerment, Inc., is getting an extreme makeover, improving the Birmingham-based nonprofit inside out. During the fall 2023 grant cycle, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham awarded Workshops Empowerment a $50,000 grant for external renovations to improve the safety and accessibility of the parking area and entrances and to provide capacity and program improvements, including a mural, a garden center, and additional landscaping. Workshops Empowerment helps people living with disabilities and other barriers to employment reach their vocational potential by providing vocational evaluations, job training/development, job placements, and a variety of support services. Read details about the renovations here: https://loom.ly/3YH77EA #cfgbham #granteehighlight

Greater Birmingham nonprofits, are you ready to rock? Tune up your proposals — the Spring 2025 Grant Cycle opens a week from today. Here's a little inspiration from a recent grantee: Girls Rock Birmingham was the recipient of a grant to support its summer camp in 2024. Photo credit: Jennifer Alsabrook-Turner (Bang Images)

The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham is pleased to announce that we have awarded more than $1.4 million to 59 organizations through the 2024 Fall Competitive Grant Cycle! Visit cfbham.org/grants for the list of recipients.

Read about Peggy Hair and her legacy, which spans historic preservation and butterfly conservation at https://lnkd.in/gksWTYRT Learn more about building your legacy at www.cfbham.org/legacy/ #givetomorrow #cfgbham