Civic Vox

Executive Summary

This report provides a comprehensive directory of non-profit organizations operating in Birmingham, Alabama, compiled through an aggregation of publicly available data.

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The non-profit sector constitutes a vital component of Birmingham’s community and economy, acting as a significant economic engine within the state. Data indicates that Alabama’s non-profits contribute substantially through employment, revenue generation, and asset holdings.1 This directory identifies a multitude of organizations addressing a wide spectrum of community needs. The report details these organizations, analyzes the composition of the sector, identifies key support structures and funding sources, and provides resources for further exploration. This information is intended for professionals and organizations seeking a thorough understanding of the non-profit landscape in Birmingham, whether for research, collaboration, or philanthropic endeavors.

Comprehensive Directory of Birmingham Non-Profits

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Alphabetical Listing of Non-Profits

The following is an alphabetical listing of non-profit organizations identified as operating in Birmingham, Alabama, based on the research material. Where available, the address, contact information, and a brief mission or focus area are included.

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Analysis of the Birmingham Non-Profit Sector

Overview of Non-Profit Focus Areas in Birmingham

The directory reveals a diverse array of non-profit organizations operating in Birmingham, addressing a wide range of community needs and interests. A significant number of organizations focus on Arts, Culture & Humanities, as evidenced by the extensive list provided by Create Birmingham 45 and the large number of foundations in this category.17 This suggests a vibrant cultural landscape supported by a strong non-profit sector. Animal Welfare is another prominent area, with numerous rescues and shelters dedicated to the care and protection of animals.8 Community Centers and Human Services are also well-represented, indicating a focus on providing direct support and resources to individuals and families in need.8 The presence of organizations like the YMCA and various foundations supporting community initiatives further underscores this point.6 Education is another key area, with organizations ranging from early childhood programs to scholarship funds and educational support services.5 Health related non-profits cover a broad spectrum, including disease-specific support (e.g., Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society), healthcare providers, and organizations focused on overall well-being.5 Housing and services for the Homeless are addressed by organizations like One Roof and Episcopal Place.5 The directory also includes organizations focused on specific populations such as Veterans 5, individuals with Disabilities 4, and Youth.4 The variety of these focus areas demonstrates the non-profit sector’s commitment to serving the diverse needs of the Birmingham community.

Key Umbrella Organizations and Coalitions

Several key umbrella organizations and coalitions play crucial roles in supporting and connecting non-profits in the Birmingham region. The Alabama Association of Nonprofits (AAN) stands out as a statewide membership-based organization dedicated to strengthening the capacity of Alabama’s non-profit sector.21AAN provides a range of services including professional development workshops, webinars, and conferences, as well as networking events.28 They also offer resources like sample policies and legal checklists to their members.28 Furthermore, AAN engages in advocacy on behalf of the non-profit sector and publishes reports like the “State of the Sector,” providing valuable insights into the health and challenges faced by non-profits across Alabama.1 Their partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham on initiatives like the Nonprofit Leadership Institute highlights their collaborative approach to sector development.25 One Roofserves as another important umbrella organization, specifically focused on leading a collaborative effort to address homelessness in the community.27 They work to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with the necessary services and agencies within the homeless response system.27 While not explicitly a membership coalition in the same way as AAN, the United Way of Central Alabama acts as a significant convener and supporter of various non-profit initiatives through donor support, grants, and partnerships.17Their work to address specific areas of need like financial stability, education, and health demonstrates their broad impact across the non-profit landscape. These umbrella organizations provide essential infrastructure, support, and coordination for the diverse array of non-profits operating in Birmingham.

Major Philanthropic Foundations in Birmingham

Birmingham benefits from a robust philanthropic landscape, with numerous foundations providing significant financial support to non-profit organizations. Navigate Affordable Housing Partners Inc. stands out with the highest total giving at $808,704,875.17 Other major foundations by total giving include Samford University($79,383,499), United Way Of Central Alabama Inc. ($67,097,130), and The Community Foundation Of Greater Birmingham ($31,339,065).17 The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham plays a particularly central role, not only as a major funder but also as an organization dedicated to driving positive change through grantmaking, convening, and leadership.35 They support non-profits across various sectors, focusing on priorities like thriving communities, overcoming persistent poverty, equity and inclusion, and economic opportunity.46 Other notable foundations include the Daniel Foundation of Alabama, with a mission to strengthen communities across the state 17, and the Altec Styslinger Foundation Inc..17Foundations like the Haplotace Foundation possess substantial assets ($645.1m) and contribute to the non-profit sector through grants.6 The diverse giving categories of these foundations, spanning arts and culture, education, health, human services, and more 17, indicate a wide range of philanthropic interests supporting a multitude of non-profit missions in Birmingham.

Resources and Further Information

Key Online Directories and Databases

For those seeking to further explore non-profit organizations in Birmingham, several valuable online resources are available:

Official State-Level Non-Profit Registries

For official information regarding the registration and compliance of non-profit organizations in Alabama, users can consult the following state-level resources. The Alabama Secretary of State’s website(https://www.sos.alabama.gov/business-entities) serves as the primary repository for business entity records, including non-profit corporations.13 While the specific database was inaccessible during this research, it is the official source for registration information. Additionally, the Alabama Attorney General’s Office requires charitable organizations soliciting contributions within the state to register with their office.60 Information about this registration process, including instructions and forms, can be found on their website: (https://www.alabamaag.gov/licensing-registration/charitable-organizations/). These registries may contain information such as the organization’s registration status, filing history, and potentially financial reports, offering a formal perspective on their operations.

Support Organizations

The Alabama Association of Nonprofits (AAN) (https://www.alabamanonprofits.org/) is a key support organization for the non-profit sector in Alabama, including those in Birmingham.1 Their mailing address is P.O. Box 2512, Birmingham, Alabama 35201, and their physical address is 400 Vestavia Parkway, Suite 406, Birmingham, Alabama 35216. They can be reached by phone at 205.963.7969.23 AAN’s mission is to strengthen the capacity of Alabama’s non-profit sector through professional development, advocacy, and management support.26 They offer a variety of resources, training programs, and networking opportunities to help non-profits operate effectively and achieve their missions.28 For non-profits in Birmingham seeking support and connection within the sector, the Alabama Association of Nonprofits is a valuable resource.

Conclusion

This report provides a comprehensive directory and analysis of the non-profit sector in Birmingham, Alabama, highlighting the vast array of organizations dedicated to serving the community. The directory showcases the diverse missions and contact information for numerous non-profits, while the analysis offers insights into the prevalent focus areas, key support organizations, and major philanthropic foundations shaping the sector. The non-profit sector in Birmingham plays a vital role in addressing a multitude of social, cultural, and economic needs, and the resources provided in this report offer a starting point for further engagement and understanding. Future research could delve deeper into the specific impact of these organizations on the Birmingham community through detailed impact analyses and community needs assessments.

Conclusion

This report provides a comprehensive directory and analysis of the non-profit sector in Birmingham, Alabama, highlighting the vast array of organizations dedicated to serving the community. The directory showcases the diverse missions and contact information for numerous non-profits, while the analysis offers insights into the prevalent focus areas, key support organizations, and major philanthropic foundations shaping the sector. The non-profit sector in Birmingham plays a vital role in addressing a multitude of social, cultural, and economic needs, and the resources provided in this report offer a starting point for further engagement and understanding. Future research could delve deeper into the specific impact of these organizations on the Birmingham community through detailed impact analyses and community needs assessments.