In the next 5 years, a group of Birmingham women will donate over half a million dollars
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Not many people can cut a donation check for $100,000 every year. However, that chunk of change can do a lot of good for local nonprofits. A group of Birmingham women gathered together to commit individual sums that will be given as one large grant every year. Read on to see why, and find out how you can get involved!
What is One Hundred Shares?
One Hundred Shares Birmingham (OHSB) is a nonprofit organization who awards large financial grants to Birmingham area nonprofit ministries who serve those in need.
In their first year, OHSB had 115 participants. Each woman commits to donating $1,000 per year, for the next 5 years (at minimum).
A portion of the money supports the organization, but the majority is given as one large sum to local nonprofits in Birmingham. This year, OHSB was able to donate $107,000.
One Hundred Shares Birmingham is modeled after a similar organization in Atlanta. There are also chapters popping up in Dallas, Houston, Tampa Bay, and more.
How Does the Process Work?
Local ministries and nonprofits can apply for grants through OHSB annually for amounts of $50,000, $75,000, or $100,000.
During the 2019 cycle, 17 area organizations submitted applications. The OHSB board selected 4 finalists that members visit. This year’s selections were as follows:
- Oak Tree Ministries: Works with residents in Marks Village (also known as Gate City), which is a low-income housing community in east Birmingham
- Is-Able Ministries: Provides services that enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, their loved ones, and their caregivers
- The WellHouse: Devoted to the rescue and recovery of women who are or have been sexually exploited
- Grace House Ministries: Provides homes for young girls in Alabama, ages 6-26, who cannot live with their birth parents because of abuse, abandonment, and neglect
Once finalists are selected, OHSB partners sign up for site visits, where they go tour the organization and learn more about what they do.
2019 Recipient: Oak Tree Ministries
Oak Tree Ministries work with residents of Marks Village (also known as Gate City). Marks Village is a low-income housing community in east Birmingham that houses about 2,500 residents.
Their primary goals include connecting partners and resources to meet practical needs in the community as well as developing trauma-informed programs for children and adults to thrive spiritually, mentally, and physically.
2019 Recipient: Is-Able Ministries
The Is-Able Center provides services that encourage, educate and empower. Their goal is to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, their loved ones, and their caregivers.
Is-Able’s services include the following: social development, support groups, accessible computer labs, employment services, life skills, and health & wellness classes.
How You Can Get Involved
One Hundred Shares Birmingham believes that we can accomplish more together than apart. If you’re looking for a way to make an impact in the Birmingham community, here are a couple of ways to get involved.
Become a Member
You can read all about the mission, vision, and values of OHSB here. If you decide this is something you want to be a part of, find out how!
Questions? Partnership FAQs answered.
Apply for a Grant
Are you involved with a nonprofit in the Birmingham area? Grant applications for the next cycle are due February 1, 2020.
Before applying, you can read more about grant criteria.
We love seeing citizens pouring their time and resources back into our incredible Birmingham community. If you want to find out more about One Hundred Shares, contact them!
