A Birmingham nonprofit volunteers at the VA Medical Center. — YWCA Central Alabama dedicates its efforts to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting justice for everyone. Photo via the YWCA’s Facebook.

At Bham Now, we partner with a LOT of local companies in the Birmingham area. Bham Now’s audience (that’s you!) says they appreciate the connection with local businesses and the products they offer. And, we also partner with nonprofits. As one of the highest giving regions in the country, nonprofits make Birmingham special.

Here are a few featured Birmingham nonprofits, and don’t forget to check out the list at the end for more ways to give! If you’d like to see your nonprofit here, partner with Bham Now by emailing hello@bhamnow.com to see how you can become involved!

They’re your favorite family and friend hangout!

McWane Science Center

Every Sunday when I was little my parents drove us to the McWane Center. We spent all day here, in addition to countless field trips. Not only did the world-class exhibits make science fun, but I also made friends and started new traditions from each visit!

Moreover, hands-on learning is a proven method to help students understand scientific concepts easier. Your donation allows kids (and adults) to be curious, imaginative and excited at the idea of learning.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

A group of people sit under a ginkgo tree at Brimingham Botanical Gardens in Alabama. — There’s no better way to learn than in a soothing and gorgeous environment like the gardens. Photo via Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Did you know all those times you went to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, you were visiting the largest Alabama museum for free? How lucky are we Birminghamians? Incredibly, its beauty and education is at our fingertips for zero cost! So, it’s the perfect opportunity to give back to the Birmingham nonprofit now.

The gardens host a public horticultural library with computers and educational events for the family. Also, it provides a beautiful setting for ceremonies like weddings or reunions. In addition, I know your Instagram feed is full of prom, engagement and wedding photos taken here.

Vulcan Park and Museum

The Vulcan, a Birmingham nonprofit, and fireworks behind it. — Vulcan’s museum provides vital and interesting information about the history of Birmingham. Photo via Bham Now.

Vulcan is our unofficial welcome wagon to new residents and a warm hello to visitors. Also, he serves as a symbol for exploration and new beginnings. More than the world’s largest cast iron statue, Vulcan bonds our entire city together.

You can help newcomers and long time residents learn more about the history of Birmingham through its museum by donating here.

Our community grows through Birmingham nonprofits.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Birmingham AL — Andrea L. Taylor is the President and CEO of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Photo via Bham Now.

We can’t move forward without looking to the past. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute allows us to learn about not only the history of our city, but our present and future.

The BCRI’s values include:

Preserving and telling the Birmingham story
Being a good steward of archival and financial resources
Creating programs that encourage cultural awareness
Championing civil and human rights by facilitating an atmosphere of dialogue and understanding

Donate here so the Birmingham nonprofit is able to continue educating the public and pushing our city toward the future.

Junior League of Birmingham

A Birmingham nonprofit sets up a drive to donate diapers. — Earlier this year, the Junior League of Birmingham Diaper Bank offered free diapers and wipes to furloughed government employees. Photo via Junior League of Birmingham

Just one Birmingham nonprofit has 2,3000 trained volunteers and 50,000 hours of community service toward the city—the Junior League of Birmingham. In fact, chances are you’ve attended one of their supported events like Market Noel.

Their initiatives are dedicated to making sure every individual has the opportunity for financial and educational support. For example, Second Servings helps at-risk youth facing food insecurity. To help the JLB support every member of our community, donate here.

United Way of Central Alabama

United Way’s mission exemplifies what Birmingham is all about—through community we can enact real change.

The Birmingham nonprofit focuses on:

Education: United Way helped 9,000 high school seniors apply for financial aid!
Health: The organization increases access to healthcare and mental health services.
Financial Stability: The Birmingham nonprofit works directly with families to help become and remain financially secure.
Access to Services: If you need temporary relief United Way is committed to helping through various programs such as Meals on Wheels and Disaster Assistance

The list of ways United Way contributes to Birmingham is longer than a CVS receipt. It will continue to grow with donations from our community!

United Ability

76947463 2860367330663948 2528248961400045568 o 50 Birmingham nonprofits to consider for Giving Tuesday and beyond. — Let’s see more of those smiles! Check out how you can support this nonprofit. Photo via the United Ability of Central Alabama’s Facebook.

The United Ability of Central Alabama aims to empower individuals so they can live their best lives. Through various programs the nonprofit works with adults and children.

The Birmingham nonprofit is working toward a world where disability isn’t a definition. Its mission is to provide services connecting people with disabilities to their communities.

Give for a world where no one is limited by a disability !

We need Birmingham nonprofits to keep us healthy and safe!

Children’s Hospital of Alabama

Birmingham, Alabama, Children's of Alabama — Children’s subspecialties are consistently ranked in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals edition. Photo via Bham Now.

A friend of mine used to drive an hour three times a week just to volunteer at Children’s. She admired the level of compassion and hard work from the Birmingham nonprofit. Keep in mind, the award-winning hospital is the only one in Alabama solely dedicated to the care and treatment of children

Children’s Hospital makes it a mission to provide the best level of treatment to every child. It should be noted, this is regardless of your financial situation. Without doubt, a donation allows all children to have the chance for a happy, healthy and long life.

Nonprofits enrich Birmingham’s culture.

Alabama Symphony Orchestra

Screen Shot 2019 10 15 at 2.16.35 PM 50 Birmingham nonprofits to consider for Giving Tuesday and beyond. — There’s nothing like feeling in the audience right before a show starts. Photo via Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s Facebook.

Have you ever been able to sit back and be part of a story? At the ASO you’re whisked away into a different narrative with each performance.

To prove it’s a performance for tailored for you, the orchestra doesn’t even have a required dress code. In addition, you can view world-class performers at an affordable price.

Anyone can enjoy hearing the sounds whether it’s for the first time or the 50th. When you donate to the ASO, you are helping broaden minds and change lives through music.