Junior League of Birmingham awards $1.16M in grants to 9 local transformational projects

The Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) has awarded $1.16 million in grants to nine transformational projects in Birmingham.

Funding for the grants comes from the JLB Beeson Community Fund, which was established in 2001 by a gift from the Lucille Beeson Residuary Trust.

Junior League of Birmingham 2024 recipients

During the 2024 grant cycle, JLB’s Beeson Community Fund Committee reviewed nearly 100 applications before selecting nine beneficiaries. 

The projects selected to get 2024 JLB Beeson Community Fund grants include:
 

• 16th Street Baptist Church Preservation and Expansion Project 
• Junior Achievement of Alabama McWane Economic Education Center 
• Freshwater Land Trust Civil Rights Urban Trail of the Red Rock Trail System 
• Children’s Aid Society of Alabama Independent Living Support Services Program 
• Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens Culinary Corridor 
• Empower Community Schools of Alabama Campus Expansion Plan 
• Oasis Counseling for Women & Children Specialized Mental Health Care for Children & Adolescents Program 
• JLB Nature Playground at the Birmingham Zoo 
• Jefferson State Community College Women in Welding Program 

“Since 2001, JLB has committed to expanding its reach in Birmingham and surrounding communities through grants to exceptional projects made possible by the generous gift of Lucille Beeson.. We are proud to provide substantial investment in nine impressive projects aligned with JLB’s vision of Building Partnerships for a Better Birmingham.” 

Martina Winston, JLB Past President and Beeson Community Fund Chair

Junior League of Birmingham making a difference

One of this year’s grantees, the Freshwater Land Trust described how the JLB grant makes a difference.

“This funding will help FLT, the City of Birmingham, and numerous other partners build 3.16 miles of urban trails and complete streets in and around the Civil Rights Monument, transforming the Civil Rights District and neighboring Smithfield community over the next several years into destinations that support commercial revitalization and promote business development while attracting new residents to the area.” 

Rusha Smith, Executive Director, Fresh Water Land Trust

JLB has awarded more than $6 million through the Beeson Community Fund since its start to area non-profit organizations.

The group is already looking forward to the 2024-25 Beeson Community Fund grant cycle. Want to learn how you can send a proposal? Visit — jlbonline.com/beeson-fund.

What do you think of this year’s projects? Tell us by tagging our social media at @bhamnow