Sponsored

Better Basics grant Have a vision for a better Birmingham? Take this quick survey — Better Basics, a nonprofit organization advancing children’s literacy, is a Community Foundation grant recipient. (CFGB)

As 2025 comes to a close, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham is officially at the halfway point of its ten-year strategic plan—a milestone shaped by voices across the region.

This year, they returned to the communities they serve to listen again, share what’s been accomplished so far and ask a crucial question: What do you want the next five years to look like?

Read on for a recap of what they’ve achieved in the last five years, and how to voice your opinion on the next five.

Built by community voices

Jeff State Creating Access to Rapid Healthcare Training graduates Have a vision for a better Birmingham? Take this quick survey — Jefferson State Community College Foundation, Inc. received support to expand access to high-demand healthcare careers in St. Clair County. (CFGB)

Back in 2018, more than 450 community members across Jefferson, Shelby, Blount and St. Clair counties participated in conversations and focus groups that formed the backbone of the 2020–2030 strategic plan. While COVID-19 delayed implementation, the plan advanced in full beginning in 2021.

Today, the Foundation has become a leading statewide force—the largest community foundation in Alabama, one of only 11 in the state and ranked among the Top 100 community foundations in the U.S.

But its grounding principle remains the same: listening to you!

The impact so far

YMCA 3 Have a vision for a better Birmingham? Take this quick survey — YMCA Birmingham + Alabama Symphonic Association, Inc., received support from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. (CFGB)

Momentum 17 Have a vision for a better Birmingham? Take this quick survey — YMCA Birmingham + Alabama Symphonic Association, Inc., received support from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. (CFGB)

Throughout 2025, the community participated in another series of conversations about the progress at the halfway point and what lies ahead.

Here are some highlights that show the impact so far:

Economic opportunity
- 3,952 people received small business training or technical assistance
- 1,399 people earned high-quality credentials or degrees
Resources + accessibility
- 23,745 people gained access to healthy food
- 1,100 children participated in quality childcare programs
- 1,817 individuals from low-opportunity communities received financial, social or emotional support
Education + health
- 7,199 residents accessed quality education programs
- 16,677 people received quality health services

Across each priority area, the Foundation emphasized one message during 2025 sessions: these numbers reflect community action. Local partners, volunteers, nonprofits and residents made this work possible.

What do you want to see next? Take the survey

YMCA Have a vision for a better Birmingham? Take this quick survey — YMCA Birmingham also received support to build the YMCA Leadership and Learning Center as part of the Roebuck Revitalization project. (CFGB)

The next chapter of the Foundation’s strategic plan will be shaped the same way it began—through community voices. As we approach 2026, the Foundation is inviting residents across the region to share what matters most right now, like:

What issues feel most urgent in your community?
Where do you see opportunities for long-term impact?
What challenges or needs do you think should rise to the top for 2026–2030?
How can the Foundation support a thriving, equitable + connected region in the years ahead?

Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, a parent, a student, a business owner or simply someone who loves where you live, your perspective is essential. No one understands a community’s needs better than the people who call it home.

If you didn’t attend a 2025 session, there’s still time to share your thoughts. What do you want to see over the next five years? What does your community need most? Take the survey + shape the next decade of impact.

Sponsored by: