Funding community projects

Have you ever wondered who funded the tunnel of lights in Birmingham? 

The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham made the multicolored LED lights in Birmingham possible. The Foundation’s president and CEO, Christopher Nanni, spoke about their various projects during the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce luncheon Aug. 27. 

“If I had to sum up what the Community Foundation is in a catch phrase, it would be that you — citizens and donors — can make the difference, and we can help you achieve that dream,” Nanni said. “That is sort of the overall vision of what we do.”   

He went on to explain that the organization is one of the oldest and largest public charities in Birmingham that receives gifts such as cash, stocks and other assets. The Foundation then grows those investments and gives them back to the community.  

Founded in 1959, The Foundation is made up of about 450 charitable funds established by individuals, families and businesses with the average fund size being $376,800. 

For 55 years, Nanni said The Community Foundation has been working to drive positive change in the Greater Birmingham area through serving Jefferson, Shelby, Blount, St. Clair and Walker counties. Since 2001, it has granted those five counties about $182 million. 

“What I think really makes us unique as an organization is that we are comprehensive,” Nanni said. “We are able to serve any nonprofit.” 

Some of The Community Foundation’s other projects include funding the Montevallo Eco Trail, the Community Food Bank, the restoration of the Lyric Theatre and Red Mountain Park. It also provides resources for solutions to some of the problems facing the community such as issues with crime and education.

For more information about The Community Foundation, visit foundationbirmingham.org.