The Birmingham Kiwanis Foundation Story

The Birmingham Kiwanis Foundation focuses on furthering the mission of the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham of building by serving children. The Foundation aims to develop and support the civic growth and health of the Birmingham community. A special emphasis is on improving the lives of children and therefore, ensuring the well-being of our community for future generations. Past projects include the Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter at the Birmingham Zoo, the Kiwanis Learning Center at McWane Science Center, The World Games 2022 sponsorship, Kiwanis Youth of the Year Scholarships, and Kiwanis Reads. The Foundation continues to support Vulcan Park & Museum through its Centennial Campaign at Vulcan Park and Museum  The Centennial project included Kiwanis Centennial Plaza, Kiwanis Vulcan Trail and upgraded LED lighting on Vulcan. Support for Vulcan continues through an annual fountain maintenance grant and the sponsorship of the 2024 Vulcan 120 exhibit.

 

Vulcan at 120 Exhibit

Kiwanis Reads

Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter

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Kiwanis Centennial Plaza

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Kiwanis Centennial Plaza

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Kiwanis Youth of the Year

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Small Grants

Annually, the Birmingham Kiwanis Foundation Grants Review Team awards grants to Birmingham-based nonprofits serving children. Historically, grants have ranged from $1,000- $5,000.

The grants cycle was paused from 2017-2022 as Kiwanians raised funds for its Centennial project. In April 2023, the grant cycle resumed and $35,000 was granted to the following organizations:

  • The Bell Center to purchase tablets for graduate students completing field work/
  • Build UP to build the Kiwanis Outdoor Construction Training Lab.
  • Family Promise to provide shelter for 32 homeless families.
  • Hand in Paw to train 15 new volunteers for therapy with children at The Bell Center and Children’s.
  • Jones Valley Teaching Farm for in-person food delivery to seven schools, job training, and expanded access to Good School Food Learning.
  • Magic Acceptance Academy for job shadowing events.
  • Oasis Family Counseling for the first session of professional counseling for 57 children and teens.
  • Preschool Partners for its Families Reading Together Initiative to give each student 28 books for a home library.

Beginning March 12, 2024, the Birmingham Kiwanis Foundation is re-opening its grant cycle. Applications can be submitted until April 30, 2024. 

2024 Grant Application

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Gifts to the Birmingham Kiwanis Foundation, a 501C3, are tax deductible. To make a gift, please:

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