City of Birmingham

Birmingham to Give $850K to 8 Nonprofits

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin (Source: City Facebook page)

Eight Birmingham nonprofits will receive $850,000 in funding from the city’s Building Opportunities for Lasting Development grant program.

Before Mayor Randall Woodfin instituted the BOLD initiative in 2018, Birmingham’s contributions to nonprofits were included as line items in the city’s operating budget. Now, the city’s Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity distributes $1 million in nonprofit funding via an application process.

All eight organizations receiving funding are minority- or woman-led, and five are first-time recipients.

The Birmingham Business Alliance, which was last approved for BOLD funding in March 2021, will receive up to $110,000 to create “a digital network of resource partners and dedicated professionals to provide support to the city’s Legacy Biz” program.

The Rebirth Community Corporation, which received BOLD funding last year, will receive up to $148,500 to provide small businesses with resources including business development workshops and mental health services.

TechAlabama’s Education Farm, also a recipient of BOLD funding last year, will receive up to $135,200 to continue its IT workforce training programs for underemployed adults and youth.

BirthWell Partners, a nonprofit that provides doula training and services, will receive up to $121,806 to train and employ new doulas across Birmingham with a particular focus on the East Lake, North Birmingham and the Smithfield/Elyton communities.

Diane’s Heart, an organization that provides education, financial resources and other assistance to single mothers and their children, will receive up to $98,450 in funding to continue its support programs.

East Lake Initiative will receive up to $84,250 in city money to facilitate its own micro-grant program, which will offer up to $1,000 to applicants starting their own in-home businesses, as well as offering a six-week “business boot camp” for aspiring small business owners.

Is-Able Ministries will receive up to $75,000 to provide employment and job readiness services, as well as social engagement and support groups for those experiencing depression or grief. Is-Able will also provide life skill and health training for individuals with disabilities.

Finally, the Surge Project, a youth advocacy and violence reduction-focused nonprofit, will receive up to $80,800 to offer workforce development for adults aged 18 to 35 from the Five Points West, Ensley, Elyton and Smithfield areas. Thanks to a partnership with the National Training Institute for Healthcare Technicians, the program will provide the opportunity for 40 individuals to become certified health care professionals.