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For twenty-five years, Beverly Weiner stood at the front of a classroom in Limestone County, helping shape the lives of young people and witnessing firsthand the opportunities – and the challenges – that families across North Alabama face every day. Those years as an educator profoundly influenced her view of philanthropy. “Being a teacher helped…
When most people think about construction, they picture cranes, steel beams, and the steady rise of a new building on the skyline. But for Turner Construction Company, the work goes far beyond what you can see from the street. As America’s largest general contractor, Turner’s vision is to be the highest value provider of global…
For Bob and Cindi Ludwig, philanthropy began with connection. When they arrived in Huntsville in the mid-1990s, they were welcomed into a nonprofit community that extended an open hand to newcomers. That early experience did more than introduce them to local nonprofit organizations . . . it shaped their perspective “Through that engagement, our eyes…
For Brian Hinson, conversations about charitable legacy don’t begin with numbers or tax strategies. They begin with something far more foundational: purpose. “As we talk about planning, we talk about what truly matters,” Brian explains. By sharing his own values and approach to giving, he creates space for clients to reflect on their experiences, their…
For JoAnn Perez, charitable giving is not an afterthought in estate planning. It is a starting point. “I view charitable giving as a core pillar of a comprehensive estate plan,” she explains. “I introduce the concept during the very first meeting with a client.” By asking intentional questions about what matters most, JoAnn helps clients…
Ellenae Hart Fairhurst was a trailblazer with unstoppable drive. She built a remarkable career in the automotive industry and broke barriers every step of the way. Her promising early professional growth faced a significant crossroads in 1968, when a management training offer from Ford Motor Company was withdrawn based solely on her marital status. Instead…
Bill and Brenda Roark were selected as the recipients of the 2023 Community Philanthropy Award presented annually by the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville at the Summit on Philanthropy to recognize their indelible mark on the Greater Huntsville area. Their dedication to this community, demonstrated by their immense generosity, has not only inspired many but…
The Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville helps donors be generous, however that looks to them. By helping donors leverage the strategic impact of their generosity, they are able to create lasting positive change in the lives of individuals and families in the Huntsville area. In June 2023, Jack and Jean Lee Family Trust granted $50,000…
Journeys in giving can start anywhere. At the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, our job is to guide donors on the strategic path to philanthropy. We are honored to work with generous individuals and families who are not only thinking about their impact today, but the legacy they want to leave behind for their families…
For Norm and Kathi, generosity is not just a one-time act; it’s a way of life. They firmly believe that giving back, whether through their time, talents, or treasures, is essential to creating positive change in the world. Their giving priorities have been shaped by their respective backgrounds, which laid the foundation for their lifelong…
Generosity is a catalyst for transforming communities and leaving behind a meaningful legacy. Jay and Hilde Dryden exemplify the power of generosity in creating a lasting legacy. The Dryden family understand that a true legacy encompasses more than just leaving money to their family. It involves leading by example, transferring values to those around them,…
Suzanne Sullivan was deeply influenced by her parents’ example of generosity, particularly through their involvement in their church. Suzanne fondly remembers their unwavering dedication to their church’s mission. They not only contributed financially but they also actively participated in various initiatives and events. Their involvement served as a profound inspiration for Suzanne, motivating her to…
Inspired by the belief that together we can do more, Kaitlynn Roark, and her sister, Amy, launched Huntsville’s first giving circle in 2017. Amy had learned about giving circles during her Leadership Greater Huntsville closing retreat in Louisville, and together the sisters, rooted in a strong family tradition of generosity, ventured into the power of giving. In…
Driven by a genuine empathy for women and their struggles, Mary Grace Evans serves the Women’s Philanthropy Society (WPS), a giving initiative that aligns with her personal values and supports transformative programs for women and children. Mary Grace knows that empowering women, keeping them safe, and helping them to reach their full potential, ultimately builds…
When my children were toddlers, my windowsills were often full of dandelions and clovers. As a parent, there’s nothing quite as special as the gifts your children give you. Each plucked blossom took some effort because they were so little, and they meant the world to me. I think of this often as a reminder…
G.W. Boon III has always had a strong desire to make a positive impact in his community. As the Board Secretary and Chair of the Community Impact Committee at the Community Foundation, G.W. plays a pivotal role in shaping the foundation’s initiatives and programs to address the community’s most pressing needs. Motivated by his desire…
As I was growing up I witnessed members of my family giving their time and talents to causes that resonated with them. While I appreciated their efforts, the issues that were important to them did not speak to my heart in the same way. During my first job at the District Attorney’s office in Birmingham,…
The generosity of those around us can serve as inspiration for our own lives. Much of Brenda M. Martin’s perspective on giving is influenced by the love and companionship of her late husband, W. Frank Martin. Their enduring relationship was a testament to the belief that one person can be a gift for another. Brenda’s…
Mona Jeanne Boles Smith, a remarkable individual with a passion for education, the arts, and social justice, left behind a legacy of generosity upon her passing in August 2022. Born in San Antonio, Texas in 1939, Mona’s life journey took her on a path of growth, understanding, and a deep commitment to making a positive…
Dr. James Gilbert, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.A.P., credits the instances of encouragement throughout his life with shaping his journey to who he is today. He fondly recalls the teachers who believed in him, offering words of encouragement and envisioning a bright future. This belief in his future was instrumental in propelling him forward, ultimately guiding him…
My family is grateful to live in a community where generosity thrives, giving us the ability to circle around and lean in with others to creatively and collectively team together to create a force to respond to needs around us. Our family is committed to strengthening the community in which we serve by contributing to…
Cynthia Almodóvar began her career in the aerospace and defense industry with Lockheed Martin in 1984. After a successful tenure with Lockheed Martin, she took the leap into the commercial industry joining the Nokia Corporation in 1995. She led the America’s Region Logistics, Transportation and Management and the U.S. Custom Compliance Team for 12 years…
We give actively now, so it only makes sense that we would take a few simple steps to do that with our estate. It was so easy to make a brief addition to our will…and we directed our charitable gifts to be managed through the Community Foundation. Now we know our wishes will be carried…
While The Spencer Companies was sold in 2021, their charitable legacy of this business lives on. In a time when environmental preservation is more crucial than ever, the Spencer Companies Charitable Fund has stepped forward to support the Land Trust of North Alabama in their efforts to protect and conserve the natural beauty of Huntsville…
The world lost a passionate advocate for educational equity and justice on January 26, 2021, when Dr. Andrew Howard Nichols passed away. Bon on July 5, 1981, in Huntsville, Alabama, Andrew dedicated his life to fighting for the rights and opportunities of low-income and first-generation college students. To honor his remarkable legacy, his parents, Bob…
In the realm of philanthropy, the power of community foundations cannot be overstated. These organizations serve as catalysts for positive change, connecting passionate individuals with impactful causes in their local communities. The Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville stands as a testament to this spirit, thanks to the visionary efforts of Joe and Pam Alexander, who…
“My earliest memories of giving are from the pink offering envelopes that were ready to go ever Sunday morning that I went to church with my dad. He never did anything with huge flourish, always quietly. He was very intentional about giving regularly to our church. As Larry and I got older and became in…
Avion Solutions – which was founded by Gary Donald and his partners over 30 years ago – has always had a corporate culture of generosity. Gary made it a priority to create a family-like, collaborative workplace; one where employees genuinely cared for and took care of one another. That spirit of generosity and collaboration naturally…
Your will has more power than you can imagine, and utilizing it for charitable giving is often easier than you may think. Sharon Doviet and Chris Russell share their motivation for creating a lasting impact on their community: “We give actively now, so it only makes sense that we would take a few simple steps…
“Looking back on it, the clues were always there we just didn’t realize it. The twins hated doing homework, hated reading out loud to us, and when they wrote letters and numbers, they were always backwards. But each year, the teachers told us, “Don’t worry! Kids grow out of that.” And, as parents, we just always…
Our community’s nonprofit organizations are on the front lines serving our community each and every day. The work of over 1,500 nonprofit organizations in the Greater Huntsville area is a substantial factor in the quality of life we enjoy here, which is part of the reason Huntsville was recently named as the #1 best place to…
When people think of legacy planning, often they initially think in terms of money and other assets that they will pass along to their children and grandchildren. However, when families reflect on what is most important to them, it’s typically not about the money. It’s about values. It’s about priorities. It’s about relationships. It’s about…
AAMU Carnagie Libary: History of Philanthropy Guest blog by Asia Thurmon, Philanthropy Intern Part of building equity and tearing down divides is to share history that elevates the attitudes of the majority population about worthy endeavors of the minority population, and how mobilizing generosity from the former can improve quality of life for the latter.…
Generosity is an investment in the future you want to see At the Community Foundation, we believe that generosity is simply an investment in the future you want to see. When you make a charitable donation, you are making a statement about the kind of world you want to live in and the changes you…
At our core, I believe that most of us want the same things. We all want to be able to provide for ourselves and our families. We want to live in safe neighborhoods. We want a place to belong. We want to do work that makes a difference. We want to build a better future…
Huntsville is a data-driven town . . . always has been and always will be. Therefore, it’s no surprise that donors in our area are interested in how data can help maximize their charitable giving. Here are five ways that savvy donors can use data to inform their philanthropy: If you want to understand our…
Seven Reasons Why DAFS Are Good For Nonprofits There is a lot of conversation about donor advised funds and whether they are “good” for society in general and the nonprofit sector more specifically. Here are seven reasons why donor advised funds are good for both donors and for the nonprofit community they support: Donor advised…
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means the season of giving is upon us. As you make plans for your 2021 charitable donations, here are three smart generosity strategies to discuss with your professional advisor. First, many of your favorite organizations may offer a matching gift challenge this time of the year. This is…
Although it’s had its ups and downs, the stock market is trading at record highs. That means many donors may have significant appreciated assets in their portfolio. If you are charitably inclined, this is a perfect opportunity to share the love . . . and your good fortune . . . with your favorite nonprofit…
A legacy of sharing is one of our multi-generational family goals. One way we live out our legacy of sharing is an annual family experience when each grandchild is given the opportunity to choose a non-profit or ministry about which he or she cares deeply and/or volunteers. Each grandchild writes a letter to the organization,…
My siblings and I are proof of what education can do to propel a family forward. My learning experience shaped me and made education my lifelong passion. The Community Foundation allowed my husband Jack and me to quickly convert a property donation into a fund that allowed us to address both our personal financial and…
Supporting organizations that impact and enrich Huntsville and Madison County gives donors a better sense of community. The Community Foundation helps each of us reach our philanthropic goals by connecting us with the many impactful organizations like FOR (Friends of Rescue), the Boys and Girls Club and the Community Catalyst Fund. Giving legacies come in…
There is a great sense of fulfillment that comes with knowing that when I had a chance to make a difference, I took that step. My philanthropic goals are centered on improving quality of life in our community and thus helping the families and companies that support Redstone Arsenal. The Community Foundation helped me to…
The Huntsville area provides a great quality of life, particularly for those dedicated to the arts and education. My husband John and I wanted to provide support in these areas through a planned gift through the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville. The Community Foundation administers the process for nonprofit organizations to submit proposals for specific…
Our community is fortunate to have many great organizations that improve quality of life for today and for future generations. Before we created our donor advised fund with the Community Foundation, we donated to many nonprofits. Partnering with the Community Foundation helped us think more strategically about our philanthropic activities. In 2011 when Dynetics converted…
It is our moral and social responsibility to be active participants and supporters of our community. The Huntsville community has been great to my family and we are committed to giving back to others in need. We want to support Huntsville’s legacy as a community committed to education, science, exploration, research, discovery, arts, music and…
My inspiration for ‘giving back’ to the community comes from the many needs I see every day in and around the Greater Huntsville area. Seeing these needs in our community confirms my belief that each one of us is called to serve and to use our talents and resources for the benefit of others –…
A legacy of sharing is one of our multi-generational family goals. It began with Patty’s mother, a pioneer in public school financial management education. It’s rooted in our family’s agrarian cultural values that encourage going beyond tithing and sharing one’s home and harvest with others in need. When we married, the lifestyle of sharing naturally…