Alabama is home to many inspiring nonprofits dedicated to improving the lives of its residents. From addressing homelessness and healthcare needs to supporting education and environmental initiatives, these organizations are helping to transform their communities. In this article, we’ll highlight Alabama nonprofits that are making a meaningful impact.
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United Way of Central Alabama
United Way of Central Alabama is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people in Jefferson, Shelby, Walker, Blount, and St. Clair counties. Through various programs focused on education, financial stability, and health, United Way has a profound impact on communities by addressing immediate needs and creating long-term solutions.
- History: Founded in 1923, United Way of Central Alabama has a long-standing legacy of helping local communities through charitable donations and volunteer efforts.
- Mission: To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good.
- Impact: United Way addresses critical issues in education, financial stability, and health, serving over 100,000 individuals annually in five counties.
Feeding Alabama
Feeding Alabama, the state association of food banks, works to eliminate hunger by distributing millions of meals to families in need. With a network of food banks across the state, they collaborate with local partners to provide food and resources to people experiencing food insecurity, especially in underserved rural areas.
- History: Feeding Alabama was formed as a network of food banks in 2000 to address food insecurity statewide.
- Mission: To eliminate hunger and improve nutrition through partnerships and education.
- Impact: Distributing millions of meals each year, Feeding Alabama has established a robust network of food banks and programs that reach rural and urban areas, supporting families, seniors, and children in need.
Alabama Association of Nonprofits
The Alabama Association of Nonprofits (AAN) is a vital organization dedicated to empowering and supporting Alabama’s nonprofit community. Founded in 1996, AAN was established with the goal of creating a network that could provide resources, guidance, and advocacy for nonprofit organizations across the state. By offering training, networking, and support, the association has become a cornerstone for Alabama’s nonprofits, helping them navigate challenges and achieve their missions more effectively.
- History: Established in 1996, the Alabama Association of Nonprofits (AAN) was created to support and strengthen the state’s nonprofit sector by offering advocacy, training, and professional development.
- Mission: To empower Alabama’s nonprofit organizations to succeed through education, collaboration, and connection.
- Impact: AAN serves over 500 member organizations by providing essential resources on leadership, governance, and financial sustainability, while fostering collaboration and addressing community issues through events and training sessions.
Alabama Appleseed Center for Law & Justice
Alabama Appleseed advocates for policies that promote justice and opportunity for all Alabamians. Focused on issues like criminal justice reform, economic equality, and fair housing, they aim to address systemic issues that affect marginalized communities and promote long-lasting change.
- History: Alabama Appleseed was established in 1999 as part of a nationwide network dedicated to promoting social justice.
- Mission: To achieve justice and fairness for low-income and marginalized people by advocating for systemic change.
- Impact: This nonprofit has been instrumental in advocating for criminal justice reform, economic fairness, and policy changes, influencing legislation and raising awareness about issues affecting Alabama’s vulnerable populations.
AIDS Alabama
AIDS Alabama works to help people with HIV/AIDS live healthy, independent lives while also striving to prevent the spread of the virus. By providing healthcare, housing assistance, and educational programs, AIDS Alabama supports individuals affected by HIV/AIDS and raises awareness across the state.
- History: AIDS Alabama was founded in 1986 in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis, initially focused on awareness and prevention.
- Mission: To help people with HIV/AIDS live healthy, independent lives while reducing the spread of the virus.
- Impact: AIDS Alabama serves over 3,000 individuals each year with housing, healthcare, and prevention services, significantly improving the quality of life for people with HIV/AIDS and reducing stigma through education.
Black Warrior Riverkeeper
The Black Warrior Riverkeeper is dedicated to protecting and restoring the Black Warrior River and its tributaries. Through advocacy, enforcement, and community education, this environmental nonprofit ensures clean water for drinking, recreation, and wildlife, benefiting the health and well-being of Alabama’s residents.
- History: Established in 2001, Black Warrior Riverkeeper was created to advocate for the protection and preservation of the Black Warrior River.
- Mission: To protect and restore the Black Warrior River and its tributaries through advocacy, education, and enforcement.
- Impact: The organization has played a critical role in preserving the river’s ecosystem, preventing pollution, and raising awareness about Alabama’s natural resources, benefiting both residents and wildlife.
Habitat for Humanity of Alabama
Habitat for Humanity is a well-known organization that operates across Alabama, helping families build and improve places to call home. By partnering with volunteers and donors, Habitat for Humanity helps individuals and families achieve affordable homeownership, which has a lasting impact on the community.
- History: Established in Alabama in 1981, Habitat for Humanity began as a grassroots effort to combat poverty housing, quickly growing into a statewide presence.
- Mission: To build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.
- Impact: Since its inception, Habitat for Humanity Alabama has built or renovated thousands of homes, providing safe, affordable housing to families in need and fostering community development across the state.
YWCA Central Alabama
YWCA Central Alabama serves women and children facing domestic violence and homelessness. By providing shelter, support services, and advocacy, the YWCA empowers women to become self-sufficient and works toward eliminating racism and empowering women within the community.
- History: The YWCA has served the Birmingham area since 1903, originally providing safe housing and support for women working in local factories.
- Mission: To eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
- Impact: YWCA provides services to over 30,000 people annually, offering domestic violence shelters, affordable housing, and child care, helping women and children find safety and stability.
Alabama Wildlife Center
Alabama Wildlife Center, the state’s oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation organization, is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife. Located in Oak Mountain State Park, the center provides educational programs to promote conservation awareness among Alabamians.
- History: Founded in 1977, the Alabama Wildlife Center is the state’s oldest wildlife rehabilitation organization.
- Mission: To rescue, rehabilitate, and release Alabama’s injured and orphaned wildlife.
- Impact: The center has treated over 100,000 animals, offering public education programs to promote environmental stewardship and wildlife preservation, benefiting Alabama’s diverse wildlife.
Sight Savers America
Sight Savers America provides eye care and vision aids for children and adults in need. By collaborating with schools and community organizations, they identify individuals with vision problems and ensure they receive the necessary treatments and equipment to improve their quality of life.
- History: Started in 1997, Sight Savers America began as a vision screening program for children in Alabama schools.
- Mission: To identify and secure eye care for children and adults in need.
- Impact: Serving thousands of individuals each year, Sight Savers provides vision screenings, treatments, and specialized equipment, improving the quality of life for those with visual impairments across Alabama.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama provides a “home away from home” for families with children receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals. By offering affordable accommodations and support, the charity helps families stay together during challenging times.
- History: Established in Birmingham in 1979, the Alabama chapter of Ronald McDonald House Charities opened to support families with sick children receiving hospital care.
- Mission: To provide a comforting home environment for families of seriously ill children.
- Impact: Each year, the Ronald McDonald House accommodates hundreds of families, offering affordable lodging, meals, and a supportive community during their children’s medical treatment.
Equal Justice Initiative (EJI)
Founded by Bryan Stevenson, EJI works to address and end mass incarceration and racial injustice in Alabama. Through legal advocacy, public education, and community outreach, EJI promotes fairness and equity in the criminal justice system, creating a more just society.
- History: Founded in 1989 by Bryan Stevenson, EJI emerged to combat racial and economic injustice.
- Mission: To end mass incarceration, challenge racial injustice, and protect basic human rights for the most vulnerable.
- Impact: EJI has represented thousands of incarcerated individuals and helped shed light on issues of racial inequality, impacting policies and inspiring initiatives such as the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.
The WellHouse
The WellHouse provides safe housing, medical care, and support services to women who have been victims of human trafficking. By offering comprehensive recovery programs, The WellHouse helps these women reclaim their lives and work toward a brighter future.
- History: The WellHouse was founded in 2010 to provide refuge for survivors of human trafficking.
- Mission: To provide a safe residential environment to women escaping trafficking and exploitation.
- Impact: The organization has helped hundreds of women rebuild their lives, offering comprehensive recovery services, housing, and support, making a lasting difference in combating human trafficking.
Impact Alabama
Impact Alabama engages young leaders in service initiatives across the state. By mobilizing college students and recent graduates, they provide a variety of services to Alabama residents, from tax preparation assistance to educational programs, all aimed at reducing poverty and increasing access to opportunities.
- History: Founded in 2004, Impact Alabama began as an initiative to mobilize college students to address poverty-related issues across the state.
- Mission: To engage young people in service that directly improves the lives of Alabama residents.
- Impact: Through programs such as free tax preparation and literacy initiatives, Impact Alabama has served tens of thousands of individuals, providing invaluable resources that empower communities and promote self-sufficiency.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham pairs adult mentors with children in need of guidance and support. Through one-on-one mentoring relationships, children gain access to role models who encourage positive behavior, academic success, and healthy choices, making a lasting impact on Alabama’s youth.
- History: Founded in 1972, the Greater Birmingham chapter is part of the national Big Brothers Big Sisters network, one of the oldest and largest youth mentoring organizations.
- Mission: To create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
- Impact: By pairing mentors with youth, this organization has positively influenced thousands of children’s lives, helping them improve academically, socially, and emotionally.
