Looking Forward.
Giving Back.

ABOUT CACF

 

Central Alabama Community Foundation was established in 1987 by a group of local civic leaders. Their vision was to create a permanent charitable foundation to support various opportunities and needs in the Montgomery area.

CACF has grown to hold over $96 million in charitable assets while distributing over $70 million to organizations that serve the community. CACF serves several counties including Autauga, Coffee, Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery.

Through its 230+ funds, CACF addresses a wide variety of concerns, supporting projects and programs in education, health, human services, cultural arts, recreation, historic preservation and other civic concerns. Each year, the Foundation distributes over $5 million through hundreds of grants and scholarships.

Board Members

Chairman: Mark Hope

Vice -Chairman: Lisa Free

President: Burton U. Crenshaw

Treasurer: Amanda Hines

Ken Burton

Suzanne Davidson

Barrie Harmon

Larnetta Moncrief-Harvey

James “Jamie” Loeb, Jr.

D.J. Lowe

Laurie Rygiel

Leslie Sanders

Raley Wiggins

Rev. Richard Williams

Tonya Scott Williams

Staff Members

About 1

Burton U. Crenshaw, President

Phone: (334) 264-6223

Fax: (334) 263-6225
About 2

Clare Johnson, VP, Community Services

Fax: (334) 263-6225
About 3

Dana Hess, Financial Officer​

Fax: (334) 263-6225
About 4

Eleanor Lucas, Donor Services Manager​

Fax: (334) 263-6225
About 5

CACF Co-Founder Fred Richard

In 1987 long-time Montgomery citizen Fred A. Richard, Jr. and a group of civic leaders had a vision that would provide lasting support for their community. They started the Montgomery Area Community Foundation (MACF) and in its first year $106,565 in grants were distributed to area charitable organizations. At the end of that inaugural year the MACF held $616,000 in assets.

Richard had a history of philanthropic giving and interest in civic affairs, beginning with his service in WWII as a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army. His dedication to the community continued during his years as an accountant and founding member of Richard, Harris, Ingram, and Bozeman, P.C., and was evidenced through his involvement on the boards of the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and the Montgomery Ballet, as well as in his active memberships in both the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery and the Capitol City Club.

In 1997 in celebration of its 10th anniversary, MACF changed its name to the Central Alabama Community Foundation (CACF) to reflect its regional growth.

Richard died in 2002, leaving CACF a bequest of over $5,000,000 to provide grants made from the Richard Estate Fund. This unrestricted fund has been used to support dozens of nonprofits over the years such as Impact Alabama, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Bridge Builders Alabama, Renascence, Inc., Montgomery Area Food Bank and Hospice of Montgomery.

As a tribute to his passion and contributions to the Foundation, he was named “Chairman Emeriti” of the CACF Board of Directors.

About 6

City of Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange

Years ago, City of Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange sold his successful car dealership and wanted to put aside some of the proceeds for charitable purposes.

“I knew the benefit of a tax deduction that year would be helpful, but I wanted to be able to support several different charities over a period of years. A donor advised fund allowed me the option of making a donation when I wanted to while remaining active with the fund by suggesting recipients,” said Mayor Strange.

Why create a Donor Advised Fund for your family?

It provides a convenient and flexible tool for families who want to be personally involved in suggesting grant awards made possible by their fund. Families with a range of community interests find that it’s an ideal vehicle for fulfilling their charitable wishes. Donor Advised Funds are typically less costly and easier to administer than other forms of philanthropic giving (such as private foundations).

About 7

Philanthropist Sarah Cabot Pierce

Sarah Cabot Pierce was born and raised in Wetumpka, Alabama. After graduating from the University of Alabama and the Pulitzer School of Journalism at Columbia University in 1933, she worked for various newspapers and taught journalism at the University of Alabama. She later married and moved to Montgomery where she spent most of her adult life. Mrs. Pierce was active in many organizations, especially the State League of Women Voters which she helped form.

Mrs. Pierce used the community foundation to support programs that were important to her. Over the years, she established several funds. First, was the Lucy Brook Lull Library Fund to provide books and other materials for the library at Wetumpka High School. During an era of dwindling school budgets, the $25,000 that has been distributed to the library since its first grant in 1998 has provided new books and other tools of learning. Mrs. Pierce also funded the Charles Horatio McMorris Fund to provide similar grants to the libraries of Wetumpka Elementary and Intermediate Schools.

Mrs. Pierce’s interest in preserving Wetumpka’s small town beauty led her to start the Clara Lull Robison Beautification Fund. Grants from this fund have provided Wetumpka’s Welcome signs, restored the gates to the city cemetery, and provided new lights for Wetumpka’s signature bridge. Mrs. Pierce also established the Clara Robson Caskie Community Trust Fund which provides grant funds each year to a wide variety of programs serving Elmore County.

Lastly, the Sarah Cabot Pierce Fund was established to provide annual support to the Meals on Wheels program in Montgomery. The program, which is run by the Montgomery Area Council on Aging, was dear to her heart, and her daughter Judy is a volunteer for the program. Sarah Cabot Pierce’s legacy will live on in the places and programs that she loved.

About 8

Todd Webb

In August 2015, WSFA News Video Editor Todd Webb passed away unexpectedly at the age of 26. His parents, Rhonda and Jeff Webb, established the Todd Webb Scholarship Fund housed within CACF which will annually award $2,000 to a high school senior in Alabama.

Todd was a Montgomery native and graduate of LAMP High School and the University of Alabama. He loved talking about the Crimson Tide. He went to work with Raycom Media’s WSFA Channel 12 in September 2011, as a Video Editor and Photojournalist.

His family and friends recently commemorated the anniversary of his passing by hosting a giving campaign raising thousands toward his scholarship fund on social media and with the help of his former employer WSFA.

FAQs

What is a community foundation?

A community foundation is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in their community. It is a tax-exempt public charity that allows many individuals, through gifts and bequests, to establish permanent endowment funds under the umbrella of one large foundation. Money generated by these funds is distributed to the local community in the form of grants to other nonprofit organizations and agencies to address needs and opportunities.

CACF was founded in 1987 to provide simple, flexible, and effective ways for permanent endowment funds to be established and managed. The foundation works with donors to help achieve their personal, financial and philanthropic goals and to establish endowments for a variety of purposes. CACF is completely autonomous and all decisions are made locally.

CACF is one of the over 650 community foundations nationwide. CACF is a member of the Council on Foundations, an association that represents all types of charitable giving programs. Community Foundations are the fastest growing vehicle for giving in the United States.

Where does the foundation get its funds?

The foundation’s funds come from individuals and businesses who recognize the need for a permanent base of charitable capital to support nonprofit activities. Endowments are built by pooling contributions from many donors.

If I'm not a "Rockefeller," is the community foundation for me?

Community foundations offer a variety of options for making donations. By combining your resources with those of others who share your interests, you can maximize the impact of modest contributions with minimal costs. The Foundation also welcomes honorariums and memorial gifts.

Are gifts to the community foundation tax-deductible?

Yes. CACF is recognized as a 501(c)3 organization by the Internal Revenue Service.

How are the funds invested and administered?

A diversified investment portfolio is managed by Edward Jones, Jackson Thornton Asset Management, Merrill Lynch Private Wealth Management, and CapTrust. Investment guidelines emphasize the protection of the corpus with the generation of income. The investment committee seeks total return with minimum risk over the long term. Members review investment performance quarterly and the foundation’s staff oversees the distribution of income to more than 200 nonprofit entities located predominantly in central Alabama.

What does the foundation fund?

To date, more than $65 million has been given to nonprofit organizations and individuals. In addition, the Foundation administers scholarship funds that benefit students in Autauga, Coffee, Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lowndes, Montgomery and Pike Counties.

How do you apply for a grant?

The foundation uses an application portal, which can be accessed through the Grants section of our website.

How is the community foundation different from the United Way?

Both are important resources to the community. Both are necessary and compatible. Some have described the differences by suggesting the United Way is more like a community checkbook (raising and distributing money annually), while a community foundation is more like a savings account (distributing interest from long-term funds in perpetuity). An additional difference is the foundation’s broad scope of funding (including arts, religion and scholarships; not just health and human services) and its greater base of grantees.

Questions?

Contact: Burton U. Crenshaw
President
burton.crenshaw@cacfinfo.org
Phone: (334) 264-6223
Fax: (334) 253-6225


ABOUT AACF

For 20 years, the Autauga Area Community Foundation has distributed grants that provide critical funds for food banks serving people who are currently down on their luck, for libraries and art programs that entertain and educate a city and for social service programs offering various types of hope and help to individuals.

AACF is an affiliate of the Central Alabama Community Foundation. Representatives from Autauga County serve on the CACF Board of Directors. Our staff is here to answer any questions and make the most of your giving needs.

Staff Members

About 1

Burton U. Crenshaw, President

Phone: (334) 264-6223

Fax: (334) 263-6225
About 2

Clare Johnson, VP, Community Services

Fax: (334) 263-6225
About 3

Dana Hess, Financial Officer​

Fax: (334) 263-6225
About 4

Eleanor Lucas, Donor Services Manager​

Fax: (334) 263-6225

FAQs

What is a community foundation?

A community foundation is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in their community. It is a tax-exempt public charity that allows many individuals, through gifts and bequests, to establish permanent endowment funds under the umbrella of one large foundation. Money generated by these funds is distributed to the local community in the form of grants to other nonprofit organizations and agencies to address needs and opportunities.

CACF was founded in 1987 to provide simple, flexible, and effective ways for permanent endowment funds to be established and managed. The foundation works with donors to help achieve their personal, financial and philanthropic goals and to establish endowments for a variety of purposes. CACF is completely autonomous and all decisions are made locally.

CACF is one of the over 650 community foundations nationwide. CACF is a member of the Council on Foundations, an association that represents all types of charitable giving programs. Community Foundations are the fastest growing vehicle for giving in the United States.

Where does the foundation get its funds?

The foundation’s funds come from individuals and businesses who recognize the need for a permanent base of charitable capital to support nonprofit activities. Endowments are built by pooling contributions from many donors.

If I'm not a "Rockefeller," is the community foundation for me?

Community foundations offer a variety of options for making donations. By combining your resources with those of others who share your interests, you can maximize the impact of modest contributions with minimal costs. The Foundation also welcomes honorariums and memorial gifts.

Are gifts to the community foundation tax-deductible?

Yes. CACF is recognized as a 501(c)3 organization by the Internal Revenue Service.

How are the funds invested and administered?

A diversified investment portfolio is managed by Edward Jones, Jackson Thornton Asset Management, Merrill Lynch Private Wealth Management, and CapTrust. Investment guidelines emphasize the protection of the corpus with the generation of income. The investment committee seeks total return with minimum risk over the long term. Members review investment performance quarterly and the foundation’s staff oversees the distribution of income to more than 200 nonprofit entities located predominantly in central Alabama.

What does the foundation fund?

To date, more than $65 million has been given to nonprofit organizations and individuals. In addition, the Foundation administers scholarship funds that benefit students in Autauga, Coffee, Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lowndes, Montgomery and Pike Counties.

How do you apply for a grant?

The foundation uses an application portal, which can be accessed through the Grants section of our website.

How is the community foundation different from the United Way?

Both are important resources to the community. Both are necessary and compatible. Some have described the differences by suggesting the United Way is more like a community checkbook (raising and distributing money annually), while a community foundation is more like a savings account (distributing interest from long-term funds in perpetuity). An additional difference is the foundation’s broad scope of funding (including arts, religion and scholarships; not just health and human services) and its greater base of grantees.

Questions?

Contact: Burton U. Crenshaw
President
burton.crenshaw@cacfinfo.org
Phone: (334) 264-6223
Fax: (334) 253-6225


ABOUT ECCF

For 20 years, the Elmore County Community Foundation has distributed more than $2 Million in grants to nonprofit organizations in Elmore County. Each year ECCF awards $50,000 in college scholarships through its 25 different scholarship funds.

ECCF is an affiliate of the Central Alabama Community Foundation. Representatives from Elmore County serve on the CACF Board of Directors. Our staff is here to answer any questions and make the most of your giving needs.

Staff Members

About 1

Burton U. Crenshaw, President

Phone: (334) 264-6223

Fax: (334) 263-6225
About 2

Clare Johnson, VP, Community Services

Fax: (334) 263-6225
About 3

Dana Hess, Financial Officer​

Fax: (334) 263-6225
About 4

Eleanor Lucas, Donor Services Manager​

Fax: (334) 263-6225

FAQs

What is a community foundation?

A community foundation is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in their community. It is a tax-exempt public charity that allows many individuals, through gifts and bequests, to establish permanent endowment funds under the umbrella of one large foundation. Money generated by these funds is distributed to the local community in the form of grants to other nonprofit organizations and agencies to address needs and opportunities.

CACF was founded in 1987 to provide simple, flexible, and effective ways for permanent endowment funds to be established and managed. The foundation works with donors to help achieve their personal, financial and philanthropic goals and to establish endowments for a variety of purposes. CACF is completely autonomous and all decisions are made locally.

CACF is one of the over 650 community foundations nationwide. CACF is a member of the Council on Foundations, an association that represents all types of charitable giving programs. Community Foundations are the fastest growing vehicle for giving in the United States.

Where does the foundation get its funds?

The foundation’s funds come from individuals and businesses who recognize the need for a permanent base of charitable capital to support nonprofit activities. Endowments are built by pooling contributions from many donors.

If I'm not a "Rockefeller," is the community foundation for me?

Community foundations offer a variety of options for making donations. By combining your resources with those of others who share your interests, you can maximize the impact of modest contributions with minimal costs. The Foundation also welcomes honorariums and memorial gifts.

Are gifts to the community foundation tax-deductible?

Yes. CACF is recognized as a 501(c)3 organization by the Internal Revenue Service.

How are the funds invested and administered?

A diversified investment portfolio is managed by Edward Jones, Jackson Thornton Asset Management, Merrill Lynch Private Wealth Management, and CapTrust. Investment guidelines emphasize the protection of the corpus with the generation of income. The investment committee seeks total return with minimum risk over the long term. Members review investment performance quarterly and the foundation’s staff oversees the distribution of income to more than 200 nonprofit entities located predominantly in central Alabama.

What does the foundation fund?

To date, more than $65 million has been given to nonprofit organizations and individuals. In addition, the Foundation administers scholarship funds that benefit students in Autauga, Coffee, Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lowndes, Montgomery and Pike Counties.

How do you apply for a grant?

The foundation uses an application portal, which can be accessed through the Grants section of our website.

How is the community foundation different from the United Way?

Both are important resources to the community. Both are necessary and compatible. Some have described the differences by suggesting the United Way is more like a community checkbook (raising and distributing money annually), while a community foundation is more like a savings account (distributing interest from long-term funds in perpetuity). An additional difference is the foundation’s broad scope of funding (including arts, religion and scholarships; not just health and human services) and its greater base of grantees.

Questions?

Contact: Burton U. Crenshaw
President
burton.crenshaw@cacfinfo.org
Phone: (334) 264-6223
Fax: (334) 253-6225


ABOUT SACF

Established in 1995 by community leaders, South Alabama Community Foundation serves the five-county Wiregrass region of Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston counties. SACF became an affiliate of the Central Alabama Community Foundation in 2010. Through its 26 funds, SACF addresses a wide variety of concerns, supporting projects and programs in education, health, human services, cultural arts, recreation, historic preservation and other civic concerns. Each year, the Foundation distributes $30,000 in community trust grants and more than $15,000 in scholarships. SACF’s Advisory Board of area citizens oversees an annual grantmaking program that determines the best investment of these community dollars.

Click here to learn more about SACF.

Advisory Board Members

Stanley Davis

Fox Fleming

Josh Haisten

Chris Harper

David (Mit) Kirkland

Kelli McQueen

Hayley Northey

Mark O’Mary

Staff Members

About 1

Burton U. Crenshaw, President

Phone: (334) 264-6223

Fax: (334) 263-6225

FAQs

What is a community foundation?

A community foundation is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in their community. It is a tax-exempt public charity that allows many individuals, through gifts and bequests, to establish permanent endowment funds under the umbrella of one large foundation. Money generated by these funds is distributed to the local community in the form of grants to other nonprofit organizations and agencies to address needs and opportunities.

CACF was founded in 1987 to provide simple, flexible, and effective ways for permanent endowment funds to be established and managed. The foundation works with donors to help achieve their personal, financial and philanthropic goals and to establish endowments for a variety of purposes. CACF is completely autonomous and all decisions are made locally.

CACF is one of the over 650 community foundations nationwide. CACF is a member of the Council on Foundations, an association that represents all types of charitable giving programs. Community Foundations are the fastest growing vehicle for giving in the United States.

Where does the foundation get its funds?

The foundation’s funds come from individuals and businesses who recognize the need for a permanent base of charitable capital to support nonprofit activities. Endowments are built by pooling contributions from many donors.

If I'm not a "Rockefeller," is the community foundation for me?

Community foundations offer a variety of options for making donations. By combining your resources with those of others who share your interests, you can maximize the impact of modest contributions with minimal costs. The Foundation also welcomes honorariums and memorial gifts.

Are gifts to the community foundation tax-deductible?

Yes. CACF is recognized as a 501(c)3 organization by the Internal Revenue Service.

How are the funds invested and administered?

A diversified investment portfolio is managed by Edward Jones, Jackson Thornton Asset Management, Merrill Lynch Private Wealth Management, and CapTrust. Investment guidelines emphasize the protection of the corpus with the generation of income. The investment committee seeks total return with minimum risk over the long term. Members review investment performance quarterly and the foundation’s staff oversees the distribution of income to more than 200 nonprofit entities located predominantly in central Alabama.

What does the foundation fund?

To date, more than $65 million has been given to nonprofit organizations and individuals. In addition, the Foundation administers scholarship funds that benefit students in Autauga, Coffee, Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lowndes, Montgomery and Pike Counties.

How do you apply for a grant?

The foundation uses an application portal, which can be accessed through the Grants section of our website.

How is the community foundation different from the United Way?

Both are important resources to the community. Both are necessary and compatible. Some have described the differences by suggesting the United Way is more like a community checkbook (raising and distributing money annually), while a community foundation is more like a savings account (distributing interest from long-term funds in perpetuity). An additional difference is the foundation’s broad scope of funding (including arts, religion and scholarships; not just health and human services) and its greater base of grantees.

Questions?

Contact: Burton U. Crenshaw
President
burton.crenshaw@cacfinfo.org
Phone: (334) 264-6223
Fax: (334) 253-6225


ABOUT CACF

 

Central Alabama Community Foundation was established in 1987 by a group of local civic leaders. Their vision was to create a permanent charitable foundation to support various opportunities and needs in the Montgomery area.

CACF has grown to hold over $96 million in charitable assets while distributing over $70 million to organizations that serve the community. CACF serves several counties including Autauga, Coffee, Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery.

Through its 230+ funds, CACF addresses a wide variety of concerns, supporting projects and programs in education, health, human services, cultural arts, recreation, historic preservation and other civic concerns. Each year, the Foundation distributes over $5 million through hundreds of grants and scholarships.

Board Members

Chairman: Mark Hope

Vice -Chairman: Lisa Free

President: Burton U. Crenshaw

Treasurer: Amanda Hines

Ken Burton

Suzanne Davidson

Barrie Harmon

Larnetta Moncrief-Harvey

James “Jamie” Loeb, Jr.

D.J. Lowe

Laurie Rygiel

Leslie Sanders

Raley Wiggins

Rev. Richard Williams

Tonya Scott Williams

Staff Members

About 1

Burton U. Crenshaw, President

Phone: (334) 264-6223

Fax: (334) 263-6225
About 2

Clare Johnson, VP, Community Services

Fax: (334) 263-6225
About 3

Dana Hess, Financial Officer​

Fax: (334) 263-6225
About 4

Eleanor Lucas, Donor Services Manager​

Fax: (334) 263-6225
About 5

CACF Co-Founder Fred Richard

In 1987 long-time Montgomery citizen Fred A. Richard, Jr. and a group of civic leaders had a vision that would provide lasting support for their community. They started the Montgomery Area Community Foundation (MACF) and in its first year $106,565 in grants were distributed to area charitable organizations. At the end of that inaugural year the MACF held $616,000 in assets.

Richard had a history of philanthropic giving and interest in civic affairs, beginning with his service in WWII as a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army. His dedication to the community continued during his years as an accountant and founding member of Richard, Harris, Ingram, and Bozeman, P.C., and was evidenced through his involvement on the boards of the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and the Montgomery Ballet, as well as in his active memberships in both the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery and the Capitol City Club.

In 1997 in celebration of its 10th anniversary, MACF changed its name to the Central Alabama Community Foundation (CACF) to reflect its regional growth.

Richard died in 2002, leaving CACF a bequest of over $5,000,000 to provide grants made from the Richard Estate Fund. This unrestricted fund has been used to support dozens of nonprofits over the years such as Impact Alabama, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Bridge Builders Alabama, Renascence, Inc., Montgomery Area Food Bank and Hospice of Montgomery.

As a tribute to his passion and contributions to the Foundation, he was named “Chairman Emeriti” of the CACF Board of Directors.

About 6

City of Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange

Years ago, City of Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange sold his successful car dealership and wanted to put aside some of the proceeds for charitable purposes.

“I knew the benefit of a tax deduction that year would be helpful, but I wanted to be able to support several different charities over a period of years. A donor advised fund allowed me the option of making a donation when I wanted to while remaining active with the fund by suggesting recipients,” said Mayor Strange.

Why create a Donor Advised Fund for your family?

It provides a convenient and flexible tool for families who want to be personally involved in suggesting grant awards made possible by their fund. Families with a range of community interests find that it’s an ideal vehicle for fulfilling their charitable wishes. Donor Advised Funds are typically less costly and easier to administer than other forms of philanthropic giving (such as private foundations).

About 7

Philanthropist Sarah Cabot Pierce

Sarah Cabot Pierce was born and raised in Wetumpka, Alabama. After graduating from the University of Alabama and the Pulitzer School of Journalism at Columbia University in 1933, she worked for various newspapers and taught journalism at the University of Alabama. She later married and moved to Montgomery where she spent most of her adult life. Mrs. Pierce was active in many organizations, especially the State League of Women Voters which she helped form.

Mrs. Pierce used the community foundation to support programs that were important to her. Over the years, she established several funds. First, was the Lucy Brook Lull Library Fund to provide books and other materials for the library at Wetumpka High School. During an era of dwindling school budgets, the $25,000 that has been distributed to the library since its first grant in 1998 has provided new books and other tools of learning. Mrs. Pierce also funded the Charles Horatio McMorris Fund to provide similar grants to the libraries of Wetumpka Elementary and Intermediate Schools.

Mrs. Pierce’s interest in preserving Wetumpka’s small town beauty led her to start the Clara Lull Robison Beautification Fund. Grants from this fund have provided Wetumpka’s Welcome signs, restored the gates to the city cemetery, and provided new lights for Wetumpka’s signature bridge. Mrs. Pierce also established the Clara Robson Caskie Community Trust Fund which provides grant funds each year to a wide variety of programs serving Elmore County.

Lastly, the Sarah Cabot Pierce Fund was established to provide annual support to the Meals on Wheels program in Montgomery. The program, which is run by the Montgomery Area Council on Aging, was dear to her heart, and her daughter Judy is a volunteer for the program. Sarah Cabot Pierce’s legacy will live on in the places and programs that she loved.

About 8

Todd Webb

In August 2015, WSFA News Video Editor Todd Webb passed away unexpectedly at the age of 26. His parents, Rhonda and Jeff Webb, established the Todd Webb Scholarship Fund housed within CACF which will annually award $2,000 to a high school senior in Alabama.

Todd was a Montgomery native and graduate of LAMP High School and the University of Alabama. He loved talking about the Crimson Tide. He went to work with Raycom Media’s WSFA Channel 12 in September 2011, as a Video Editor and Photojournalist.

His family and friends recently commemorated the anniversary of his passing by hosting a giving campaign raising thousands toward his scholarship fund on social media and with the help of his former employer WSFA.

FAQs

What is a community foundation?

A community foundation is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in their community. It is a tax-exempt public charity that allows many individuals, through gifts and bequests, to establish permanent endowment funds under the umbrella of one large foundation. Money generated by these funds is distributed to the local community in the form of grants to other nonprofit organizations and agencies to address needs and opportunities.

CACF was founded in 1987 to provide simple, flexible, and effective ways for permanent endowment funds to be established and managed. The foundation works with donors to help achieve their personal, financial and philanthropic goals and to establish endowments for a variety of purposes. CACF is completely autonomous and all decisions are made locally.

CACF is one of the over 650 community foundations nationwide. CACF is a member of the Council on Foundations, an association that represents all types of charitable giving programs. Community Foundations are the fastest growing vehicle for giving in the United States.

Where does the foundation get its funds?

The foundation’s funds come from individuals and businesses who recognize the need for a permanent base of charitable capital to support nonprofit activities. Endowments are built by pooling contributions from many donors.

If I'm not a "Rockefeller," is the community foundation for me?

Community foundations offer a variety of options for making donations. By combining your resources with those of others who share your interests, you can maximize the impact of modest contributions with minimal costs. The Foundation also welcomes honorariums and memorial gifts.

Are gifts to the community foundation tax-deductible?

Yes. CACF is recognized as a 501(c)3 organization by the Internal Revenue Service.

How are the funds invested and administered?

A diversified investment portfolio is managed by Edward Jones, Jackson Thornton Asset Management, Merrill Lynch Private Wealth Management, and CapTrust. Investment guidelines emphasize the protection of the corpus with the generation of income. The investment committee seeks total return with minimum risk over the long term. Members review investment performance quarterly and the foundation’s staff oversees the distribution of income to more than 200 nonprofit entities located predominantly in central Alabama.

What does the foundation fund?

To date, more than $65 million has been given to nonprofit organizations and individuals. In addition, the Foundation administers scholarship funds that benefit students in Autauga, Coffee, Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lowndes, Montgomery and Pike Counties.

How do you apply for a grant?

The foundation uses an application portal, which can be accessed through the Grants section of our website.

How is the community foundation different from the United Way?

Both are important resources to the community. Both are necessary and compatible. Some have described the differences by suggesting the United Way is more like a community checkbook (raising and distributing money annually), while a community foundation is more like a savings account (distributing interest from long-term funds in perpetuity). An additional difference is the foundation’s broad scope of funding (including arts, religion and scholarships; not just health and human services) and its greater base of grantees.

Questions?

Contact: Burton U. Crenshaw
President
burton.crenshaw@cacfinfo.org
Phone: (334) 264-6223
Fax: (334) 253-6225


ABOUT AACF

For 20 years, the Autauga Area Community Foundation has distributed grants that provide critical funds for food banks serving people who are currently down on their luck, for libraries and art programs that entertain and educate a city and for social service programs offering various types of hope and help to individuals.

AACF is an affiliate of the Central Alabama Community Foundation. Representatives from Autauga County serve on the CACF Board of Directors. Our staff is here to answer any questions and make the most of your giving needs.

Staff Members

About 1

Burton U. Crenshaw, President

Phone: (334) 264-6223

Fax: (334) 263-6225
About 2

Clare Johnson, VP, Community Services

Fax: (334) 263-6225
About 3

Dana Hess, Financial Officer​

Fax: (334) 263-6225
About 4

Eleanor Lucas, Donor Services Manager​

Fax: (334) 263-6225

FAQs

What is a community foundation?

A community foundation is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in their community. It is a tax-exempt public charity that allows many individuals, through gifts and bequests, to establish permanent endowment funds under the umbrella of one large foundation. Money generated by these funds is distributed to the local community in the form of grants to other nonprofit organizations and agencies to address needs and opportunities.

CACF was founded in 1987 to provide simple, flexible, and effective ways for permanent endowment funds to be established and managed. The foundation works with donors to help achieve their personal, financial and philanthropic goals and to establish endowments for a variety of purposes. CACF is completely autonomous and all decisions are made locally.

CACF is one of the over 650 community foundations nationwide. CACF is a member of the Council on Foundations, an association that represents all types of charitable giving programs. Community Foundations are the fastest growing vehicle for giving in the United States.

Where does the foundation get its funds?

The foundation’s funds come from individuals and businesses who recognize the need for a permanent base of charitable capital to support nonprofit activities. Endowments are built by pooling contributions from many donors.

If I'm not a "Rockefeller," is the community foundation for me?

Community foundations offer a variety of options for making donations. By combining your resources with those of others who share your interests, you can maximize the impact of modest contributions with minimal costs. The Foundation also welcomes honorariums and memorial gifts.

Are gifts to the community foundation tax-deductible?

Yes. CACF is recognized as a 501(c)3 organization by the Internal Revenue Service.

How are the funds invested and administered?

A diversified investment portfolio is managed by Edward Jones, Jackson Thornton Asset Management, Merrill Lynch Private Wealth Management, and CapTrust. Investment guidelines emphasize the protection of the corpus with the generation of income. The investment committee seeks total return with minimum risk over the long term. Members review investment performance quarterly and the foundation’s staff oversees the distribution of income to more than 200 nonprofit entities located predominantly in central Alabama.

What does the foundation fund?

To date, more than $65 million has been given to nonprofit organizations and individuals. In addition, the Foundation administers scholarship funds that benefit students in Autauga, Coffee, Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lowndes, Montgomery and Pike Counties.

How do you apply for a grant?

The foundation uses an application portal, which can be accessed through the Grants section of our website.

How is the community foundation different from the United Way?

Both are important resources to the community. Both are necessary and compatible. Some have described the differences by suggesting the United Way is more like a community checkbook (raising and distributing money annually), while a community foundation is more like a savings account (distributing interest from long-term funds in perpetuity). An additional difference is the foundation’s broad scope of funding (including arts, religion and scholarships; not just health and human services) and its greater base of grantees.

Questions?

Contact: Burton U. Crenshaw
President
burton.crenshaw@cacfinfo.org
Phone: (334) 264-6223
Fax: (334) 253-6225


ABOUT ECCF

For 20 years, the Elmore County Community Foundation has distributed more than $2 Million in grants to nonprofit organizations in Elmore County. Each year ECCF awards $50,000 in college scholarships through its 25 different scholarship funds.

ECCF is an affiliate of the Central Alabama Community Foundation. Representatives from Elmore County serve on the CACF Board of Directors. Our staff is here to answer any questions and make the most of your giving needs.

Staff Members

About 1

Burton U. Crenshaw, President

Phone: (334) 264-6223

Fax: (334) 263-6225
About 2

Clare Johnson, VP, Community Services

Fax: (334) 263-6225
About 3

Dana Hess, Financial Officer​

Fax: (334) 263-6225
About 4

Eleanor Lucas, Donor Services Manager​

Fax: (334) 263-6225

FAQs

What is a community foundation?

A community foundation is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in their community. It is a tax-exempt public charity that allows many individuals, through gifts and bequests, to establish permanent endowment funds under the umbrella of one large foundation. Money generated by these funds is distributed to the local community in the form of grants to other nonprofit organizations and agencies to address needs and opportunities.

CACF was founded in 1987 to provide simple, flexible, and effective ways for permanent endowment funds to be established and managed. The foundation works with donors to help achieve their personal, financial and philanthropic goals and to establish endowments for a variety of purposes. CACF is completely autonomous and all decisions are made locally.

CACF is one of the over 650 community foundations nationwide. CACF is a member of the Council on Foundations, an association that represents all types of charitable giving programs. Community Foundations are the fastest growing vehicle for giving in the United States.

Where does the foundation get its funds?

The foundation’s funds come from individuals and businesses who recognize the need for a permanent base of charitable capital to support nonprofit activities. Endowments are built by pooling contributions from many donors.

If I'm not a "Rockefeller," is the community foundation for me?

Community foundations offer a variety of options for making donations. By combining your resources with those of others who share your interests, you can maximize the impact of modest contributions with minimal costs. The Foundation also welcomes honorariums and memorial gifts.

Are gifts to the community foundation tax-deductible?

Yes. CACF is recognized as a 501(c)3 organization by the Internal Revenue Service.

How are the funds invested and administered?

A diversified investment portfolio is managed by Edward Jones, Jackson Thornton Asset Management, Merrill Lynch Private Wealth Management, and CapTrust. Investment guidelines emphasize the protection of the corpus with the generation of income. The investment committee seeks total return with minimum risk over the long term. Members review investment performance quarterly and the foundation’s staff oversees the distribution of income to more than 200 nonprofit entities located predominantly in central Alabama.

What does the foundation fund?

To date, more than $65 million has been given to nonprofit organizations and individuals. In addition, the Foundation administers scholarship funds that benefit students in Autauga, Coffee, Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lowndes, Montgomery and Pike Counties.

How do you apply for a grant?

The foundation uses an application portal, which can be accessed through the Grants section of our website.

How is the community foundation different from the United Way?

Both are important resources to the community. Both are necessary and compatible. Some have described the differences by suggesting the United Way is more like a community checkbook (raising and distributing money annually), while a community foundation is more like a savings account (distributing interest from long-term funds in perpetuity). An additional difference is the foundation’s broad scope of funding (including arts, religion and scholarships; not just health and human services) and its greater base of grantees.

Questions?

Contact: Burton U. Crenshaw
President
burton.crenshaw@cacfinfo.org
Phone: (334) 264-6223
Fax: (334) 253-6225


ABOUT SACF

Established in 1995 by community leaders, South Alabama Community Foundation serves the five-county Wiregrass region of Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston counties. SACF became an affiliate of the Central Alabama Community Foundation in 2010. Through its 26 funds, SACF addresses a wide variety of concerns, supporting projects and programs in education, health, human services, cultural arts, recreation, historic preservation and other civic concerns. Each year, the Foundation distributes $30,000 in community trust grants and more than $15,000 in scholarships. SACF’s Advisory Board of area citizens oversees an annual grantmaking program that determines the best investment of these community dollars.

Click here to learn more about SACF.

Advisory Board Members

Stanley Davis

Fox Fleming

Josh Haisten

Chris Harper

David (Mit) Kirkland

Kelli McQueen

Hayley Northey

Mark O’Mary

Staff Members

About 1

Burton U. Crenshaw, President

Phone: (334) 264-6223

Fax: (334) 263-6225

FAQs

What is a community foundation?

A community foundation is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in their community. It is a tax-exempt public charity that allows many individuals, through gifts and bequests, to establish permanent endowment funds under the umbrella of one large foundation. Money generated by these funds is distributed to the local community in the form of grants to other nonprofit organizations and agencies to address needs and opportunities.

CACF was founded in 1987 to provide simple, flexible, and effective ways for permanent endowment funds to be established and managed. The foundation works with donors to help achieve their personal, financial and philanthropic goals and to establish endowments for a variety of purposes. CACF is completely autonomous and all decisions are made locally.

CACF is one of the over 650 community foundations nationwide. CACF is a member of the Council on Foundations, an association that represents all types of charitable giving programs. Community Foundations are the fastest growing vehicle for giving in the United States.

Where does the foundation get its funds?

The foundation’s funds come from individuals and businesses who recognize the need for a permanent base of charitable capital to support nonprofit activities. Endowments are built by pooling contributions from many donors.

If I'm not a "Rockefeller," is the community foundation for me?

Community foundations offer a variety of options for making donations. By combining your resources with those of others who share your interests, you can maximize the impact of modest contributions with minimal costs. The Foundation also welcomes honorariums and memorial gifts.

Are gifts to the community foundation tax-deductible?

Yes. CACF is recognized as a 501(c)3 organization by the Internal Revenue Service.

How are the funds invested and administered?

A diversified investment portfolio is managed by Edward Jones, Jackson Thornton Asset Management, Merrill Lynch Private Wealth Management, and CapTrust. Investment guidelines emphasize the protection of the corpus with the generation of income. The investment committee seeks total return with minimum risk over the long term. Members review investment performance quarterly and the foundation’s staff oversees the distribution of income to more than 200 nonprofit entities located predominantly in central Alabama.

What does the foundation fund?

To date, more than $65 million has been given to nonprofit organizations and individuals. In addition, the Foundation administers scholarship funds that benefit students in Autauga, Coffee, Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lowndes, Montgomery and Pike Counties.

How do you apply for a grant?

The foundation uses an application portal, which can be accessed through the Grants section of our website.

How is the community foundation different from the United Way?

Both are important resources to the community. Both are necessary and compatible. Some have described the differences by suggesting the United Way is more like a community checkbook (raising and distributing money annually), while a community foundation is more like a savings account (distributing interest from long-term funds in perpetuity). An additional difference is the foundation’s broad scope of funding (including arts, religion and scholarships; not just health and human services) and its greater base of grantees.

Questions?

Contact: Burton U. Crenshaw
President
burton.crenshaw@cacfinfo.org
Phone: (334) 264-6223
Fax: (334) 253-6225