The Foundation Associates group of the Community Foundation of West Alabama was organized to encourage philanthropy in general throughout West Alabama and to support the Community Foundation in particular.  The Foundation Associates group will include individuals and couples in their twenties, thirties and forties who are interested in improving the quality of life in our community.  Those joining the Foundation Associates will give annually to the Community Foundation of West Alabama and will have the opportunity to attend social and service events with fellow members of the group.  Donations from members will be used for grants to organizations and projects of the Foundation Associates’ choice and for meeting needs of the Foundation.  Giving grants through the support group will benefit local non-profits, but should also be beneficial in helping members of the group become more aware of local non-profit groups and better understand the most critical needs in our community.  The Community Foundation of West Alabama hopes that this group will help extend the Foundation’s mission of connecting the generosity of the citizens of West Alabama with the most critical needs in the area.

The Community Foundation of West Alabama hosted the kickoff event of the Foundation Associates group at Harrison Galleries in downtown Tuscaloosa on January 12, 2006.  The event was attended by Community Foundation of West Alabama board members, individuals interested in learning more about the Community Foundation, and guests from nearby Walker Area Community Foundation. Walker Area Community Foundation established their Foundation Associates group in 2001.