The Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville (CFGH) has reached an impressive goal in distributing $100 million in grants since its founding in 2008.

According to the organization, more than 78% of grant funds awarded went to recipients in Huntsville and North Alabama. Over 2,000 nonprofits have received funding from the CFGH during the past 18 years.

Melissa Thompson, CEO & president of the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, said the milestone highlights the overall effect of purposeful donor investment.

“This milestone tells a powerful story about what is possible when generosity is focused and strategic. Every dollar granted from our donors reflects a shared belief in our community’s bright future,” Thompson said.

Reflecting on the foundation’s growth and mark on North Alabama, Thompson pointed to the role of intentional giving in strengthening the area.

“At the Community Foundation, we believe that generosity has the power to change lives, change communities, and even change the future. That’s why our mission is to support donors in mobilizing generosity to improve the quality of life in our community,” she said.

Lynn Troy, the foundation’s board chair, spoke about how the organization has brought Huntsville and the surrounding area together to create a lasting impact on the community.

“This work doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because for the past 17 years, extraordinary community leaders have served on our board of directors, helping guide the foundation to new strategic heights,” Troy said.

Troy thanked the community leaders who have given their time to support the foundation’s mission through volunteer service, advocacy, and leadership.

“I also want to recognize our nonprofit partners who translate donor generosity into real change on the ground, whether strengthening families, expanding education opportunities and healthcare resources, supporting the arts, protecting our natural resources, advancing innovation, and caring for our most vulnerable,” Troy said.

Sarah Savage-Jones, the CEO of Huntsville Hospital Foundation, noted her organization’s strong relationship with the CFGH.

“Huntsville Hospital Foundation is incredibly proud to be part of the Community Foundation’s story and the fabric of this community,” Savage-Jones said.

Savage-Jones shared that, thanks to the CFGH and its generous donors, the Huntsville Hospital Foundation has peace of mind, knowing it can provide its patients with the resources and help they need.

“Like all of our fellow nonprofits, our ability to meet our community needs depends on philanthropy. In our case, this giving heals, comforts, and supports, ensuring our patients have access to the tools and the technology and programs right here in our community,” she stated.

Savage-Jones also echoed Troy’s comments on the teamwork mindset that has defined Huntsville and the surrounding area throughout the years.

“We talk about the secret sauce that makes Huntsville and Madison County different. While we have many elements that set us apart (our public school systems, economic development opportunities, and robust arts and nonprofit communities), I argue that the one thing that sets us apart is our spirit of servant leadership and collaboration that permeates every aspect of this community,” she said.

Looking to the future, Thompson emphasized the foundation’s long-term commitment to serving the region and investing in future generations.

“Our commitment to you is to continue that service many, many years ahead to plant trees under whose shade we may never sit, but to know that together we are building a stronger community,” Thompson said.