Better Place Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Better Place Foundation is a private foundation in Birmingham, Alabama. In tax year 2024 it gave $883,300 in 52 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $70,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$883,300
- Number of grants52
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$70,000
- Assets$14.7 million
- New grantees42%
Giving in 2024 was up from $863,255 the year before.
42% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $863,255 | 47 | $14.3 million |
| 2024 | $883,300 | 52 | $14.7 million |
How to apply
Better Place Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Better Place Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 16 states, the most to Alabama. It also paid $1,000 in 1 grant to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 25 | $623,600 |
| Tennessee | 3 | $94,000 |
| Mississippi | 3 | $42,600 |
| New York | 3 | $35,000 |
| California | 3 | $20,100 |
| Georgia | 4 | $16,400 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $10,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $10,000 |
| Indiana | 1 | $10,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alaquest Collaborative for Education | Educational assistance | $70,000 |
| Gideons Army Grassroots Army for Children | Social assistance | $64,000 |
| Cahaba River Society | Environmental | $62,500 |
| Youth Towers Inc | Social assistance | $50,000 |
| Empower Schools of Alabama | Educational | $50,000 |
| McRae Learning Center Inc | Educational | $45,000 |
| Spring Valley School Foundation | Educational | $40,000 |
| Embrace Alabama Kids | Community support | $35,000 |
| McWane Science Center | Educational | $32,500 |
| Oasis Counseling Center for Women & Children | Health & social services | $30,000 |
| H3W Inc | Environmental and community support | $30,000 |
| Hearts of Wheels | Social assistance | $25,000 |
| Showing Up for Racial Justice Education Fund | Social justice | $25,000 |
| Highlander Research & Education Center | Educational | $22,500 |
| YMCA Junius Ward Johnson Memorial | Community support | $22,500 |
| Alabama Oncology Foundation | Medical research | $20,100 |
| Ecumenical Ministries Inc | Social assistance | $20,000 |
| Ekvnv Yefolecvlke | Social/environmental | $20,000 |
| Under His Wings Inc | Social assistance | $20,000 |
| Youth Serve Inc | Social assistance | $20,000 |
| Vicksburg Catholic School | Educational | $20,000 |
| Bessemer Redevelopment Corp | Community support and development | $17,500 |
| Indianapolis Monumental Marathon | Community support | $10,000 |
| The Center for Executive Leadership | Community support and education | $10,000 |
| Transgender Advocates Knowledge Empowering | Social justice | $10,000 |
| Central Brevard Humane Society Inc | Health and community support | $10,000 |
| Edge Youth Leadership | Community support | $10,000 |
| Haitian Bridge Alliance | Social justice | $10,000 |
| Holcomb Ministries | Health and community support | $7,500 |
| Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition | Health support | $7,500 |
| Berkshire Hills Music Academy Inc | Community support | $5,000 |
| City Parks Foundation Inc | Community support | $5,000 |
| Citylax Inc | Community support | $5,000 |
| FPC Action Foundation | Social justice | $5,000 |
| Maranathan Family Learning Center and Academy | Educational | $5,000 |
| Southern Environmental Law Center | Social justice | $5,000 |
| Springmont School Inc | Educational | $5,000 |
| Purpose Built Communities | Community support | $4,400 |
| Lifeline Animal Project Inc | Health and community support | $4,000 |
| The Tender Foundation | Social assistance | $3,000 |
Officers and trustees
- William T Ratliff III
- Carl A Lessman
Questions people ask
Does Better Place Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Better Place Foundation give?
$883,300 in tax year 2024, across 52 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Better Place Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists William T Ratliff III (Pres/Treas/Director) and Carl A Lessman (Director).
What does Better Place Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and environment and conservation.