Southern Imagination Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Southern Imagination Foundation is a private foundation in Birmingham, Alabama. In tax year 2025 it gave $62,750 in 15 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $20,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$62,750
- Number of grants15
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$20,000
- Assets$401,269
- New grantees53%
Giving in 2025 was down from $68,667 the year before.
53% of its 2025 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 | $79,667 | 14 | $449,969 |
| 2024 | $68,667 | 11 | $424,291 |
| 2025 | $62,750 | 15 | $401,269 |
How to apply
Southern Imagination 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 Southern Imagination Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Alabama.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 10 | $40,250 |
| South Carolina | 2 | $15,000 |
| North Carolina | 2 | $7,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Air Family | To promote charitable cause | $20,000 |
| United Way | To promote charitable cause | $15,000 |
| Rock N Roll Rescue | To promote charitable cause | $12,500 |
| Samaritan's Purse | To promote charitable cause | $6,000 |
| Ohm Radio | To promote charitable cause | $2,500 |
| Community Foodbank of Central Alabama | To promote charitable cause | $1,500 |
| Woodlawn United | To promote charitable cause | $1,000 |
| Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry | To promote charitable cause | $1,000 |
| Christ Health Center | To promote charitable cause | $1,000 |
| First Priority | To promote charitable cause | $550 |
| Birmingham Zoo | To promote charitable cause | $500 |
| Medicine for All People | To promote charitable cause | $500 |
| Salvation Army | To promote charitable cause | $450 |
| The Foundry Ministries | To promote charitable cause | $200 |
| Family Promise | To promote charitable cause | $50 |
Officers and trustees
- Elna Brendel
- Richard Brendel
- Russell Brendel
Questions people ask
Does Southern Imagination Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Southern Imagination Foundation give?
$62,750 in tax year 2025, across 15 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs Southern Imagination Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Elna Brendel (President), Richard Brendel (Vice President) and Russell Brendel (Secretary).
What does Southern Imagination Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly human services, health and faith communities.