The Comer Foundation
Accepts applications
The Comer Foundation is a private foundation in Birmingham, Alabama. In tax year 2025 it gave $976,214 in 37 grants; the typical grant was $7,000 and the largest $228,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$976,214
- Number of grants37
- Typical grant$7,000
- Largest grant$228,000
- Assets$23.4 million
- New grantees33%
Giving in 2025 was up from $614,810 the year before.
33% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $664,079 | 27 | $19.6 million |
| 2024 | $614,810 | 27 | $22.1 million |
| 2025 | $976,214 | 37 | $23.4 million |
How to apply
| Contact | CO 1919 Investment Counsel 2311 Highland Ave South Ste 190, Birmingham, AL 35209 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (205) 414-3350 |
| What to submit | Letter of information and request. |
What The Comer Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Alabama.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 34 | $908,374 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $61,840 |
| Illinois | 1 | $5,000 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Auburn University | To support organization and provide scholarships | $228,000 |
| University of Alabama | To support organization and provide scholarships | $155,000 |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | To support organization and provide scholarships | $147,000 |
| Individual | To support organization and provide scholarships | $61,840 |
| Wallace State Community College | To support organization | $43,874 |
| Alabama Ballet | To support organization | $37,500 |
| Birmingham Musuem of Art | To support organization | $37,500 |
| Alabama Archives & History | To support organization | $35,000 |
| Alabama Symphony | To support organization | $29,500 |
| BB Comer Memorial Library | To support organization | $26,000 |
| Better Basics | To support organization | $20,000 |
| Sidewalk Film Center | To support organization | $15,000 |
| Stair | To support organization | $15,000 |
| I3 Academy | To support the organization | $12,000 |
| Alabama Public Television | To support organization | $10,000 |
| Cahaba Foundation | To support organization | $10,000 |
| Maranatha FLC and Academy | To support organization | $10,000 |
| Alabama Wildlife Federation | To support organization | $7,500 |
| First Light | To support organization | $7,000 |
| Birmingham Zoo | To support organization | $5,000 |
| Boy Scouts of America | To support organization | $5,000 |
| Exceptional Foundation | To support the organization | $5,000 |
| Jones Valley Teaching Farm | To support organization | $5,000 |
| Preschool Partners | To support organization | $5,000 |
| Red Mountain Theatre | To support organization | $5,000 |
| Ronald McDonald House Charities | To support organization | $5,000 |
| Special Equestrians Inc | To support organization | $5,000 |
| Teach For America | To support organization | $5,000 |
| Vulcan Park Foundation | To support organization | $5,000 |
| Portraits for Hope | To support organization | $4,500 |
| City of Mountain Brook | To support community | $3,500 |
| Bluff City Arts Alliance | To support organization | $2,500 |
| Breakthrough Birmingham | To support organization | $2,500 |
| Mountain Brook City Schools | To support organization | $2,500 |
| American Chestnut Society | To support organization | $1,000 |
| Cahaba River Society | To support organization | $1,000 |
| Girlspring | To support organization | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Mike Goodrich
- Braxton Comer
- Jim Simon
- Frank Crockard
- Annie Craig
Questions people ask
Does The Comer Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does The Comer Foundation give?
$976,214 in tax year 2025, across 37 grants, with a typical grant of $7,000.
Who runs The Comer Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Mike Goodrich (Treasurer), Braxton Comer (Chairman), Jim Simon (Trustee) and Frank Crockard (Secretary) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Comer Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and environment and conservation.