Cooper Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $294,500
• Success Rate: Not available (no public application process)
• Decision Time: Not applicable (trustee discretion)
• Grant Range: $2,000 - $100,000
• Geographic Focus: Birmingham, Alabama area

Contact Details

• Phone: 205-541-4334
• Address: PO Box 131387, Birmingham, AL 35213-6387
• Physical Address: 2017 6th Avenue N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Website: None (private foundation without public website)
• Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The Cooper Family Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2019 with approximately $8.6-9 million in assets. The foundation focuses specifically on supporting vulnerable populations by providing grants to organizations that help addicts, ex-inmates, and the homeless. Operating primarily in the Birmingham, Alabama area, the foundation distributes approximately $295,000 annually through 20-24 grants per year. As a private family foundation, they operate without a public application process, making grant decisions through trustee discretion and existing relationships. Their median grant size is around $5,000, though they have made grants as large as $100,000 to aligned organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs but makes discretionary grants ranging from $2,000 to $100,000, with typical grants around $5,000.

Priority Areas

• Organizations helping people struggling with addiction
• Programs supporting ex-inmates and reentry services
• Services for homeless populations
• Faith-based organizations addressing social needs
• Summer camp scholarships for underserved youth
• Health research organizations (particularly breast cancer research)

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not published, but based on their giving pattern, they appear to focus exclusively on direct service organizations in the Birmingham area.

Governance and Leadership

Carlton Cooper - Associated with foundation leadership, holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees from The University of Alabama and is based in the Greater Birmingham area.

Complete board composition is not publicly available but would be detailed in their Form 990-PF filings accessible through ProPublica or GuideStar.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the foundation's trustees based on their knowledge of organizations and causes aligned with their mission.

Getting on Their Radar

Organizations interested in support from the Cooper Family Foundation should:

• Contact the foundation directly at 205-541-4334 to inquire about potential funding opportunities
• Focus on demonstrating clear alignment with their mission of helping addicts, ex-inmates, and homeless populations
• Consider seeking an introduction through board members or current grantees
• Note that the foundation has shown support for faith-based organizations, particularly those affiliated with the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made on a discretionary basis throughout the year.

Success Rates

Not available as the foundation does not accept public applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable due to the invitation-only nature of their grant-making.

Application Success Factors

Based on analysis of recent grants, successful recipients typically:

• Operate direct service programs for vulnerable populations in Birmingham
• Have established track records in addiction recovery, prisoner reentry, or homelessness services
• Demonstrate measurable community impact
• Include both secular and faith-based approaches to social issues
• Request modest amounts aligned with the foundation's typical $5,000 median grant size
• Exception: Larger grants ($100,000) have been made to organizations with strong alignment and likely personal connections

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Cooper Family Foundation is a private foundation without a public application process - relationship building is essential
• Focus exclusively on programs serving addicts, ex-inmates, and homeless populations to align with their stated mission
• Typical grants are around $5,000, so tailor requests appropriately unless you have exceptional alignment
• The foundation supports both faith-based and secular organizations addressing social needs
• Direct phone contact (205-541-4334) may be the best initial approach to gauge interest
• Consider seeking introductions through current grantees or Birmingham nonprofit networks
• Review their Form 990-PF filings for complete lists of recent grantees to understand funding patterns

References

• Cause IQ Foundation Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/cooper-family-foundation,384098203/ (Accessed March 2024)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Cooper Family Foundation: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/384098203 (Accessed March 2024)
• Instrumentl 990 Report: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/cooper-family-foundation-5f5b665c-3556-44c1-a5ab-d3d00b22cbe9 (Accessed March 2024)
• GrantExec Foundation Directory: https://grantexec.com/foundations/384098203 (Accessed March 2024)
• GuideStar Profile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/38-4098203 (Accessed March 2024)
• Candid Foundation Directory: https://app.candid.org/profile/9801238/cooper-family-foundation-38-4098203 (Accessed March 2024)