Hugh Kaul Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,044,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly specified
• Grant Range: $4,000 - $750,000
• Geographic Focus: Greater Birmingham metro area, Clay and Coosa Counties, AL

Contact Details

Address: P.O. Box 11647, Birmingham, AL 35202-1647
Phone: (205) 820-3141
Website: Not available
Email: Not publicly listed

Overview

The Hugh Kaul Foundation was established in 1989 when Hugh Kaul, president of Kaul Lumber Company and a four-term state representative, placed a large portion of his timber assets into the foundation. Upon his death in 1991, the bulk of his estate also went to the foundation. Today, with assets of approximately $50 million, the foundation has awarded hundreds of millions of dollars in grants to organizations across Alabama since its inception. The foundation supports cultural, educational, and civic endeavors primarily in the Birmingham metropolitan area, as well as Coosa and Clay counties.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• General Operating Support: $4,000 - $750,000
• Annual grant distribution of approximately $2,044,000 through 58-68 grants per year
• Median grant size: $15,000
• Average grant size: $42,862

Priority Areas

• Arts and Culture
• Education
• Children and Youth Services
• Family Services
• Community and Economic Development
• Health Services
• Human Services
• Environment
• Philanthropy and Voluntarism

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations outside the greater Birmingham metropolitan area, Clay County, or Coosa County, Alabama
• Organizations that are not registered 501(c)(3) charities

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by a board of trustees who oversee grant distributions and strategic direction. Leadership includes individuals with deep ties to the Birmingham community and the Kaul family legacy.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation operates as a private foundation that does not accept unsolicited grant applications. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees based on their knowledge of community needs and pre-existing relationships with organizations.

Getting on Their Radar

Since the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, organizations seeking support should focus on:

• Building visibility for their work within the Birmingham philanthropic community
• Developing relationships with other funders and civic leaders who may have connections to the foundation's trustees
• Ensuring strong organizational reputation and demonstrated impact in the greater Birmingham area

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified - decisions are made at trustee discretion

Success Rates

Application numbers and success rates are not publicly available as the foundation does not accept open applications

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable due to invitation-only grant process

Application Success Factors

Organizations that have received funding from the Hugh Kaul Foundation share several characteristics:

• Strong track record of service to the Birmingham community
• Established reputation and organizational stability
• Clear alignment with the foundation's focus on arts, education, and community development
• Demonstrated impact in serving Birmingham area residents
• Many recipients receive consistent annual support, suggesting the foundation values long-term partnerships

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Hugh Kaul Foundation is a major funder in Birmingham but does not accept unsolicited applications
• Focus on building organizational visibility and reputation within Birmingham's philanthropic community
• The foundation provides substantial operating support to established Birmingham institutions
• Grant sizes vary widely from $4,000 to $750,000, with a median of $15,000
• Geographic restrictions are strictly enforced - organizations must serve the greater Birmingham area, Clay County, or Coosa County
• The foundation has supported many of Birmingham's major cultural and educational institutions consistently over time
• Building relationships within Birmingham's philanthropic network is essential for potential consideration

References

• Instrumentl. "The Hugh Kaul Foundation | Birmingham, AL | 990 Report." Accessed February 2024. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/hugh-kaul-foundation
• Cause IQ. "The Hugh Kaul Foundation | Birmingham, AL." Accessed February 2024. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/hugh-kaul-foundation-tr-09-12-89-25-6733-00-7,636158725/
• Bhamwiki. "Hugh Kaul." Accessed February 2024. https://www.bhamwiki.com/w/Hugh_Kaul
• ProPublica. "Hugh Kaul Foundation Tr 09 12 89 25 6733 00 7 - Nonprofit Explorer." Accessed February 2024. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/636158725
• Foundation Directory (Candid). "The Hugh Kaul Foundation | Foundation Directory." Accessed February 2024. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=KAUL003
• GrantStation. "The Hugh Kaul Foundation." Accessed February 2024. https://grantstation.com/grantmakers/hugh-kaul-foundation