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Altec-Styslinger Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$9.0M
Grant Range
$10K - $25.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $9,043,468 (2024)
  • Total Assets: $142.9 million (2024)
  • Number of Grants: 204 grants (2023)
  • Average Grant: $39,738
  • Grant Range: Variable - from small grants to major gifts of $10 million+
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Alabama, with a strong focus on Birmingham

Contact Details

Address: 210 Inverness Center Drive, Birmingham, AL 35242
Phone: 205-991-7733
EIN: 72-1372302

Note: The foundation does not have a public website or email for grant inquiries. Contact by phone for any questions.

Overview

The Altec/Styslinger Foundation is the corporate foundation of Altec Industries, a Birmingham-based manufacturer of products for the utility, telecommunications, and tree-care industries. Established in August 1998 by Lee J. Styslinger Jr. and his wife Catherine, the foundation has grown to become one of Alabama's most significant philanthropic organizations with assets of nearly $143 million. The foundation focuses on education and workforce development in the communities served by Altec, with particular emphasis on universities and projects in Alabama. In recent years, the foundation has made transformational gifts including $25 million to name the University of Alabama's College of Engineering, $10 million for UAB's Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building, and $1 million to the Birmingham Promise tuition assistance program.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

Education: The foundation's primary focus, with the bulk of giving directed toward universities and educational institutions in Alabama. Recent major gifts include:

  • University of Alabama College of Engineering ($25 million naming gift)
  • UAB Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building ($10 million)
  • UAB School of Medicine endowed chair
  • Birmingham Promise tuition assistance ($1 million)
  • Altec Innovation Challenge for STEM students ($10,000 annual prize)

Healthcare: Significant support for medical research and treatment, particularly through UAB and other Alabama medical institutions.

Religious Ministries: Active support for religious organizations and faith-based initiatives.

Youth Services: Programs supporting children and youth development, with emphasis on STEM education and workforce development.

Arts and Culture: Support for museums and cultural institutions in Alabama.

Geographic Focus

The bulk of the foundation's giving supports universities and other projects in Alabama, particularly in the Birmingham area, though the foundation does fund projects in other states where Altec operates.

What They Don't Fund

The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

Governance and Leadership

Lee J. Styslinger Jr. - Chairman and Founder/Donor (former President and CEO of Altec Industries)

Lee J. Styslinger III - President and CEO of the foundation; also Chairman and CEO of Altec Industries. He and his wife Catherine established the foundation in 1997. Styslinger has emphasized the company's commitment to "Spiritual Development" as a core value and has stated: "Altec will continue to identify opportunities through our corporate giving, local and national leadership initiatives and the support our Foundation can provide to create a positive and lasting impact within all the communities we serve."

Board Members:

  • Jon Styslinger - Director
  • Mark Styslinger - Director
  • Allen W. Ritchie - Secretary

Foundation Staff:

  • Claudia Styslinger Dikeou - Foundation Program Manager
  • Sarah Styslinger - Foundation Program Manager

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process.

The foundation has explicitly stated that it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds." Grants are awarded through trustee discretion based on the foundation's strategic priorities and existing relationships with organizations.

The foundation's giving is proactive, with leadership identifying organizations and projects that align with their mission of supporting education and workforce development in communities served by Altec Industries.

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation primarily supports organizations in Alabama, particularly those connected to:

  • Education institutions where Altec has strong ties (University of Alabama, UAB, Birmingham-area schools)
  • Birmingham community initiatives related to workforce development
  • Healthcare organizations in Alabama serving the communities where Altec operates

While the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, they maintain contact information (205-991-7733) and some sources suggest applicants may reach out directly for application instructions, though this appears to be for organizations already in discussion with the foundation rather than cold inquiries.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available due to the foundation's discretionary grantmaking approach. Major gifts appear to be planned over extended periods in collaboration with recipient organizations.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation selects grantees proactively rather than through a competitive application process.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable given the invitation-only nature of grantmaking.

Application Success Factors

Since the Altec/Styslinger Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, the following factors appear to be important for organizations that do receive funding:

Alignment with Family Values: The Styslinger family has emphasized "Spiritual Development" as a core value of Altec Industries, and the foundation supports religious ministries alongside secular causes. Faith-based organizations and institutions that share these values appear to be favored.

Alabama Connections: The foundation was established "focusing on education and workforce development in the communities served by Altec." Organizations with strong roots in Alabama, particularly Birmingham, have received the largest grants.

Educational Excellence and Impact: The foundation's transformational gifts have gone to major educational institutions (University of Alabama, UAB) that demonstrate significant impact on Alabama's workforce and economic development.

Long-term Relationships: The foundation's approach to Dr. C. Glenn Cobbs' endowed chair at UAB demonstrates that personal relationships matter. Lee Styslinger Jr. said of Cobbs: "He is one of the smartest, most conscientious people I've ever known," highlighting how personal knowledge of leaders and programs influences funding decisions.

STEM and Workforce Development: The Altec Innovation Challenge and support for engineering and genomic medicine demonstrate a clear priority for science, technology, and workforce preparation.

Transformational Potential: Recent major gifts ($25 million to UA, $10 million to UAB) suggest the foundation is interested in making significant, naming-level commitments that create lasting impact rather than spreading resources thinly.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process: This foundation selects grantees proactively. Unsolicited proposals are not accepted.
  • Alabama-focused: The overwhelming majority of funding goes to Alabama institutions, particularly in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa.
  • Relationship-driven: Major gifts reflect long-term relationships with institutions and individuals the Styslinger family knows and trusts.
  • Education is paramount: Universities and educational institutions receive the largest grants, with particular emphasis on engineering, medicine, and workforce development.
  • Think transformational: Recent giving patterns show a preference for major, catalytic gifts that create naming opportunities and lasting impact rather than smaller operational grants.
  • Family foundation with corporate ties: Understanding Altec Industries' values and geographic footprint is essential - the foundation serves communities where Altec operates.
  • Religious values matter: Faith-based organizations and religious ministries are explicitly supported alongside secular causes, reflecting the family's stated commitment to spiritual development.

References

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