Jefferson, Shelby counties rank high on U.S. charitable giving list

Birmingham Skyline from Children’s of Alabama. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Jefferson and Shelby counties lead the U.S. when it comes down to charitable giving, according to a report by Harmony and Healing, a group that brings live music to patients and caregivers.

Jefferson and Shelby counties lead charitable giving

Based on charitable contributions per tax return in counties where at least 50,000 IRS tax returns were filed in 2021, Jefferson County ranked 28th, while Shelby County placed 34th.

The two counties beat out communities in and around Washington DC, Salt Lake City and Midland, Texas. 

Almost tied with Alabama’s largest county in the national ranking were Austin, Texas and  Boulder, Colorado. 

Community charitable giving is increasing

Giving is increasing in our community, according to the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, which serves not only Jefferson and Shelby counties but also residents  Blount, St. Clair and Walker counties,

“This year we’ve been celebrating the Community Foundation’s 65th anniversary, and our history of positive impact wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of the community. 

We see that culture of giving every day — this year we’ve received a record-breaking number of gifts totaling around $70 million. But it goes beyond dollars and cents — donors want to actively support organizations they trust, that address the root causes of issues and seek effective solutions.” 

Christopher Nanni, CEO and President, Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham 

Want to learn how you can charitably support our local community? Contact the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham today!

By HarmonyandHealing.org

Pat Byington

Longtime conservationist. Former Executive Director at the Alabama Environmental Council and Wild South. Publisher of the Bama Environmental News for more than 18 years. Career highlights include playing an active role in the creation of Alabama's Forever Wild program, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, preservation of special places throughout the East through the Wilderness Society and the strengthening (making more stringent) the state of Alabama's cancer risk and mercury standards.