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· Private foundation

Cooper Family Foundation

Its FY2024 filing reports that it accepted unsolicited grant applications.

$682k
Granted FY2024still arriving
34
Grants FY2024still arriving
8
States reached
$150k
Largest
01What it funds
01100% classified

What it funded, over time

Every grant placed by its stated purpose and the recipient’s mission, by year, FY2019 to 2024.

Religion$711kHealth$209kRecreation & Sports$155kEducation$86kHuman Services$85kEnvironment$77kPublic Safety & Disaster$60kInternational$40kOther$0
02FY2024 · 34 grants

Where the money goes

Grants by size, and the largest recipients.

By grant size · FY2024

  • Under $10k15 grants · $69k
  • $10k–50k13 grants · $205k
  • $50k–250k6 grants · $408k
$10,000
Median grant
8
States reached
$13M
Total assets
Largest grants
RecipientAmount
CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE ADVENT$150,000
RENEW BIRMINGHAM$57,500
MOUNTAIN BROOK FIRST RESPONDERS FOUNDATION$50,000
CRIMSON TIDE FOUNDATION$50,000
ROOTED MINISTRIES$50,000
BAPTIST HEALTH FOUNDATION$50,000
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA$25,000
QUARTERBACKING CHILDREN'S HEALTH FOUNDATION$25,000
UAB O'NEAL COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER$25,000
TRIUMPH OF HOPE$20,000
Individual grant recipient$20,000
ALZHEIMERS OF CENTRAL ALABAMA INC$15,000
MOUNTAIN BROOK CITY SCHOOLS FOUNDATION$15,000
DIRECT RELIEF$10,000
Individual grant recipient$10,000
02The need
03

Does the money reach high-need areas?

Each grant placed by the hardship in its grantee’s ZIP, against the area’s typical level.

show:

Its human-services grants (FY19–24, $150k) land where the poverty rate runs at 16%, against an area that typically sits at 10%. 93% of those dollars go to grantees based in above-average-need neighborhoods. Most of its grants land in higher-need ZIPs.

area typical 10%THORN: $5k → 14%KINGS HOME: $10k → 7%THE FOUNDRY MINISTRIES: $4k → 16%RENEW BIRMINGHAM: $58k → 16%UNLESS U: $8k → 16%UNLESS U: $5k → 16%UNLESS U: $5k → 16%UNLESS U: $4k → 16%MOUNTAIN BROOK FIRST RESPONDERS FOUNDATION: $50k → 16%RESTORE MINISTRIES OF BIRMINGHAM INC: $3k → 16%0%20%40%50%more need →
grant to an above-average-need area below average· circle size = grant amount
How this is measured
Matched: human-services grants are those whose grantee’s IRS cause code is Human Services. Placed by people below the poverty line in the grantee’s ZIP, averaged from the tracts in that ZIP.

Which US states its grants reach

WA
WI
MI
NY
NJ
CA
VA
NC
DC
HI
AL
GA
TX
FL
How this is measured
US grants placed by each grantee’s ZIP, which can differ from where services are delivered. Need from public data (U.S. Census/ACS, CDC PLACES, Eviction Lab, USDA), shown as context about the area, never attributed to the funder’s giving.
03Its grantees
repeat funding

Who it funds again

Organizations funded in more than one year, against those funded once.

60%of every dollar goes to organizations it has funded before.
$880k · 17 repeat orgs$585k to everyone else

Grantees it renews have grown median revenue +17% since the first grant, against +8% for those funded once.

17 repeat relationships: 14 still active in FY2024, 3 since wound down; 20 grantees were first funded in FY2024 (too recent to call).

How the two cohorts compare

Re-uppedFunded once

Organizations

17
34

Total granted

$880k
$209k

Median revenue growth · since first grant

+17%
+8%

Still filing today

47%
56%

New vs renewed · share of each year

In FY2024, 45% of grant dollars renewed an existing relationship; $377k went to new ones.

50%100%’19’20’21’22’23’24
RenewedFirst-time

Where new relationships form · theme of each grantee’s first grant

’19’20’21’22’23’24
Human ServicesHealthReligionEducationEnvironmentInternationalOther
How this is measured
First-time means a grantee’s first year in the filing window; renewed means funded in an earlier year too. The renewed share climbs naturally as a portfolio matures, so the signal is a year that bucks it (a wave of new grantees). The earliest year is left-censored: relationships that predate the data read as new. Theme is the grantee’s IRS cause.

Backed again, and grew

  • RM
    ROOTED MINISTRIES INC
    5× · 2020–2024 · $250k · revenue +339%
  • LM
    LEGACY MINISTRIES
    3× · 2019–2024 · $23k · revenue +4%
  • UU
    UNLESS U INC
    4× · 2021–2024 · $22k · revenue +83%

Funded once

  • AE
    ADVENT EPISCOPAL CHURCH
    one grant, 2022 · $60k
  • CU
    CALVIN UNIVERSITY
    one grant, 2021 · $20k · revenue +16%
  • AR
    AMERICAN RED CROSS - MIDWEST TORNADOS
    one grant, 2021 · $10k
How this is measured

Repeat means funded in two or more distinct years. Growth and survival are read from each grantee’s own subsequent IRS filings.

04Its field

Closest unfunded matches

The nonprofits that most resemble its grantees but are not funded by it, scored along the direction from the rest of the field toward the portfolio. A resemblance in what they say they do, not a recommendation.

1
Christianity Today International

Christianity Today is a global community inspired by evangelical conviction to advance the stories and ideas of the kingdom of God. Our mission is to elevate the storytellers and sages of the global church.

Religion
2
Walk Thru the Bible Ministries Inc

Walk thru the bible (wtb) ignites passion for god's word. by developing a global network of influential pastors and leaders and then resourcing them with tools and training, wtb fulfills its role in the great commission.

Religion
3
Methodist Foundation of Mississippi Inc

The foundation exists to cultivate and administer current and deferred gifts for the benefit of ms united methodist related institutions, agencies, local churches, and other ministries for charitable purposes and support and to educate…

Religion
4
Arbor Research Collaborative for Health

Arbor research collaborative for health is committed to improving patient care through research that shapes medical policies and practice. in particular, arbor research conducts health outcomes research on chronic disease and end-stage…

Health
5
Kingdom Advisors Inc

Kingdom advisors is a discipleship ministry serving christian financial professionals. the organization encourages, educates, and empowers christian financial professionals with biblical wisdom to be effective disciples of jesus christ in…

Religion
6
The Water Research Foundation

The purpose of the water research foundation (wrf) is a definitive research organization to advance the science of all things water to better meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. to engage exclusively in…

Environment
7
Dallas International University

As a christian university, we provide education and research opportunities preparing global leaders to partner with local communities.

Education
8
Food & Water Watch

Food & water watch conducts extensive research and public education to ensure the food and water we consume is safe, accessible and sustainably produced. so we can all enjoy and trust in what we eat and drink, we help people take charge of…

Food & Nutrition
9
Baptist Medical Dental Fellowship

Enhancing and changing lives through fellowship and healthcare missions throughout the world.

Education
10
Lifewater Inc

Lifewater international is a non-profit christian water development organization dedicated to effectively serving vulnerable children and families by partnering with underserved communities to overcome water poverty.

Environment
11
The Wellspring Group

Wellspring provides a discipleship model for individuals and churches to engage as a part of their overall spiritual development. this is done through retreat and small group experiences and through equipping churches and organizations to…

Religion
12
Global Media Outreach

Leveraging technology to invite all people to know jesus christ as savior and grow in a personal relationship with him.

Religion
How this is measured
The grantee most central to the portfolio’s shape is March of Dimes Inc; the most unlike its peers is Mission to the World. Resemblance is measured on each organization’s own IRS 990 mission text; it reflects how work is described, not its quality or impact.
04the grantee network

47 grantees tracked through their own filings, 2017–2025.

Each grant beside the grantee’s revenue from every source, year by year.

How this is measured

Counted here: distinct organizations funded across 2017 to 2025, not grant rows in a single year, so this will not match the grant count on the cover. 47 of the 72 grantees resolved in that span have returns of their own we could reconcile.

Each grantee is resolved to its own IRS returns. Association, dated; never a causal claim.

0
Load-bearing (≥25% of a budget)
4
Early backer (in before they grew)
46/47
Grantees still filing
23/47
Grew since first funded

Where the money sits, by cause and then by grantee

CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE ADVENT: $300,000 · OtherCATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE ADVENTIndividual grant recipient: $95,000 · OtherIndividual grant recipientADVENT EPISCOPAL CHURCH: $60,000 · OtherADVENT EPISCOPAL CHURCHCRIMSON TIDE FOUNDATION: $50,000 · OtherCRIMSON TIDE FOUNDATIONUNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA: $50,000 · OtherUNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA+37 more: $281,000 · Other+37 moreROOTED MINISTRIES INC: $250,000 · Youth DevelopmentROOTED MINISTRIES I…+1 more: $2,500 · Youth DevelopmentRENEW BIRMINGHAM: $57,500 · Human ServicesRENEW BIRMI…MOUNTAIN BROOK FIRST RESPONDER FDN: $50,000 · Human ServicesMOUNTAIN BR…UNLESS U INC: $21,500 · Human ServicesUNLESS U IN…Kings Home Inc: $10,000 · Human ServicesKings Home …+4 more: $16,000 · Human Services+4 moreBAPTIST HEALTH FOUNDATION INC: $50,000 · HealthBREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF ALA: $15,000 · HealthCARRYWELL: $9,600 · HealthTHE WOOLLEY INSTITUTE FOR SPOKEN-LANGUAGE EDUCATION: $6,000 · HealthTHE JED FOUNDATION: $5,000 · HealthTHE ZACHARY & ELIZABETH M FISHER CENTER FOR ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH FOUNDATION: $5,000 · Health+2 more: $5,000 · HealthLEGACY MINISTRIES: $23,000 · ReligionTRIUMPH OF HOPE: $20,000 · ReligionMODERN DAY MISSIONS: $4,000 · Religion+1 more: $1,500 · ReligionQuarterbacking Children's Health Foundation: $25,000 · PhilanthropyPARKINSON ASSOCIATION OF ALABAMA INC: $10,000 · PhilanthropyHAWAII COMMUNITY FOUNDATION: $10,000 · Philanthropy+1 more: $1,500 · PhilanthropyCALVIN UNIVERSITY: $20,000 · EducationMountain Brook City Schools Foundation: $15,000 · EducationMARINE CONSERVATION BIOLOGY INSTITUTE: $5,000 · Education+1 more: $600 · Education
Other$836,000Youth Development$252,500Human Services$155,000Health$95,600Religion$48,500Philanthropy$46,500Education$40,600

Each grantee by its size and the funder’s share of it; top left is load-bearing

25%50%75%100%$100k$1.0M$10M$100Mgrantee revenue →↑ funder's share of their budgetROOTED MINISTRIES INC: $250,000 over 5y, 8.4% of budgetRENEW BIRMINGHAM: $57,500 over 1y, 6.8% of budgetMOUNTAIN BROOK FIRST RESPONDER FDN: $50,000 over 1y, 18% of budgetBAPTIST HEALTH FOUNDATION INC: $50,000 over 1y, 0.9% of budgetQuarterbacking Children's Health Foundation: $25,000 over 1y, 0.4% of budgetLEGACY MINISTRIES: $23,000 over 3y, 1.5% of budgetUNLESS U INC: $21,500 over 4y, 0.5% of budgetTRIUMPH OF HOPE: $20,000 over 1y, 2.4% of budgetCALVIN UNIVERSITY: $20,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetALZHEIMERS OF CENTRAL ALABAMA INC: $15,000 over 1y, 1.7% of budgetBREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF ALA: $15,000 over 3y, 0.3% of budgetMountain Brook City Schools Foundation: $15,000 over 1y, 1.6% of budgetBIGLIFE INTERNATIONAL INC: $14,000 over 4y, 0.0% of budgetNEVERTHIRST INC: $12,500 over 2y, 0.1% of budgetPARKINSON ASSOCIATION OF ALABAMA INC: $10,000 over 1y, 0.6% of budgetKings Home Inc: $10,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetSANTA CATALINA ISLAND CONSERVANCY: $10,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetDIRECT RELIEF: $10,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetHAWAII COMMUNITY FOUNDATION: $10,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetGold Country Wildlife Rescue Inc: $10,000 over 1y, 0.7% of budgetCARRYWELL: $9,600 over 3y, 3.1% of budgetFILTER OF HOPE INC: $9,500 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetTHE EXCEPTIONAL FOUNDATION: $7,500 over 3y, 0.1% of budgetTHE WOOLLEY INSTITUTE FOR SPOKEN-LANGUAGE EDUCATION: $6,000 over 1y, 0.2% of budgetWORLD WILDLIFE FUND INC: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetMARINE CONSERVATION BIOLOGY INSTITUTE: $5,000 over 1y, 0.3% of budgetTHE JED FOUNDATION: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetTHORN: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetALABAMA WILDLIFE FEDERATION: $5,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetTHE ZACHARY & ELIZABETH M FISHER CENTER FOR ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH FOUNDATION: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetRAINFOREST TRUST: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetHEAL THE BAY: $5,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetGIVEDIRECTLY INC: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetALABAMA COASTAL FOUNDATION INC: $5,000 over 1y, 1.0% of budgetFive Talents USA: $5,000 over 1y, 0.3% of budgetMODERN DAY MISSIONS: $4,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetTHE FOUNDRY MINISTRIES INC: $3,500 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetALL IN Mountain Brook: $2,500 over 1y, 2.7% of budgetMISSION TO THE WORLD: $2,500 over 1y, 9.7% of budgetLEGACY INC: $2,500 over 1y, 0.7% of budgetRESTORE MINISTRIES OF BIRMINGHAM INC: $2,500 over 1y, 0.6% of budgetMARCH OF DIMES INC: $2,500 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetSAVE THE MANATEE CLUB INC: $2,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetCOMMUNITY MINISTRY FOR GIRLS INC: $1,500 over 1y, 1.7% of budgetPortraits of Hope Inc: $1,500 over 1y, 0.5% of budgetMOUNTAIN BROOK COUNCIL PTO INC: $600 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetFIRE AND FRAGRANCE MINISTRIES: $500 over 1y, 0.3% of budget
Grantee by grantee: a decade per organization, before and after funding

A decade per grantee: revenue shaded, grants as bars, all rows on one timeline.

Co-funders

Grantmakers whose grantees overlap with this funder’s far more than size alone predicts. Closer means stronger alignment; arcs show where they also fund each other. Here they form a tightly interlocked group: most of these funders back each other's grantees too.

The Community Foundation of Greater BirminghamAL44.1× affinity20 shared granteesties to 11 of 11Hover any node to trace its alignments.Compare side by side →

Open a dossier: The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham · The Daniel Foundation of Alabama · Altecstyslinger Foundation · The Hackney Foundation · Alabama Power Foundation Inc · Ernest G & Cecil B Williams Foundation · Nall-Whatley Foundation · Debardeleben Foundation Inc · Robert R Meyer Foundation · The Maynard Nexsen Foundation · Susan Mott Webb Charitable Trust · Hill Crest Foundation Inc

How this is measured
Affinity is a Gamma-Poisson posterior co-funding rate, re-centered on the typical rate, so thin evidence shrinks toward no signal. Overlap is association, not proof of shared intent.

How much its grantees rely on government

Each dot is one organization Cooper Family Foundation funds: left to right is the share of its income from government, bottom to top the share from Cooper Family Foundation. Bigger dots raise more.

2024
’20’21’22’23’24’25
no gov · 10%1%5%11%20%funder's share of their income ↑0%4%8%11%15%share of the org’s income from government →
    no gov moneyreceives it· size = income
    1get no government money at all
    8report government grants on their 990 we could not trace to a source (not plotted)
    0rely on government for over half their income
    ⤢ axis zoomed · 0–15%
    typical government reliance, FY20–25
    How this is measured
    Government income is each org’s traced federal awards (USASpending grants and contracts) plus state payments (open checkbooks) as a share of its total revenue (IRS Form 990); the self-reported government-grant line (990 line 1e) is carried for cross-check: a grantee that reports government grants we could not trace to a source is left off the chart rather than shown as receiving none. An association, not a claim that a grant caused the public funding. Coverage is precision-first, a floor rather than a census; state records exist for 9 states, so a grantee outside them shows no state figure (dimmed) rather than a false zero. Federal award amounts are obligations, which can span years, so a single-year share is indicative. 990 filings lag 12 to 24 months.

    On method. Every financial figure here is read from IRS e-file XML, the funder’s own 990/990-PF, and from the multi-year returns of the 72 grantees we resolved, each linked to its source. Grantee outcomes are each organization’s own program-service reporting (Form 990, Part III), read as association with funding, never as caused by it. Low-confidence name matches are suppressed rather than guessed. How we build these →

    How this is measured
    Each figure carries one of six labels. Filed is what the funder reported on its return. Official is another government record about an organization, such as a federal award or a charity register, joined by name where no shared identifier exists. Resolved is an identity we worked out where the filing named a recipient without an EIN, kept only above a measured confidence threshold. Computed is arithmetic over those, like themes, portfolio clusters and co-funder strength. Context is a statistic about a place rather than about an organization, which is what the need overlay is: it describes the area a grantee’s address sits in, not where its work lands. Inferred is drawn by a model from text, like the partnerships read out of public news and organization websites. Each is labeled where it appears.

    Generated from the IRS Form 990-PF e-file return for fiscal year 2024, released 2024. Filings run roughly 12 to 24 months behind; figures are dated accordingly.

    Source object · view filing

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