Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc
Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc is a public charity based in Birmingham, Alabama. It describes itself as the Jewish community’s central fundraising, community relations, and community development agency, supporting Jewish life locally and connections with Israel and Jews around the world.
Key facts about Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc
In short: Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc gave $1.1M across 17 grants in 2024 (avg $62K), mostly in Alabama. 29% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 63-1045456
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,050,554
- Grants made (2024)
- 17
- Average grant
- $61,797
- Median grant
- $20,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 29% first-time grantees (5 of 17, 2024)
- Total assets
- $3,560,482
- Primary geography
- Alabama (65% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The listed processes are the Birmingham Jewish Community Grants evaluation form and the B’Yachad Gather Grant application. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$3.6M
-9.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.1M
-52.6% YoY
Grant Count
17
+70.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$62K
-72.1% YoY
Is Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc open to new grantees?
29%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 5 of 17 grantees (29%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $8K; repeat grants $84K. How we count
Medians: $9K first-time, $29K repeat.
- 53% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+18%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s stated mission is to nurture and promote Jewish life in Birmingham, nationally, in Israel, and throughout the world; build a better Birmingham through alliances and partnerships; and help people in need in times of crisis. Its website further describes goals that include sustaining a strong local Jewish community, supporting Israel and Jews worldwide, and educating and advocating on behalf of Israel and Jewish causes.
Its 2024 grants included local Jewish education, community services, and cultural organizations, as well as organizations working in Israel and elsewhere. For example, N.E. Miles Jewish Day School describes its mission as preparing students to be knowledgeable, caring, and contributing members of the Jewish people, the United States, and the world. Levite Jewish Community Center says it promotes Jewish identity through cultural, educational, and member well-being programs. Alabama Holocaust Education Center describes its work as teaching the history and lessons of the Holocaust to foster a more just and compassionate world. American Friends of Leket Israel says it provides assistance to organizations outside the United States to feed people in need; Operation Lifeshield says it raises funds for shelters and bomb-resistant bus stops for citizens of Israel.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the Federation reported 17 grants totaling **$1,050,554**. Grant amounts ranged from **$5,200 to $231,200**, with a median of **$20,000**.
Open Grants
5 open opportunities from Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc
B'Yachad Gather Grant
Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc
Amount
$118 micro-grant
Deadline
Rolling / Open
B'Yachad Gather Grants
Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc
Amount
$118
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Birmingham Jewish Federation Unrestricted Grant
Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Ready to take the next step with Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Federation is based in Birmingham, Alabama. In 2024, 65% of its reported grant dollars went to recipients in Alabama, 28% to New York, 3% to New Jersey, 2% to Florida, and 1% to Louisiana. Its Israel-World Jewry Bureau describes allocations to organizations around the world, subject to recipient eligibility requirements and a local community advocate.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 17 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $893K (2021) to $2.2M (2023). In 2024 it made 17 grants totaling $1.1M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Jewish Federation of North America ($231K). Together the top 10 received $986K.
Grant Size Distribution
65 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 40 grants of 65 (62%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish Federation of North America New York, NY | To provide financial support to jewish organizations to carry out orginization mission. | $231,200 |
| Ne Miles Jewish Day School Birmingham, AL | To provide financial support to jewish organizations to carry out orginization mission. | $216,497 |
| Levite Jewish Community Center Birmingham, AL | To provide financial support to jewish organizations to carry out orginization mission. | $203,812 |
| Collat Jewish Family Services Birmingham, AL | To provide financial support to jewish organizations to carry out orginization mission. | $156,204 |
| American Joint Distribution Committee New York, NY | To provide financial support to jewish organizations to carry out orginization mission. | $59,100 |
| Alabama Holocaust Education Center Birmingham, AL | To provide financial support to jewish organizations to carry out orginization mission. | $33,686 |
| Chabad of Alabama Birmingham, AL | To provide financial support to jewish organizations to carry out orginization mission. | $25,000 |
| Knesseth Israel Birmingham, AL | To provide financial support to jewish organizations to carry out orginization mission. | $25,000 |
| American Friends of Leket Israel Teaneck, NJ | To provide financial support to jewish organizations to carry out orginization mission. | $20,000 |
| Operation Lifeshield Deerfield Beach, FL | To provide financial support to jewish organizations to carry out orginization mission. | $16,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3,560,482 | $2,800,448 | $2,765,425 | $1,050,554 |
| 2023 | $3,911,122 | $3,763,308 | $3,852,270 | $2,214,052 |
| 2022 | $3,836,446 | $3,777,910 | $2,267,739 | $1,251,798 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $3,560,482 | $3,911,122 | $3,836,446 |
| Revenue | $2,800,448 | $3,763,308 | $3,777,910 |
| Expenses | $2,765,425 | $3,852,270 | $2,267,739 |
| Net Investment Income | $85,115 | $63,952 | $12,297 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS September 8, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 2, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 13, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS September 22, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Amy Saag as past president and Steve Greene as fundraising vice president. Listed board members are Andy Saag, Erin Arnold, Kent Haines, Daniel Odrezin, David Romanoff, and Jon Kimerling. Gary Cutter and Lisa Engel are listed as ex officio.
Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc is led by Danny Cohn, CEO on every filing since 2020; 1 of 30 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Danny Cohn
CEO
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$151K (2020) → $220K (2024)
Jack Aland
President
Board Member → President Elect, 2022
President Elect → President, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Alan Weintraub
Foundation President
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Amy Saag
Past President
President Elect → President, 2022
President → Past President, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Andy Saag
Board Member
Finance Vice President → Board Member, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Barbara Aland
Board Member
Fundraising Vice President → Finance Vice President, 2022
Finance Vice President → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Daniel Odrezin
Board Member
Community Impact → Community Impact Vice President, 2021
Community Impact Vice President → Board Member, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gary Cutter
Executive Officio
Personnel Vice President → Board Member, 2023
Board Member → Executive Officio, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jerry Held
Board Member
Board Member → Presidential Appointee, 2022
Presidential Appointee → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joel Piassick
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jon Kimerling
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lisa Engel
Executive Officio
President → Past President, 2022
Past President → Executive Officio, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nancy Goedecke
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sarah Shaeffer
Community Impact Vice President
Board Member → Community Impact Vice President, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Scott Gewant
Personnel Vice President
Foundation President → Board Member, 2022
Board Member → Personnel Vice President, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sheryl Kimerling
President Elect
Board Member → Executive Officio, 2022
Executive Officio → President Elect, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steven Corenblum
Board Member
Board Member → Finance Vice President, 2023
Finance Vice President → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Romanoff
Board Member
Community Impact Vice President → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Sher
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steve Greene
Fundraising Vice President
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Nelson
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ilyse Brobst
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeffrey Bayer
Presidential Appointee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steve Royal
Security Vice President
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Abraham Kunin
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Andrew Sperling
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Diane Berkowitz
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Erin Arnold
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kent Haines
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Seth Wolnek
Finance Vice President
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (15)
- Former: Ben Rosenbaum (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Carlie Stein Somerville (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Ginger Held (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Jesse Unkenholz (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Michael Routman (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Savannah Koplon (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Alyssa Blair (2022–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Rachel Friedman (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Randi Landy (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Richard Pizitz Jr. (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Ron Levitt (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Cynthia Tobias (2022) — Foundation President
- Former: Hilary Gewant (2020–2021) — Past President
- Former: Justin Weintraub (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Robin Bromberg (2020–2021) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $220K, to Danny Cohn (CEO).
Contact
Mailing address: 3966 Montclair Rd, Birmingham, AL 35213
Phone: (205) 879-0416
Website: https://bjf.org
Frequently asked questions about Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc
How much does Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc give each year?
Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc gave $1.1M across 17 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $2.2M across 10 grants.
What is Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc's typical grant size?
Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $20,000, and its average grant was $61,797, across 17 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc that year got $8K on average.
Where does Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc give grants?
Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc gives mostly in Alabama: 65% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was New York (28%). The most frequent recipient cities were Birmingham, AL (6 grants) and New York, NY (3 grants).
Does Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 17 grants with a stated purpose on Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc's largest grantees?
Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Jewish Federation of North America ($231,200), Ne Miles Jewish Day School ($216,497) and Levite Jewish Community Center ($203,812), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 62% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc?
Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc reported $3.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $2.8M.
What does Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc fund?
The organization’s stated mission is to nurture and promote Jewish life in Birmingham, nationally, in Israel, and throughout the world; build a better Birmingham through alliances and partnerships; and help people in need in times of crisis. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc?
The listed processes are the Birmingham Jewish Community Grants evaluation form and the B’Yachad Gather Grant application. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc's EIN?
Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 63-1045456. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc by hand.
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Birmingham Jewish Federation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?