The Joseph S Bruno Charitable
The Joseph S. Bruno Charitable Foundation is a private foundation based in Birmingham, Alabama. It supports organizations working to build stronger communities in greater Birmingham, with funding and leadership support for education, health, community needs, and arts and culture.
The Joseph S Bruno Charitable at a glance
In short: The Joseph S Bruno Charitable gave $550K across 40 grants in 2024 (avg $14K), mostly in Alabama. 38% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $549,500
- +18.3% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 40
- +5.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $13,738
- +12.4% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $18,002,801
- +4.6% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 38% first-time grantees (15 of 40, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Alabama (98% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Joseph S Bruno Charitable
- Invitation Only
-
The foundation accepts letters of inquiry twice a year through an online process. Inquiries are reviewed, and those approved receive an invitation to submit a full application. Final applications go to the board for funding decisions. The foundation identifies a brief inquiry form and, for invited applicants, an online grant application; it says further proposal information is provided upon invitation. Its stated funding exclusions include organizations outside greater Birmingham, individuals, sponsorships, fundraising events or conferences, individual schools, endowments or scholarships, religious organizations applying for religious purposes, and political organizations or candidates. After three consecutive years of funding, an organization must sit out one year before reapplying.
- Review Cycle
- Cycle 1 letters of inquiry are due January 31, with applications due February 27 for invitees. Cycle 2 letters of inquiry are due July 31, with applications due September 4 for invitees.
- Deadline
- Cycle 1 letters of inquiry are due January 31, with applications due February 27 for invitees.
- Contact
Application contact: Jennifer Gray
Mailing address: PO Box 530441, Birmingham, AL 35253
Phone: (205) 313-4814
Website: HTTPS://JSBCF.ORG
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from The Joseph S Bruno Charitable
Who The Joseph S Bruno Charitable funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs ($100K). Together the top 10 received $281K.
Grant Size Distribution
152 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 146 grants of 152 (96%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation says it works to strengthen communities in greater Birmingham and does not fund organizations outside that area. In 2024, 98% of its grant dollars went to recipients in Alabama and 2% to recipients in Washington, DC.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 40 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Joseph S Bruno Charitable open to new grantees?
38%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 15 of 40 grantees (38%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $10K; repeat grants $16K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $10K repeat.
- 23% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 32% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 60% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2021–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $418K (2021) to $665K (2022). In 2024 it made 40 grants totaling $550K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs Birmingham, AL | Charitable | $100,000 |
| Auburn University Foundation Auburn, AL | Charitable | $40,000 |
| Junior Achievement of Alabama Birmingham, AL | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Youthserve Birmingham, AL | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Foundations Early Learning and Family Center Fairfield, AL | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Birmingham Talks Birmingham, AL | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Wooley Institue for Spoken Language Birmingham, AL | Charitable | $15,000 |
| The Salvation Army Birmingham, AL | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Hica Birmingham, AL | Charitable | $13,000 |
| M-Power Ministries Birmingham, AL | Charitable | $12,500 |
Ready to take the next step with The Joseph S Bruno Charitable?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $18,002,801 | $1,378,078 | $796,428 | $549,500 | 40 | $549,500 | $1,301,464 | $920,538 |
| 2023 | $17,213,045 | $1,597,909 | $724,534 | $464,500 | 38 | $464,500 | $1,519,184 | $819,696 |
| 2022 | $16,474,426 | $5,992,002 | $932,631 | $665,100 | 45 | $665,100 | $283,418 | $771,358 |
| 2021 | $10,138,536 | $4,436,031 | $665,893 | $417,500 | 29 | $417,500 | $4,375,387 | $500,823 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Joseph S Bruno Charitable reported a distributable amount of $921K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to build stronger communities in greater Birmingham by providing financial and leadership support to organizations in education, health, community needs, and arts and culture. Its education priorities include early childhood education and school readiness, academic performance and graduation, and youth development.
The 2024 grants included organizations whose own missions illustrate the range of its recipients. Auburn University Foundation says it operates for the exclusive benefit of Auburn University, an educational land-grant institution. YouthServe says it empowers youth leadership through community service, while Junior Achievement of Alabama says it prepares young people to succeed in a global economy. M-POWER Ministries says it works to help people break the cycle of poverty through education and health. Preschool Partners describes its work as providing high-quality preschool and family support, and McWane Science Center says it seeks to spark wonder and curiosity in the community.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation gave $549,500 through 40 grants. Grant amounts ranged from $5,000 to $100,000, with a median of $10,000. Its largest 2024 grants included $100,000 to The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs, $40,000 to Auburn University Foundation, and $25,000 each to Junior Achievement of Alabama and YouthServe. Other notable awards included $20,000 to Foundations Early Learning and Family Center and $15,000 each to Birmingham Talks, Wooley Institute for Spoken Language, and The Salvation Army.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Benny M. LaRussa Jr. as chairman; Robert H. Sprain Jr. as secretary; Marian L. Phillips as vice chairman; Karen Persinger, Megan LaRussa Chenoweth, and Thomas Persinger as board members; and Jennifer Gray as executive director.
The Joseph S Bruno Charitable is led by Jennifer Gray, Executive Director since 2023 (on filings since 2022); none of the 7 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Jennifer Gray
Executive Director
Executive Director - → Executive Director, 2023
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Benny M. Larussa Jr.
Chairman
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Karen Persinger
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marian L. Phillips
Vice Chairman
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Megan Larussa Chenoweth
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robert H. Sprain Jr.
Secretary
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Thomas Persinger
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: Christie Smith (2021–2022) — Executive Assistant
- Former: Jera Stribling (2021–2022) — Executive Director -
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about The Joseph S Bruno Charitable
How much does The Joseph S Bruno Charitable give each year?
The Joseph S Bruno Charitable gave $550K across 40 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $465K across 38 grants.
What is The Joseph S Bruno Charitable's typical grant size?
The Joseph S Bruno Charitable's median grant in 2024 was $10,000, and its average grant was $13,738, across 40 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Joseph S Bruno Charitable that year got $10K on average.
Where does The Joseph S Bruno Charitable give grants?
The Joseph S Bruno Charitable gives mostly in Alabama: 98% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Birmingham, AL (34 grants) and Fairfield, AL (2 grants).
Does The Joseph S Bruno Charitable give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 40 grants with a stated purpose on The Joseph S Bruno Charitable's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Charitable" (40 grants).
Who are The Joseph S Bruno Charitable's largest grantees?
The Joseph S Bruno Charitable's largest 2024 grantees include The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs ($100,000), Auburn University Foundation ($40,000) and Junior Achievement of Alabama ($25,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 30% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Joseph S Bruno Charitable?
The Joseph S Bruno Charitable reported $18.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $550K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $921K (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does The Joseph S Bruno Charitable fund?
The foundation’s mission is to build stronger communities in greater Birmingham by providing financial and leadership support to organizations in education, health, community needs, and arts and culture. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Joseph S Bruno Charitable?
The foundation accepts letters of inquiry twice a year through an online process. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Joseph S Bruno Charitable's EIN?
The Joseph S Bruno Charitable's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 63-0936234. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2024
Other open foundation grants in Alabama
Alabama Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Joseph S Bruno Charitable's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Susan Mott Webb Charitable Trust
Birmingham, AL
The Susan Mott Webb Charitable Trust funds a range of charitable work, including community services, education, historic preservation, and mental health and disability services, with awards limited to Greater Birmingham. Its 2025 grants ranged from $3,500 to $150,000, with a median of $10,000. The filing describes an application process but does not explicitly say whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$14.1M
Grants
73
Total Given
$889K
Robert R Meyer Foundation
Birmingham, AL
The foundation supports a range of charitable work, including community services, food assistance, historic preservation, theatre, education, and land conservation, with most funding going to Alabama organizations. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,000 to $150,000, with a median of $20,000. It does not limit grants to preselected organizations; eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can contact Regions Bank for application materials, with spring and fall deadlines.
Assets
$35.7M
Grants
75
Total Given
$2.1M
Mike and Gillian Goodrich Foundation
Birmingham, AL
The Mike and Gillian Goodrich Foundation funds nonprofit work in education, neighborhood revitalization, the environment, arts and culture, and strategic community assets in Birmingham, Alabama, the Black Belt, and statewide. Its 2024 median grant was $20,000; program grants are generally up to $30,000. Applications go through its grant portal; it does not accept unsolicited supporting documents unless requested.
Assets
$105.5M
Grants
119
Total Given
$3.3M
Orlean & Ralph W Beeson Fund
Birmingham, AL
The fund supports youth education, humanitarian relief, social services, and Christian ministry, with grants spanning needs such as homelessness, healthcare, food security, and international aid. In 2024, grants ranged from $6,000 to $382,000, with a median of $10,000; most funding went to Alabama, though it also supports work elsewhere in the U.S. and internationally. Applications are accepted through the Independent Presbyterian Church Foundation’s annual and small-grant processes, and emergency grants are available by request to organizations.
Assets
$53.5M
Grants
65
Total Given
$1.6M
The Hugh Kaul Foundation
Birmingham, AL
The Hugh Kaul Foundation funds cultural, educational, and civic work, including education, hunger relief, historic preservation, conservation, and the arts. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,000 to $395,000, with a median of $20,000, and are limited to charitable organizations in Greater Birmingham or Clay and Coosa counties, Alabama. The filing refers applicants to an attached statement for application forms and materials and does not restrict giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$50.4M
Grants
68
Total Given
$2.6M
Hill Crest Foundation Inc
Mountain Brook, AL
Hill Crest Foundation funds tax-exempt organizations, with recent grants supporting children, hunger relief, health, education, arts, and community programs, primarily in Alabama. Its 2025 grants ranged from $800 to $300,000, with a median of $25,000. It accepts written applications describing the request’s purpose and the applicant organization; no deadline is stated.
Assets
$73.0M
Grants
91
Total Given
$3.1M
More similar funders
More Funders in Alabama
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Joseph S Bruno Charitable funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 18, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-joseph-s-bruno-charitable-morg_b5ee2e3f400947618337bdf366b6b3d5
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_630936234_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Joseph S Bruno Charitable funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-joseph-s-bruno-charitable-morg_b5ee2e3f400947618337bdf366b6b3d5},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-18. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Joseph S Bruno Charitable's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
The Joseph S Bruno Charitable down — hundreds of funders to go?