Communities Are Sustainable,
Livable and Vibrant

1st Community Catalyst Fund investment: Prize2theFuture

Prize2theFuture was launched on Jan. 13, 2011,  as an on-line contest, calling for one great idea to transform one city-owned block in downtown Birmingham and make our city center cooler and more vibrant. Almost 3,000 participants from 39 countries responded by registering for the contest, which received 1,115 entries by the March 11, 2011, deadline. The top 10 ideas were announced April 26 and the top three finalists on May 5, 2011.

This idea contest turned into a “community workshop,” as described by one of the judges, and brought attention to the potential for what is now known as the Parkside District.  Check the Prize2theFuture website for a listing of the top 10 winners and a summary of the many other ideas. 

As the innovative first investment from Community Catalyst Funds, Prize2theFuture was designed to build on successes, promote our great community and focus on what our community told us they want — a cool, vibrant city center. Approval of the sale of the Prize site by the City of Birmingham to Alabama Power in 2012 provides additional potential for continued growth in an area now anchored by nationally-acclaimed Railroad Park and the  new Barons ball park.

We look forward to seeing the plans Alabama Power has for Lot D, which is located right across the street from their Powell Avenue Steam Plant. Our Community Catalyst Funds continue to inspire donors to imagine and to experience the power of philanthropy to drive positive change, with a second investment announced in April 2013 — a light-art project for the 18th Street underpass and a plan for lighting across the City Center.

If you want to join the visionary donors who are committed to this and other innovative and transformational investments in our community, contact Erin Stephenson for more information about Community Catalyst Funds.