About
Through our grantmaking, the Walker Area Community Foundation helps create opportunities, not only for nonprofits, municipalities and schools, but also for the individuals living, working and playing throughout our communities.
We are collaboratively turning a vision of a vibrant future into reality. Through the data collected in our strategic plan, we have identified four community focus areas :
Collaborative Planning for Economic Development
Lifelong Learning & Success
Health, Wellbeing, & Quality of Life
Next Generation Leadership
It’s an exciting time to be a part of finding solutions for our region.
Our History
Foundation Established
John T. Oliver, Jr., Pat Willingham and the Community Health Systems Board set aside $6 million from the sale of Walker Regional Medical Center to begin an endowment for the Walker Area Community Foundation. Other community leaders involved included the late J. George Mitnick and Larry Drummond. Together, they created a foundation designed to be a lasting resource for addressing our community’s greatest needs.
First Grants Awarded
After the initial two years of growth, the Foundation awarded its first seven grants totaling $289,300.
Bankhead House & Heritage Center Established
The Foundation made its largest gift to date with the purchase and renovation of the Bankhead House & Heritage Center. Supported by generous donors, the Center serves as a hub for history, cultural events, and the arts, connecting the community’s past, present, and future.
Disaster Response
When tornadoes struck Walker County, the Foundation shifted from being just a funder to a true partner in disaster relief. Stronger bonds were forged with local, regional, and national donors, and the Foundation became recognized statewide for effectively coordinating response efforts.
Strategic Planning
The Foundation developed its own strategic plan and began leading county-wide initiatives with partners including the Walker County Commission, Chamber of Commerce, Jasper Industrial Development Board, Walker County Economic Development Authority, then Senator Greg Reed, and all of the municipalities in our county, advancing positive growth throughout the region.
Endowment Tripled
Through substantial gifts, the Foundation’s endowment tripled in size, increasing its ability to support nonprofit dreams, expand programs, and meet operational needs across the community.
25th Anniversary
Celebrating 25 years, the Foundation navigated a pandemic and the aftermath of tornadoes, marking one of its strongest years of service and impact in the Walker area.
30th Anniversary
As we celebrate 30 years of impact with our largest-ever investment in the community and the launch of the Heman Drummond Center of Innovation for students, we step boldly into a future shaped by collaboration, growth, and leadership. The past three decades have laid a strong foundation– but our work is far from over. This is not the end of the story. It’s just the beginning.
No one loves Walker County more than we do. Our staff and board are dedicated to making a real difference in our community and the surrounding areas. We provide guidance, funding, and resources to lift up nonprofits and help them create lasting impact.
Staff & BoardAs one of the fastest-growing community foundations in the United States, we’re committed to responsible giving and real results. We fund nonprofits, support community initiatives, and empower citizens to create a stronger, brighter future in Walker, Winston, Marion, and Fayette counties.
ImpactThrough the Walker Area Community Foundation, there are many ways to make a difference. You can give, volunteer, or partner with us to support local nonprofits and community initiatives.
Get Involved