Give during the 2026 Luncheon
to meet our goal of $10,000!
Endowment Q&A
Why does Railroad Park Need an Endowment?
Railroad Park Foundation (RRPF), the non-profit that manages the City-owned Railroad Park, primarily depends on three sources of funding to create meaningful community programming and support the daily operations and beautification of Railroad Park:
• Public/Private partnership with the City of Birmingham
• Earned income, including client events and event sponsorships
• Individual, Foundation & Corporate Donors
In 2024, RRPF established an endowment fund with The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham to further ensure the Park’s financial security for generations to come. Growing this endowment will provide important financial security for Railroad Park’s future, diversifying revenue streams to keep Railroad Park beautiful, secure, and thriving for all to enjoy. Future income generated from the endowment fund will be used for operations and projects including but not limited to:
• Native Plantings: Railroad Park is home to more than 100,000 trees and native plants, creating an ecosystem that includes more than 120 different documented species of birds as well as hundreds of other sensitive wildlife, including turtles, dragonflies, and pollinator bees.
• Water Features: 30% of Railroad Park includes water features such as a lake, ponds, streams and our beautiful rain curtain. These water features are beloved by our visitors, and they offer both mental wellness and environmental benefits.
• Park Operations: Railroad Park is open to the public 365 days a year and hosts half a million visitors annually. By continually updating and maintaining Park features and amenities, RRPF continues to provide a safe, vibrant, award-winning greenspace for our community to connect.
Why choose the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham (CFGB) to host the endowment?
• By using the professional services of CFGB, this endowment will be carefully and securely maintained so Railroad Park can focus on our mission of serving approximately half a million people a year.
• CFGB gives Railroad Park more visibility to potential donors.
• Hosting our endowment fund at CFGB allows our resources to be part of a larger pool of assets.
• The administrative burden for Railroad Park staff is significantly reduced; CFGB handles all reporting, investing, and financial oversight for a market-rate fee.
The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham’s website: https://www.cfbham.org/
How Do I Give?
• Give by clicking the green button to the right GIVE NOW!
• To meet with one of our staff members, please email donations@railroadpark.org
