Issue link: http://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/438233
PowerofGood.com | Winter 2014 5 history, the Alabama Power Founda- tion insisted on accountability so the foundation's investments would meet its expectations and benefit the people of Alabama. In major nonprofit cam- paigns, and especially in educational fund drives, the foundation fre- quently has provided the powerful lead gift. For instance, in the Miles College campaign, the foundation's lead gift encouraged others to donate and helped the col- lege surpass its initial goal. John Hudson, the current presi- dent of the Alabama Power Founda- tion, observed that "the foundation has always been a strong proponent of education in our state. We have supported almost every large public and private college in Alabama. "Two examples are Miles Col- lege and Auburn University. Both institutions have been awarded grant dol- lars for scholarships, endowments and capital campaigns to improve student and community life," Hud- son said, noting that "the Alabama Power Foundation gave the largest grant in our history to Auburn University in honor of Charles McCrary, Alabama Power's recently retired president and CEO. The grant will establish the Charles D. McCrary Institute, which will focus on energy security, natural resources and conservation." There is also a focus on increas- ing and improving the pre-school preparation for Alabama's children. Early childhood education is one of the three components of the founda- tion's new Brighter Minds educa- tion initiative, which also includes science, technology, engineering and math education along with work- force development, and conserva- tion education. In its first 25 years, the Alabama Power Foundation awarded about $150 million in grants and scholar- ships. With dedicated and careful administration, it will be able to work in perpetuity with the state's nonprofits to improve the quality of life for all Alabama's people. Photo courtesy of Tuskegee University Tuskegee University founded in 1881 by Booker T. Washington is part of Alabama Power Foundation's commitment to education.