“Iron City Strong”
Being a good corporate neighbor means supporting programs and projects that bring value to our communities. At McWane, we are continuing that legacy – to improve lives – every day.
- Philanthropy: We donate millions annually to support local causes and nonprofits aligned with our values, focusing on hunger, wellness and housing.
- Volunteerism: Our employees actively volunteer their time and expertise to address community needs, fostering a spirit of service and engagement.
- Education: We offer dependent scholarships for qualified employees, and many of our facilities provide valuable skilled trade scholarships.
- Community Partnerships: We collaborate with local organizations and stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions for lasting impact.
Through these efforts, we strive to:
- Empower individuals: By supporting programs that address basic needs and promote opportunities, we help individuals reach their full potential.
- Strengthen families: We invest in initiatives that foster strong and healthy families, contributing to the overall well-being of the community.
- Build a brighter future: We partner with organizations that create positive change and contribute to the long-term sustainability of our communities.
McWane is proud to be a part of the fabric of the communities we serve, and we are committed to working together to improve lives for generations to come.
Below are some of our community partners that McWane Inc. is proud to support.
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Children’s Hospital of Alabama
In 2009, the McWane Foundation pledged $5 million to Alabama’s Children’s Hospital for the construction of a 12-story, 720,000-square-foot environmentally friendly hospital. Once completed, the hospital will be the first hospital in Alabama to be LEED certified, which is designated by the U.S. Green Building Council and stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. In addition to the gift from the McWane Foundation, Phillip and Heather McWane personally pledged an additional $5 million for a clinical program in the new hospital. The combined $10 million gift is the second largest contribution in the hospital’s history.
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McWane Science Center
The McWane Science Center, a hands on science exploration center in Birmingham, hosts thousands of families, students and educators from throughout the Southeast as they learn more about the workings of the world around them. The center hosts innovative educational exhibits, IMAX movies and interactive learning labs, classes and demonstrations designed to engage people of all ages in the adventure of science. The McWane Foundation was the major contributor in the building of the center and continues to offer financial support.
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Vulcan
In 1904, the McWane family brought an iron giant to the Iron City. One hundred years later, the McWane family of companies helped bring him back. Vulcan, the largest cast-iron statue in the world, has been repaired, recast and restored to his former glory atop Birmingham's Red Mountain, thanks in large part to donations from McWane, Inc. Called the "greatest iron job in history" by JR McWane, the statue is as much a source of pride for the city, once renowned as an iron-making center, as it is for the men and women of McWane, whose innovation, dedication and craftsmanship the statue continues to represent.
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Junior Achievement of Alabama
Among the core areas of giving at the heart of the McWane Foundation is early education. In 2024, the McWane family committed a lead donation of $4 million to anchor the development of a state-of-the-art learning center in Birmingham, Alabama. The Junior Achievement (JA) McWane Economic Education Center is a $20 million investment aimed at combining classroom curriculum with a hands-on experiential site at two flagship learning facilities. By bringing real-world companies, jobs and scenarios into the classroom, JA BizTown and JA Finance Park will equip students with practical knowledge that inspires and prepares them for pathways beyond their educational journey. The capital campaign represents a significant investment for Birmingham and the underserved population. With state-of-the-art facilities and innovative programming, JA aims to reach 20,000 students each year in the new center, empowering them to achieve their full potential.