Who We Are

Purposeful philanthropy begins here.

The Penny Foundation is a Birmingham, Alabama-based community chest working to eliminate economic inequality in the Black community. The Penny Foundation connects people, organizations and resources in the areas of family, economics and community development through the lens of technology and innovation.

We accomplish our mission through grantmaking, programming and donor advised funds. Our programs, funds and grants are informed by a staff, board of directors and volunteers who have an intimate understanding of the community’s history, culture, politics and population. We serve as a philanthropic vehicle for people to focus their resources in the Black community.

Founder & CEO

Lyord Watson, Jr.

(205) 677-8361

lyord@pennyfoundation.org

Board of Directors

Charlie Glover

Relationship Manager
‎Noble Bank

Tim Clay

Owner
Accounting & Business Consultants

Janine L. Smith, Esquire

Attorney
Global Business Advisors

Walter Turner

 Director, STS
President, Prideline

Martha Emmett

Director of Strategic Programs, Advantage HR Consultant
BXS Insurance

Corey Green

Executive Associate Director of Athletics for External Affairs
Samford University 

Lisa Williams

BEx Transformation – VP, Compliance Officer Birmingham Chapter Volunteer Board | 2020 Economic Development Coordinator
BBVA

Herschell Hamilton

Co-Founder, Chief Strategic Officer
BLOC Global Group

Khadijah Abdullah

VP, Economic and Social Impact
Shipt

Brittney Taylor

Co-Owner, Operator
Rib-It-Up

Team

Uriah Williams

Financial Advisor
Morgan Stanley

Dorian Kendrick 

Marketing Consultant
DGC

Yolanda Sullivan

Volunteer
Penny Foundation