Provided by The Sandlin Foundation for Kids and Kindness
Dwight and Sandy Sandlin
Dwight and Sandy Sandlin founded The Sandlin Foundation for Kids and Kindness to make a meaningful impact in Hoover, Ala.
When Dwight Sandlin, founder of Signature Homes, retired from daily operations, he gained a new perspective on the city he helped build. Despite overseeing the construction of more than 6,000 homes in Hoover, Alabama, he realized he was only seeing half of the community’s story. Sandlin noted that while Hoover possesses vast resources, it also faces significant needs.
To address these challenges, Dwight and his wife, Sandy, contacted longtime friend David Banister in 2025. Banister—the founder of Neighborhood Bridges in Hoover, and a veteran of several local non-profits—knew exactly where to focus their efforts.
A Vision for Local Impact
The journey began at the Hoover YMCA. While Sandlin was already a donor, a personal visit changed his perspective. He met with the Hispanic Women's Group, and students in after-school care who rely on scholarships for essential programs like swim lessons.
Reflecting on his own upbringing in a lower-middle-class family, Dwight saw himself in these children. He credits his personal success to a mentor who encouraged him to pursue higher education and employment. Recognizing the life-changing power of a support system, he committed to providing that same foundation for others.
The $10 Million Commitment to Kindness
This visit sparked the creation of The Sandlin Foundation for Kids and Kindness. To ensure long-term sustainability, the Sandlins pledged $10 million over 10 years, establishing a fund designed to support the community in perpetuity.
Often described as a “mutual fund of kindness,” the foundation has spent its first year partnering with Hoover businesses to raise funds, awareness, and in-kind donations. These contributions include hotel stays for families facing temporary homelessness or those traveling to the Birmingham area for pediatric cancer treatments.
Provided by The Sandlin Foundation for Kids and Kindness
The Sandlin Foundation and Cookie Fix
The Sandlin Foundation partners with local businesses, such as Cookie Fix, to raise funds and spread awareness.
Supporting Hoover Non-Profits
The Sandlin Foundation provides program-specific funding to nearly a dozen charitable organizations, including:
Ady’s Big Army
Family Connections
Hoover City Schools Foundation
Hoover Helps
Joyful Noise Foundation
Libby’s Friends
Magic Moments
Manufacture Good
Neighborhood Bridges-Hoover
Smile-A-Mile
YMCA
David Banister emphasizes that the foundation is "relentless in their kindness," specifically seeking out organizations that prioritize children and community welfare. "There is so much good happening in Hoover through these charitable partners, and we just want to help them," Banister said.
Photo provided by The Sandlin Foundation for Kids and Kindness
Ady's Big Army
Ady's Big Army and other non-profit partners can count on The Sandlin Foundation for practical, dependable support.
Nominate a Hoover Hero!
The Sandlin Foundation, with support from Mayor Nick Derzis, is launching its inaugural Hoover Heroes program to honor individuals making a daily difference in our community.
How to Nominate: Submit a nomination for the Spring 2027 recognition. Nominations open June 1, 2026.
Who is Eligible? Anyone who has lived, worked, attended school, or made a meaningful impact in Hoover, including:
First Responders & Educators: Mentors, volunteers, and non-profit leaders.
Civic Leaders: Business professionals who serve beyond their job titles.
Everyday Heroes: Individuals whose actions create extraordinary outcomes.
Future Leaders: Emerging voices and lifetime contributors shaping Hoover’s future.
Selected heroes represent the highest standards of humanitarian leadership, professional excellence, and a consistent commitment to making Hoover a better place.
Learn more at sfkak.org!