First Coast Relief Fund announces recipients of initial phase of ‘Healing Jax’ grantmaking

Jacksonville, Fla. (March 7, 2024) – The First Coast Relief Fund announced today the recipients of its initial phase of grantmaking from dollars raised through its Healing Jax effort. The 19 grant recipients include nonprofit and grassroots organizations working on direct community support and healing in the New Town and Grand Park neighborhoods. These grants represent dollars raised by the Relief Fund following the tragic, racially motivated shooting on Aug. 26, 2023.

Through this initial phase of grantmaking, the Relief Fund is distributing approximately $148,000. This grant opportunity provides funding for nonprofits and grassroots organizations up to $15,000 that are operating programs focused on direct community support and recovery including but not limited to: food security, community healing and mental health. The size of grants are anticipated to directly relate to the organization’s size, capacity and reach of services. The application opened in November and continues to receive applications at firstcoastrelieffund.org until the initial $250,000 worth of grant funds are depleted. 

The 19 grant recipients so far are:

Northwest Behavioral Health  $30,000 Mental health services
Family Foundations  $15,000 Mental health services
Feeding Northeast Florida  $15,000 Food
The Hub (@ Kings Road) $15,000 Youth enrichment, food
New Town Success Zone  $15,000 Food 
Edward Waters University Schell Sweet Center  $7,500 Senior support
Step by Step Help Foundation $7,500 Mental health services
32209 Experience Inc.  $5,000 Community healing
Jacksonville Community Action Committee  $5,000 Mental health services
Knowledge & Empowerment  $5,000 Food
Krumping 4 Success $5,000 Youth enrichment
New Town Oasis Marketplace  $5,000 Food 
Pearls of Perfection $5,000 Youth enrichment
We C.O.P.E.  $5,000 Community healing
Silent Women Speaking Foundation  $2,500 Community healing
Soyini Circle  $2,500 Youth enrichment
CARES Justice  $1,000 Food
Families of Slain Children $1,000 Food 
Greenwood 100 $1,000 Food 

 

This initial grantmaking phase followed thoughtful review from a grantmaking committee comprised of the partners in the First Coast Relief Fund. Before the grantmaking rounds, Relief Fund leaders participated in community conversations to learn about needs in the area after the shooting, which directly affected the New Town and Grand Park areas of Jacksonville.

Over the past several months, Relief Fund leadership have also spoken and met with grassroots organizations, government officials, faith leaders and nonprofits serving in these communities to assess short-term and long-term needs. These ongoing conversations continue to ensure duplication of services is reduced and the dollars raised will have the most impact possible. Relief Fund leadership have also spoken with other communities who have experienced similar human-caused crises.

“These grants are being awarded after thoughtful and community-informed conversations with nonprofit and grassroots organizations on the ground in New Town and Grand Park,” said James Ellout, vice president of community impact for United Way of Northeast Florida. “We know the organizations selected will make a significant step forward in supporting and healing these communities as well as know there is more work to be done.”

The shooting caused the closure of the Dollar General store, which provided some food access to the New Town and Grand Park neighborhoods. Residents of the area continue to express in community meetings the continued need for fresh food. In addition, residents see a continued need to address trauma from gun violence, which was also a concern even before the mass shooting that took the lives of three people.

In addition to this initial phase of grants, a total of $45,000 from the Relief Fund was awarded to several on-the-ground organizations who immediately stepped in to serve following the crisis, including some that were awarded second grants through the open process: Feeding Northeast Florida, Northwest Behavioral Health, Edward Waters University Schell Sweet Community Resource Center and The Hub (@ Kings Road). These dollars are helping replenish capacity of these organizations as well as support their future work in New Town and Grand Park.

“This initial round of grants is uplifting, but at the same time, we know more work and more grantmaking is ahead of us,” said Isaiah Oliver, president of The Community Foundation. “We look forward to continuing to take applications for this grant pool and seeing the results of this outpouring of generosity following such a tragic event.”

Originally conceptualized following the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando in 2016, the First Coast Relief Fund is a partnership of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida, United Way of Northeast Florida and United Way of St. Johns County. The Together Strong Community Fund is the newest partner in the collaboration, focused on combating the root causes of bias.

The Relief Fund has distributed more than $9.6 million since its inception in 2016. Response efforts to date include grants after Hurricane Matthew in 2016, Hurricane Irma in 2017 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

A complete list of donors is available at firstcoastrelieffund.org

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR FUNDING

Online: firstcoastrelieffund.org/apply

Please note: Applicants must represent a nonprofit or grassroots organization

 

HOW TO ACCESS FREE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support via phone for people in distress, including resources for you or your loved ones and best practices for professionals. Dial 9-8-8 on your phone, or visit unitedwaynefl.org/988.

Additionally, United Way 211 is a free information and referral hotline available 24/7 to connect callers to emergency resources, including crisis response efforts. Dial 2-1-1 to connect with a call center specialist.

 

###

 

 

About United Way of Northeast Florida

Founded 100 years ago in 1924, United Way of Northeast Florida has earned a reputation as a respected and efficient philanthropic organization. United Way envisions a community of opportunity where everyone has hope and can reach their full potential.  The organization’s mission is to solve Northeast Florida’s toughest challenges by connecting people, resources and ideas. United Way focuses on improving economic mobility in the following impact areas: basic needs, financial well-being and racial equity. The nonprofit organization’s long tradition of addressing the human-service needs in Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau and northern St. Johns counties is made possible through the commitment of thousands of volunteers, donors and community partners. 100 years of serving and uniting Northeast Florida was only the beginning. To learn more, visit unitedwaynefl.org, or follow United Way of Northeast Florida on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. 

 

About United Way of St. Johns County

United Way-SJC fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in St. Johns County. For 60 years, this has been done by strategically investing in quality programs, building partnerships, advocating for better policies, engaging the community and leveraging resources to focus on community problems that matter most. Success is measured not by dollars raised, but by lives improved and changed. www.unitedway-sjc.org

 

About The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, Florida’s oldest community foundation, works to stimulate philanthropy to build a better community. The Foundation helps donors invest their philanthropic gifts wisely, helps nonprofits serve the region effectively, and helps people come together to make the community a better place. Since its inception in 1964, the Foundation has accepted more than $1 billion in gifts and made more than $695 million in grants. For more information: www.jaxcf.org.

 

About the Jessie Ball duPont Fund

The Jessie Ball duPont Fund is a private foundation that works to expand access to opportunity and create inclusive growth for the people, organizations and communities that Jessie Ball duPont knew and loved. We envision a world in which every member of those communities feels they belong, and is engaged in shaping the future of their community. We use our grantmaking, investments, research and partnerships to increase equitable access to opportunities and resources for members of society who have historically been excluded, and placemaking to build stronger communities where all voices are heard and valued. Learn more at www.dupontfund.org.

 

About the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida

The Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida mobilizes volunteer and financial resources to inspire engagement in Jewish life and assure a Jewish future in the local community, Israel, and around the world. Through the support of an annual campaign and Foundation, Federation helps to support members of our community by

providing for health, education and welfare, and ensuring the dignity of life. For more information, visit jewishjacksonville.org.

 

###

 

Filed under: News

First Coast Relief Fund announces first phase of grant opportunities for New Town and Grand Park neighborhoods of Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Fla. (Nov. 30, 2023) – The First Coast Relief Fund is now accepting grant applications from nonprofit and grassroots organizations working on direct community support and healing in the New Town and Grand Park neighborhoods. These grants represent dollars raised by the Relief Fund following the tragic, racially motivated shooting Aug. 26.

Through this initial phase of grantmaking, the Relief Fund is planning to distribute approximately $205,000. This open grant opportunity will provide funding for nonprofits and grassroots organizations up to $15,000 that are operating programs focused on direct community support and recovery including but not limited to: food security, community healing and mental health. The size of grants are anticipated to directly relate to the organization’s size, capacity and reach of services. The application is available at firstcoastrelieffund.org.

This initial grantmaking focus follows several community conversations to learn about needs in the area after the Aug. 26 racially motivated shooting, which directly affected the New Town and Grand Park areas of Jacksonville. Over the past few months, Relief Fund leadership have been speaking and meeting with grassroots organizations, government officials, faith leaders and nonprofits serving in these communities to assess short-term and long-term needs. These conversations ensure duplication of services are reduced and the dollars raised will have the most impact possible. Relief Fund leadership have also spoken with other communities who have experienced similar man-made crises.

“We have heard clearly in our conversation with residents, community leaders and nonprofits in the area that these issues are a priority,” said Isaiah M. Oliver, president of The Community Foundation. “We hope to support important, grassroots organizations that are responding to the community’s needs.”

The shooting caused the closure of the Dollar General store, which provided some food access to the New Town and Grand Park neighborhoods. Residents of the area expressed in community meetings access to fresh food was a challenge even when the store was open. In addition, residents expressed a need to address trauma from gun violence, which was also a concern even before the mass shooting that took the lives of three people.

In addition to the open grant opportunity, a total of $45,000 from the Relief Fund has been awarded to several on-the-ground organizations who immediately stepped in to serve following the crisis: Feeding Northeast Florida, Northwest Behavioral Health, Edward Waters University Schell Sweet Community Resource Center and The Hub (@ Kings Road). These dollars are meant to help replenish capacity of these organizations as well as support their future work in New Town and Grand Park.

“Our neighbors in this area are hurting not only from this horrific attack but also from longstanding, systemic inequities,” said Melanie Patz, president and CEO of United Way of Northeast Florida. “As part of this partnership of grantmakers, we are here to help with some short-term needs and to listen to community members about the longer-term strategies that will improve quality of life for good.”

Together with partners, the First Coast Relief Fund is also in conversations about a longer-term strategy to address hate and racialized violence with a broader coalition of community stakeholders. The total amount raised through the First Coast Relief Fund in this effort is more than $1 million. Information on additional grantmaking will be coming in the new year.

Originally conceptualized following the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, the Relief Fund has distributed nearly $9 million through 251 grants to 128 unique organizations since its inception in 2016. Response efforts to date include Hurricane Matthew in 2016, Hurricane Irma in 2017 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR FUNDING

Online: firstcoastrelieffund.org/apply
Please note: Applicants must represent a nonprofit or grassroots organization

 

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE FIRST COAST RELIEF FUND

Online: firstcoastrelieffund.org/donate
Text: HEALINGJAX to 50503
By check: Pay to the order of First Coast Relief Fund and mail to: First Coast Relief Fund, 40 E. Adams St., Suite 310, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Please note “Healing Jax” in the memo of the check.

 

HOW TO ACCESS FREE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support via phone for people in distress, including resources for you or your loved ones and best practices for professionals. Dial 9-8-8 on your phone, or visit unitedwaynefl.org/988.

Additionally, United Way 211 is a free information and referral hotline available 24/7 to connect callers to emergency resources, including crisis response efforts. Dial 2-1-1 to connect with a call center specialist.

 

###

 

About United Way of Northeast Florida

Founded 100 years ago in 1924, United Way of Northeast Florida has earned a reputation as a respected and efficient philanthropic organization. United Way envisions a community of opportunity where everyone has hope and can reach their full potential.  The organization’s mission is to solve Northeast Florida’s toughest challenges by connecting people, resources and ideas. United Way focuses on improving economic mobility in the following impact areas: basic needs, financial well-being and racial equity. The nonprofit organization’s long tradition of addressing the human-service needs in Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau and northern St. Johns counties is made possible through the commitment of thousands of volunteers, donors and community partners. 100 years of serving and uniting Northeast Florida was only the beginning. To learn more, visit unitedwaynefl.org, or follow United Way of Northeast Florida on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

 

About United Way of St. Johns County

United Way-SJC fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in St. Johns County. For 60 years, this has been done by strategically investing in quality programs, building partnerships, advocating for better policies, engaging the community and leveraging resources to focus on community problems that matter most. Success is measured not by dollars raised, but by lives improved and changed. www.unitedway-sjc.org

 

About The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, Florida’s oldest community foundation, works to stimulate philanthropy to build a better community. The Foundation helps donors invest their philanthropic gifts wisely, helps nonprofits serve the region effectively, and helps people come together to make the community a better place. Since its inception in 1964, the Foundation has accepted more than $1 billion in gifts and made more than $695 million in grants. For more information: www.jaxcf.org.

 

About the Jessie Ball duPont Fund

The Jessie Ball duPont Fund is a private foundation that works to expand access to opportunity and create inclusive growth for the people, organizations and communities that Jessie Ball duPont knew and loved. We envision a world in which every member of those communities feels they belong, and is engaged in shaping the future of their community. We use our grantmaking, investments, research and partnerships to increase equitable access to opportunities and resources for members of society who have historically been excluded, and placemaking to build stronger communities where all voices are heard and valued. Learn more at www.dupontfund.org.

 

About the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida

The Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida mobilizes volunteer and financial resources to inspire engagement in Jewish life and assure a Jewish future in the local community, Israel, and around the world. Through the support of an annual campaign and Foundation, Federation helps to support members of our community by providing for health, education and welfare, and ensuring the dignity of life. For more information, visit jewishjacksonville.org.

 

###

 

 

Filed under: News

First Coast Relief Fund Partners with Together Strong Community Fund to Respond to New Town Shooting in Jacksonville

Aug. 29, 2023 (Jacksonville, Fla.) – The First Coast Relief Fund, in partnership with the Together Strong Community Fund, is mobilizing contributions to address immediate needs and long-term systemic racial inequities following the New Town shooting motivated by anti-Black racism that took the lives of three victims.

The Relief Fund, Northeast Florida’s community crisis response fund, is a collaboration among the region’s largest funders, designed to maximize the impact of tax-deductible donations to support the local community when a crisis sparks an outpouring of generosity from local and national donors. The Relief Fund was originally conceptualized after the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando and has successfully responded to two hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Together Strong Community Fund is the newest partner in the collaboration, focused on combating the root causes of bias.

“The First Coast Relief Fund is a proven partnership that maximizes resources flowing into our community and distributes them to nonprofits via a fair, thoughtful process,” said Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan. “We’re grateful to see the collaboration stepping forward as our community needs support for a variety of crises this week.”

In this work, the Relief Fund welcomes the Together Strong Community Fund, founded by David Miller on behalf of the Miller Families under the management of the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida, as the newest partner of the First Coast Relief Fund. The Together Strong Community Fund was formed to advance community-wide conversation and education following the display of hate speech in downtown Jacksonville in 2022.

“My family is fiercely devoted to making the greater Jacksonville community a place where everyone can feel safe and reach their personal potential,” said David Miller, founder of the Together Strong Community Fund, which includes lead gifts from VyStar Credit Union, the Jacksonville Jaguars, Florida Blue, CSX and Haskell. “The time is now to forge alliances and promote healing, conversation, and education.”

A generous gift from the Together Strong Community Fund has already been pledged to the Relief Fund to support this effort in addressing immediate needs and long-term systemic racial inequities.

The founding partners in the collaboration include the United Way of Northeast Florida, United Way of St. Johns County, The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, and now, the Together Strong Community Fund, based at the Jewish Federation & Foundation.

The partners in the collaboration share a longstanding commitment to racial equity and promoting understanding across religious differences, among other dimensions of diversity. Grants will be made through a committee of local leaders that includes representation from the partners as well as local experts on the issues of healing from trauma and racial equity.

The grants will fund solutions that provide support and relief to those affected by this weekend’s mass shooting as well as address systemic issues that have created disparities in our communities. Areas of grants could include community mobilization, grief counseling and capacity building for organizations directly addressing racial inequities.

“The First Coast Relief Fund uses an established grantmaking process to ensure that donors’ resources are distributed to vetted, effective organizations closest to the needs of our community,” said Isaiah Oliver, president of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. “The Relief Fund is a near-term fundraising option for donors and has the capability to distribute funds that address the medium- and longer-term needs of the community as we make progress against all forms of hate in our region.”

“Our Northeast Florida community was rocked by an act of hate, and it will be united by acts of love from our City, foundations, corporations and individuals whose support is flowing in from near and far,” said Melanie Patz, president and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Northeast Florida. “Nonprofits across our region are doing the difficult work to help our community heal and create a safer, more inclusive shared future.”

Past donors include foundations, corporations, public agencies and individuals. Since its inception in 2016, the Relief Fund has distributed nearly $9 million through 251 grants to 128 unique organizations in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns counties. Response efforts to date include Hurricane Matthew in 2016, Hurricane Irma in 2017 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The Relief Fund’s most recent activation, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, once again demonstrated our community’s willingness to support those most in need, no matter the type of crisis faced: more than $5.5 million in funding was disbursed to 112 nonprofits providing assistance with mortgage and rent payments, food assistance and utility bills. In 2017, donors contributed more than $3.97 million to the Relief Fund in response to Hurricane Irma, with $3.56 million awarded to 33 organizations who connected First Coast residents with the resources they needed. Learn more at firstcoastrelieffund.org.

 

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE FIRST COAST RELIEF FUND

  • Online: firstcoastrelieffund.org/donate
  • Text: HEALINGJAX to 50503
  • By check: Pay to the order of First Coast Relief Fund and mail to: First Coast Relief Fund, 40 E. Adams St., Suite 310, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Please note “Healing Jax” in the memo of the check.

 

HOW TO ACCESS FREE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES 

  • The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support via phone for people in distress, including resources for you or your loved ones and best practices for professionals. Dial 9-8-8 on your phone, or visit unitedwaynefl.org/988.
  • United Way 211 is a free information and referral hotline available 24 hours, seven days a week to connect callers to emergency resources, including crisis response efforts.

The Fund is also monitoring Hurricane Idalia and is poised to support that effort, when and if needed.

 

###

 

About United Way of Northeast Florida
Founded in 1924, United Way of Northeast Florida has earned a reputation as a respected and efficient philanthropic organization. United Way envisions a community of opportunity where everyone has hope and can reach their full potential. The organization’s mission is to solve Northeast Florida’s toughest challenges by connecting people, resources and ideas. United Way focuses on improving economic mobility in the following impact areas: basic needs, financial well-being and racial equity. The nonprofit organization’s long tradition of addressing the human-service needs in Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau and northern St. Johns counties is made possible through the commitment of thousands of volunteers, donors and community partners. To learn more, visit unitedwaynefl.org, or follow United Way of Northeast Florida on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

About United Way of St. Johns County

United Way-SJC fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in St. Johns County. For 60 years, this has been done by strategically investing in quality programs, building partnerships, advocating for better policies, engaging the community and leveraging resources to focus on community problems that matter most. Success is measured not by dollars raised, but by lives improved and changed. www.unitedway-sjc.org

 

About The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, Florida’s oldest and largest community foundation, works to stimulate philanthropy to build a better community. The Foundation helps donors invest their philanthropic gifts wisely, helps nonprofits serve the region effectively, and helps people come together to make the community a better place. Now in its 58th year, the Foundation has assets of $630 million and has made nearly $640 million in grants since 1964. For more information: www.jaxcf.org.

 

About the Jessie Ball duPont Fund

The Jessie Ball duPont Fund is a private foundation that works to expand access to opportunity and create inclusive growth for the people, organizations and communities that Jessie Ball duPont knew and loved. We envision a world in which every member of those communities feels they belong, and is engaged in shaping the future of their community. We use our grantmaking, investments, research and partnerships to increase equitable access to opportunities and resources for members of society who have historically been excluded, and placemaking to build stronger communities where all voices are heard and valued. Learn more at www.dupontfund.org.

 

About the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida

The Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida mobilizes volunteer and financial resources to inspire engagement in Jewish life and assure a Jewish future in the local community, Israel, and around the world. Through the support of an annual campaign and Foundation, Federation helps to support members of our community by providing for health, education and welfare, and ensuring the dignity of life. For more information, visit jewishjacksonville.org.

 

About the Miller Families, Founders of the Together Strong Community Foundation

The Miller Families’ mission is to create positive change in the communities we touch by fostering innovation, collaboration, and measurable impact by leveraging resources and using Jewish values as our guide. Their vision is for our community to be an inclusive place of hope where all individuals have the opportunity to reach their personal potential in a just and equitable society.

 

###

 

MEDIA CONTACTS

 

United Way of Northeast Florida

Sarah Henderson

Senior Director, Marketing and Communications

904-300-8366

sarahh@uwnefl.org

www.unitedwaynefl.org

 

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

Stephanie Garry Garfunkel

VP, Strategic Communications

904-356-4483

sgarfunkel@jaxcf.org

www.jaxcf.org

 

Jessie Ball duPont Fund

Melanie Cost

Communications

610-453-4153

mcost@dupontfund.org

www.dupontfund.org

 

Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida

Zahni Thuzar

Marketing Manager

904-224-1412

zahnit@jewishjacksonville.org

www.jewishjacksonville.org

Filed under: News

Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund Delivers More Than $5 Million to Support North Florida Residents Affected by COVID-19 Pandemic

November 18, 2020 – Jacksonville, Florida – Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund awarded $5.4 million to 112 North Florida nonprofit agencies since the Relief Fund reopened in March to support residents disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Relief Fund is a collaboration between The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, Jessie Ball duPont Fund, Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida, United Way of Northeast Florida and United Way of St. Johns County.

“The generosity of our community has been overwhelming since the start of the pandemic,” said Nina Waters, President, The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. “From individual donors to foundations, corporations and the City of Jacksonville, this effort to support our neighbors who are most in need has been a truly collaborative local response.”

Every day, more than half a million people in Northeast Florida–almost 40 percent of our region’s population–struggle to afford basic necessities. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically amplified these existing needs and created unprecedented demands on nonprofits. More than 408,477 individuals and 88,441 households received support from the Relief Fund. In certain cases, some individuals or households received multiple services. Support for mortgage and rent payments, food assistance and utilities payments made up more than 50 percent of the grants dollars awarded by the Relief Fund.

“Each week, as we reviewed dozens of the latest applications from nonprofit agencies, we were able to get a real-time view into the specific needs of our community, and respond accordingly,” said Rosi Melendez, Vice President of Community Impact and Strategic Investments, United Way of Northeast Florida. “Our case management partners shared that they saw many families unable to make ends meet as a result of COVID-19, including struggling to afford adequate food, lacking the financial security to pay utility bills and facing homelessness.”

The majority of these individuals and households (60 percent) were located in Duval County, and Relief Fund grants also supported nonprofits and residents in Baker (1.2 percent), Clay (3.4 percent), Nassau (5.2 percent), Putnam (11.7 percent) and St. Johns (18.5 percent) counties.

“The Relief Fund grants management team used a thoughtful, strategic approach that involved making grants to organizations with case management ability to ensure grant dollars were administered and tracked effectively and those dollars reached families in the most need,” said Kathleen Shaw, Vice President, Programs, The Community Foundation For Northeast Florida. “The incredibly fast timeline from the onset of the pandemic, to the Relief Fund being reactivated, to donations flowing in, to grant dollars being administered and to families receiving assistance is a powerful testament to the generosity of our community, the lessons learned during previous crises and the resilience of our nonprofit sector.”

“This is community-driven philanthropy at its best,” said Mari Kuraishi, President, Jessie Ball duPont Fund. “Our community answered the call and stepped up to its responsibility to support our most vulnerable neighbors, and the strength of our Jacksonville nonprofit network allowed those neighbors to quickly receive the relief they needed.”

Designed to respond to immediate emergency needs, the Relief Fund has now closed and is no longer accepting donations as our community moves toward longer-term recovery solutions. The Relief Fund remains ready to reactivate in response to future emergencies.

“While the Relief Fund has served its purpose in responding to immediate needs in our community, the continued economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic means donations remain critical for our neighbors to continue to recover,” said Michelle Braun, President and CEO, United Way of Northeast Florida. “The pandemic has fundamentally altered the trajectory of the lives of our most vulnerable families, who will be feeling the effects of this disruption for years to come—and who need our continued support.”

Many partners in Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund have specific charitable opportunities to help address long-term needs caused by COVID-19. Contact The Community Foundation for Northeast Floridathe Jewish Federation and Foundation for Northeast FloridaUnited Way of Northeast Florida and United Way of St. Johns County for more information on how you can support Northeast Florida’s road to recovery.

The final impact report, including all Relief Fund grant recipients, is available here. A complete list of Relief Fund donors can be found here.

Filed under: News

More than $3 million granted for COVID-19 relief in Northeast Florida

Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund has assisted 87 nonprofit organizations in six counties

 

Jacksonville, Fla. (June 18, 2020) – Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund has surpassed the $3 million mark in grants awarded to nonprofit organizations responding to immediate needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 85 agencies are recipients of nearly $3.3 million since grantmaking began in March. The Fund is a collaboration between The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, Jessie Ball duPont Fund, Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida, United Way of Northeast Florida and United Way of St. Johns County.

“By far, the greatest need we’ve seen to this point is for food and financial assistance,” said Kathleen Shaw, a member of the Relief Fund’s grants committee and vice president of Programs at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. “We have been able to make grants to some of the big regional food suppliers, like Feeding Northeast Florida and Barnabas, but we’ve also made grants to many smaller organizations so they can acquire food from the regional food banks and get it into their clients’ hands as soon as possible.”

Applications from nonprofits are still coming in, and members of the Relief Fund’s grant committee continue to meet weekly to review, approve and ensure grants go out the door quickly. Priority is given to agencies in Duval, Nassau, St. Johns, Baker, Clay and Putnam counties that provide food; housing; financial assistance for individuals and families; child-care support for first responders and other frontline staff; medical, safety supplies and equipment; and technology support for safety net providers.

Vulnerable populations are a primary focus of Relief Fund grants. One of the earliest recipients was to ElderSource, Northeast Florida’s Area Agency on Aging.

“With the resources provided by the First Coast Relief Fund, we are able to help older adults with food, supplies, mental-health counseling through telehealth, telephone reassurance and financial assistance,” said Linda Levin, chief executive officer at ElderSource. “This funding and the services we are able to provide as a result are lifesaving.”

You can see a complete list of the grant recipients here.

“We’re continuing to see requests from the organizations serving our most vulnerable neighbors, and are grateful to the coalition of public and private donors answering the ongoing call to help,” said Katie Ensign, vice president for Placemaking and Administration for the Jessie Ball duPont Fund. “Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund is working closely with local systems addressing these critical issues — including homelessness, food insecurity, mental health services, small businesses resilience, and emergency response services — to ensure that grants are helping to build a more effective community infrastructure to quickly and efficiently get assistance to those who need it most.”

Fortunately, generous donors continue to support Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund. Recent gifts of $1 million from the City of Jacksonville and $500,000 from The Humana Foundation bolstered the fund to more than $5.4 million – more than was raised for relief following Hurricanes Matthew and Irma.

The Relief Fund has hundreds of donors at all levels. The following is a list of funders who have committed at least $50,000 to the Relief Fund for COVID-19:

  • The City of Jacksonville $1,000,000
  • The Humana Foundation $500,000
  • Jessie Ball duPont Fund $500,000
  • Shad Khan of the Jacksonville Jaguars $400,000
  • The Jim Moran Foundation $250,000
  • Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver $250,000
  • Michael Ward and Jennifer Glock Foundation $250,000
  • Lucy Gooding Charitable Foundation Trust $150,000
  • The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations $100,000
  • Bank of America $100,000
  • CSX $100,000
  • The Community Foundation For Northeast Florida $100,000
  • Florida Blue $100,000
  • Humana $100,000
  • Tom and Betty Petway $100,000
  • Truist $100,000
  • Winston Family Foundation $100,000
  • Ally $50,000
  • Edward W. Lane Jr.  $50,000
  • Fidelity $50,000
  • FIS $50,000
  • Macquarie Group Foundation $50,000
  • Morgan Weaver $50,000
  • Nancy and Gary Chartrand $50,000
  • Regency Centers $50,000
  • The Riverside Hospital Foundation $50,000
  • TECO Peoples Gas $50,000
  • VanTrust $50,000
  • Zimmerman Family Foundation $50,000

A complete list of donors to Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund can be found here.

“Thanks to all the supporters of Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund for their generosity and confidence in our agency to mobilize quickly to serve,” said Lauren Weedon Hopkins, regional director of Catholic Charities Jacksonville. “As we learned from our Hurricane Irma experience, Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund provides essential funding at a crucial time so Catholic Charities can aid those most in need.”

Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund is administered by United Way of Northeast Florida with 100 percent of donations going to nonprofit agencies that provide direct services to individuals with needs that are not met by government programs.

Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund will remain open until needs stabilize and while funding is available. To learn more, give or apply, visit unitedwaynefl.org/COVID19response.

 

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE TO FLORIDA’S FIRST COAST RELIEF FUND

Online: unitedwaynefl.org/COVID19response
By mobile phone: Text COVID19RELIEF to 40403

By check: Pay to the order of United Way of Northeast Florida and mail to P.O. Box 41428, Jacksonville, FL 32203-1428

** Be sure to note “Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund” on the check.

HOW TO APPLY FOR FUNDING
Only nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.
Application forms are available online at unitedwaynefl.org/COVID19response and each of the partner websites.

GET HELP NOW
United Way’s 211 hotline continues to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic, and officials and community organizations are working throughout Northeast Florida to ensure crucial needs are met. Community members in need of assistance are encouraged to dial 2-1-1, where a team of information specialists are available 24/7. You can also dial 904-632-0600 to access a United Way 211 call center specialist. A COVID-19 information directory is available at unitedwaynefl.org/covid19resources.

About The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, Florida’s oldest and largest community foundation, works to stimulate philanthropy to build a better community. The Foundation helps donors invest their philanthropic gifts wisely, helps nonprofits serve the region effectively, and helps people come together to make the community a better place. Now in its 56th year, the Foundation has assets of $482 million and has made approximately $550 million in grants since 1964. For more information: www.jaxcf.org.

About the Jessie Ball duPont Fund

The Jessie Ball duPont Fund is a private foundation that works to expand access to opportunity and create inclusive growth for the people, organizations and communities that Jessie Ball duPont knew and loved. We envision a world in which every member of those communities feels they belong, and is engaged in shaping the future of their community. Our work focuses on increasing equitable access to opportunities and resources for members of society who have historically been excluded, and placemaking to build stronger communities where all voices are heard and valued. Learn more at www.dupontfund.org.

Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida

The Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida is a fundraising organization supporting the members of our community and providing for health, education and welfare, and ensuring the dignity of life. For more information, visit jewishjacksonville.org.

About United Way of Northeast Florida

Founded in 1924, United Way of Northeast Florida has earned a reputation as a respected and efficient philanthropic organization. United Way envisions a community of opportunity where everyone has hope and can reach their full potential. Because change doesn’t happen alone, United Way’s mission is to solve Northeast Florida’s toughest challenges by connecting people, resources and ideas. The nonprofit organization focuses on five causes: comprehensive basic needs, high-quality education, good health and well-being, financial security and social innovation. United Way’s long tradition of addressing the human-service needs in Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau and Northern St. Johns counties is made possible through the commitment of thousands of volunteers, donors and community partners. To learn more, visit unitedwaynefl.org, or follow @unitedwaynefl on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About United Way of St. Johns County

Serving both Putnam and St. Johns County, United Way of St. Johns is the only organization that brings together agencies, businesses, organizations, faith-based groups, government and individuals to focus on the community problems that matter most. Partners share the vision and have the energy, passion, expertise and resources to get the work done. For over 60 years, United Way-SJC has improved lives and built a strong, healthy community by strategically investing in quality programs, building partnerships, advocating for better policies, engaging the community and leveraging resources. Success is measured not by dollars raised, but by lives improved and changed. Visit www.unitedway-sjc.org for more information.

###

MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION

United Way of Northeast Florida
Sarah Henderson
Director, Marketing and Communications
904-300-8366
sarahh@uwnefl.org
Twitter: @unitedwaynefl
www.unitedwaynefl.org

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida
Susan Datz Edelman, VP
Strategic Communications
904-356-4483
sedelman@jaxcf.org
Twitter: @CFJacksonville
www.jaxcf.org

Jessie Ball duPont Fund
Melanie Cost
Communications
610-453-4153
mcost@dupontfund.org
Twitter: @dupontfund
www.dupontfund.org

Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida
Alan Margolies
Executive Director
904-448-5000
alanm@jewishjacksonville.org
Twitter: @jaxjewish
www.jewishjacksonville.org

United Way of St. Johns County
Melissa Nelson
CEO and President
904-910-6442
904-829-9721
Melissa.Nelson@UnitedWay-SJC.org
Twitter: @UnitedWay_SJC
www.unitedway-sjc.org

Filed under: News

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida Receives $500,000 from The Humana Foundation

JACKSONVILLE, Florida – May 19, 2020 – The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida is honored to announce it has received a $500,000 gift from The Humana Foundation that will be directed to Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund to aid pandemic response in our community. With these funds from The Humana Foundation, Northeast Florida will be better positioned to respond to those who need assistance to recover and rebuild from this crisis.

The Humana Foundation’s $500,000 gift is in addition to a $100,000 contribution from Humana to United Way of Northeast Florida for Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund in the earliest days of the pandemic as part of its Bold Goal partnership with the Jacksonville market.

“The impact of a grant of this size cannot be underestimated,” noted Nina Waters, president of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. “Every week, we and our partners in Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund struggle with the extraordinary needs presented by our nonprofit community as they try to respond to their clients who are hurting. The Humana Foundation’s generosity will help alleviate the strain on our neighbors and fellow citizens.”

Since mid-March, Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund has granted more than $2.4 million to 75 local nonprofits in the six-county area. Applications continue to come in, and new grants are awarded weekly.

The current COVID-19 health crisis requires both immediate and long-term, sustainable relief in varying degrees across the U.S. This pandemic escalated what were previously already growing health concerns, such as access to care, food insecurity and mental health.

“The Humana Foundation understands the far-reaching strain the pandemic has placed on many organizations working on the frontlines to provide healthcare, food and employment for those disproportionality affected by the COVID-19 health crisis, and our aim is to remove barriers and help them respond, recover and rebuild,” said Walter D. Woods, Chief Executive Officer of The Humana Foundation. “Our intention with this commitment is to not only help provide immediate crisis relief, but also serve as a catalyst in building sustainable achievement and long-term community resilience.”

The Humana Foundation’s gift to The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida is part of The Humana Foundation’s historic April 30 announcement to commit $50 million to coronavirus relief and recovery efforts to a select group of organizations supporting essential workers, food security, behavioral health and local communities.

About Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund
Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund is a collaboration of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, the Jacksonville Jewish Federation and Foundation, United Way of St. Johns County and United Way of Northeast Florida. It was created following Hurricanes Matthew and Irma, and re-activated to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. To make a donation, click here.

About The Humana Foundation
The Humana Foundation was established in 1981 as the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc., one of the nation’s leading health and well-being companies. Located in Louisville, Ky., the Foundation seeks to cocreate communities where leadership, culture, and systems work to improve and sustain positive health outcomes. For more information, visit humanafoundation.org.

Humana and The Humana Foundation are dedicated to communities through our Bold Goal. The Bold Goal is committed to co-creating solutions with community partners to ensure that every business decision we make reflects our commitment to improving the health and well-being of our members, our employees, the communities we serve, and our planet.

About The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida
The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida (www.jaxcf.org), Florida’s oldest and largest community foundation, works to stimulate philanthropy to build a better community. The Foundation helps donors invest their philanthropic gifts wisely, helps nonprofits serve the region effectively, and helps people come together to make the community a better place. Created in 1964, the Foundation has assets of $482 million and has made approximately $550 million in grants since inception.

Contact:
Susan Datz Edelman
VP, Strategic Communications
904-356-4483 | sedelman@jaxcf.org

Filed under: News

Relief Fund grant ensures Catholic Charities can continue crucial services

Food bank worker

By Melanie Cost, Jessie Ball duPont Fund

For more than 75 years, Catholic Charities of Jacksonville has provided for the basic needs of our vulnerable neighbors and assisted them on a journey toward self-sufficiency. Catholic Charities offers emergency financial assistance, workforce development, food assistance, immigration legal services, refugee resettlement and caring for people with intellectual and developmental differences. As the COVID-19 pandemic increases the needs of Catholic Charities’ clients, the organization is responding with ramped-up services, both in person and virtually.

Catholic Charities received one of the first grants from Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund. The $50,000 grant is supporting the organization’s work to provide food, case management and emergency financial assistance to families in crisis throughout Jacksonville.

“Catholic Charities Jacksonville is grateful to partner with Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund to ensure the most vulnerable in our community can receive the critical help they need during these uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Lauren Weedon Hopkins, regional director of Catholic Charities Jacksonville.

Catholic Charities is continuing to operate its food pantry, located in a food desert in Northwest Jacksonville, with drive-through services, and is serving 60 families each day. The organization has also moved its ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) classes online to continue providing those services during this period of social distancing.

“Thanks to all the supporters of Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund for their generosity and confidence in our agency to mobilize quickly to serve,” Hopkins added. “As we learned from our Hurricane Irma experience, Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund provides essential funding at a crucial time so Catholic Charities can aid those most in need.”

Catholic Charities of Jacksonville is one of hundreds of local nonprofits affected by COVID-19 disruption. Grants like the one from Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund are critical for nonprofits like Catholic Charities to continue offering their portfolio of services.

At this time, the Relief Fund has raised over $5 million and helped over 80 local nonprofits serving those disproportionally affected by COVID-19. More grants are pending. For timely updates, visit the Community Impact webpage. To make a gift to Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund, visit firstcoastrelieffund.org/donate.

Filed under: News, Success Stories

Relief Fund grant allows ElderSource to provide increased support to older adults

People in front of bus

By Melanie Cost, Jessie Ball duPont Fund

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted older adults – they are not only more susceptible to contracting the coronavirus, but also have seen their daily routines disrupted and are spending more time than ever alone. In response to the needs of our aging neighbors, ElderSource, the Northeast Florida regional agency on aging and our aging and disability resource center, has ramped up its outreach and is quickly adapting its services and resources to continue effectively supporting elders in this time of social distancing.

ElderSource received one of the first grants from the First Coast Relief Fund, $50,000 that is being used to support a variety of direct services for older adults across Nassau, Baker, Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Flagler and Volusia counties.
“While we are all working to physically distance from each other during this time, older adults are particularly being impacted by the prolonged social disconnect,” said Linda Levin, chief executive officer at ElderSource. “Being the population that is most impacted by COVID-19, older adults are not able to get to food and supplies because of frailty or lack of transportation or they stopped going out because they are taking the warnings as seriously as they should. There are also seniors who were working and depending on their income to get by and are now without their income as employers have reduced their workforce. Further, we are concerned about the impact on their emotional and mental wellbeing as a result of this increasing isolation.”

“With the resources provided by the First Coast Relief Fund we are able to help older adults with food, supplies, mental health counseling through telehealth, telephone reassurance and financial assistance,
said Levin. “This funding and the services we are able to provide as a result are lifesaving.”

ElderSource is particularly focused on connecting older adults to the resources they need for daily life, especially as simple routines such as grocery shopping have been interrupted by the risk of contracting COVID-19. In April, ElderSource partnered with Winn-Dixie to grocery shop and deliver the essentials for 25 seniors in Putman County. Local county service provider ElderOptions identified seniors in need and solicited their shopping lists, before representatives from ElderOptions joined members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Crescent City Police Department and the Putnam Board of County Commissioners to shop at Winn-Dixie at 6:00 a.m. before the store opened, and delivered the groceries later that day.

ElderSource staff also partnered with in-home senior care agency Aging True, supported by donations from Humana and Farm Share, to create take-away kits including toilet paper, paper towels, non-perishable food, other hygiene products, and a COVID-19 fact sheet. The team – some of whom drove from as far as Daytona Beach to support the effort – adhered to social distancing guidelines while packing and completed 1,000 kits in just one day.

“I want to thank the team for making the effort to be here, for showing up early to set up, for purchasing the supplies and coordinating with our partner Farm Share to deliver the toiletries, and for financial support from Humana in addition to Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund and Jim Moran Foundation,” said Levin. “This was a true team effort, and 1,000 frail elders will benefit when Aging True delivers these kits along with their meals in the coming week.”

ElderSource is one of hundreds of local nonprofits affected by COVID-19 disruption. Grants like the one from Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund are critical for nonprofits like ElderSource to continue offering their portfolio of services.

At this time, the Relief Fund has raised over $5 million and helped over 80 local nonprofits serving those disproportionally affected by COVID-19. More grants are pending. For timely updates, visit the Community Impact webpage. To make a gift to Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund, visit firstcoastrelieffund.org/donate.

Filed under: Success Stories

Relief Fund support allows Trinity Rescue Mission to increase capacity

Woman and child on bed

By Melanie Cost, Jessie Ball duPont Fund

For the more than 1,800 homeless men, women and children in Northeast Florida, the COVID-19 pandemic is making already difficult circumstances even harder.

Critical services from providers, including Trinity Rescue Mission, which is currently operating in four locations throughout Jacksonville and provides more than 110,000 shelter nights each year, are more in demand than ever.

Trinity Rescue Mission recently received one one of the first grants from Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund. This grant is supporting Trinity Rescue Mission’s efforts to increase its services to support of our region’s homeless community in these even more trying time.

Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund was created in 2016 to help nonprofit organizations serve individuals and families in need during a community crisis. To help those most affected by COVID-19 disruption, The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, Jessie Ball duPont Fund, Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida, United Way of Northeast Florida and United Way of St. Johns County re-activated the Relief Fund March 16.

The Relief Fund is providing much-needed resources to struggling families by supporting local organizations, like JFCS, who deliver essential human services to residents disproportionately burdened by this public health crisis.

“The coronavirus has put an incredible stress on the homeless community and on those who help to serve them,” said Gary Judd, executive director of Trinity Rescue Mission. The organization is continuing to serve the more than 250 men, women and children who are regular residents of its shelters.

In response to the pandemic, Trinity Rescue Mission has increased its available services, including isolating the most vulnerable homeless population at a separate location. It has also taken extra recommended steps to help the homeless, including implementing social distancing, increasing already stringent hygiene guidelines, and increasing training for staff, volunteers and residents.

Trinity Rescue Mission is also actively collaborating with other providers in the city to meet the increasing overall needs of the homeless community.

These increased measures to protect the homeless community and Trinity Rescue Mission staff has increased direct expenses including staff time, transportation, food costs and supplies associated with the organization’s services.

“Trinity Rescue Mission has seen donations and other revenue streams become very vulnerable right now,” Judd said. “Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund’s generous gift has allowed people who are the most exposed and at risk in the city to be cared for during this time of uncertainty.”

Sam, one of Trinity Rescue Mission’s residents, echoed the appreciation.

“Thank you for allowing me to come here,” he said. “The coronavirus had me scared. Now, I feel safe and feel like I can finally rest.”

Trinity Rescue Mission is one of hundreds of local nonprofits affected by COVID-19 disruption. Grants like the one from Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund are critical for nonprofits like Trinity Rescue Mission to continue offering services.

At this time, the Relief Fund has raised nearly $3 million and helped nearly 20 local nonprofits serving those disproportionally affected by COVID-19. More grants are pending. For timely updates, visit the Community Impact webpage. To make a gift to Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund, visit firstcoastrelieffund.org/donate.

Filed under: Success Stories

Relief Fund grant ensures local families get helping hand

group loading boxes with food

By Melanie Cost, Jessie Ball duPont Fund

For more than 100 years, Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS) has supported Jacksonville neighbors with a variety of social and community services to enhance the lives of children, adults, seniors and families coping with challenges.

JFCS programs – available to anyone in the First Coast community – focus on child welfare, counseling, parenting, dropout prevention, emergency financial assistance and culturally responsive services for members of the Jewish community as well as direct support via a food pantry and children’s clothes closet. JFCS is a longstanding partner to many other nonprofits in Northeast Florida, including the United Way and Catholic Charities.

Now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, JFCS remains committed to continuing to provide essential safety net services to families across the First Coast as needs rise in the face of changing employment and the impacts of social distancing.

JFCS is meeting the increased needs by providing counseling by teletherapy, continuing to operate its Max Block Food Pantry, coordinating food and transportation for isolated Holocaust Survivors, and offering other virtual services.

JFCS recently received a $50,000 grant from the First Coast Relief Fund to support direct financial assistance for families who are facing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic.

Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund was created in 2016 to help nonprofit organizations serve individuals and families in need during a community crisis. To help those most affected by COVID-19 disruption, The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, Jessie Ball duPont Fund, Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida, United Way of Northeast Florida and United Way of St. Johns County re-activated the Relief Fund March 16.

The Relief Fund is providing much-needed resources to struggling families by supporting local organizations, like JFCS, who deliver essential human services to residents disproportionately burdened by this public health crisis.

“For so many families who are now facing unemployment, reduced hours at work, lost wages and tips, mounting bills to pay and scarcity of everyday resources, the resources available to Jewish Family & Community Services from Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund are serving as a critical safety net,” said Colleen Rodriguez, chief executive officer of JFCS. “Families who were already at the tipping point before the pandemic are now living in survival mode. The assistance they receive through the grant from Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund helps them have one less worry at the end of the day.”

A JFCS client whose wife is physically disabled echoed that sentiment after receiving financial assistance supported by Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund.

“Thank you so much for helping us,” the client said. “There’s no work for me now, but we still have bills to pay.”

JFCS is one of hundreds of local nonprofits affected by COVID-19 disruption. Grants like the one from Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund are critical for nonprofits like JFCS to continue offering their portfolio of services.

At this time, the Relief Fund has raised nearly $3 million and helped nearly 20 local nonprofits serving those disproportionally affected by COVID-19. More grants are pending. For timely updates, visit the Community Impact webpage. To make a gift to Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund, visit firstcoastrelieffund.org/donate.

Filed under: Success Stories