MyVillage Project Community Fund Announces Inaugural Grants
Eight agencies serving, and led by, the African American community receive funding
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – February 27, 2017 — Eight local nonprofits received grants of $1,000 each from
the MyVillage Project Community Fund, a giving circle at The Community Foundation for Northeast
Florida. These are the first grants made by the Fund, which was created by Imani Hope, Ronnie King and
Darryl Willie to support nonprofit organizations led by African Americans and serving primarily African
American clients. The grants were announced during the MyVillage Project Community Fund’s Black
History Month celebration. The first grants were given to:
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AnnieRuth Foundation: Summer Internship Program where local high school juniors and
seniors compete for a summer job opportunity
Mentoring Families and Kids: STEM conference for middle school students
100 Black Men of Jacksonville: Infinite Scholars College Fair January 2018 where more than 25
participating colleges and universities will award multiple on the spot admissions and
scholarships
Newtown Success Zone: Vision Keepers provide community awareness and increased economic
growth, by embracing the diversity of NTSZ residents and restoring neighborhood pride
Duval County Public Schools: 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project (High School Senior and
Mentor Awards Recognition Dinner) teaches young men of color about healthy living,
responsibility, respect, and how to attain future career goals
Teen Leaders of America: Summer College Tour program is designed to keep teens busy and out
of trouble during the summer; expose students to opportunities for higher education; and
motivate students to apply to college
Families of Slain Children: Support for the Annual Food Drives which helps provide outreach
support, grief counseling, social service referrals and victim homicide assistance, and
Agape Community Health Center: Financial support for patient care in order to protect and
promote the health of all residents and visitors in Duval County by providing core primary care
services to underserved populations.
“We are so thrilled to support and showcase the dedication and passion of our local African America led
non-profits,” said Imani Hope, one of the Fund’s founders. “We know that we are better as a community
when we support the work of the community. We created this fund to harness the power of the
collective dollar and ensure a seat at the table. The table is set, let's break bread!”
The three founders decided to create the Fund as a result of their participation in the Weaver
Philanthropic Initiative at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. Weaver PI is a program
that identifies and brings together emerging philanthropists to learn about community needs and create
a personal charitable giving strategy. Imani, Ronnie and Darryl were part of the Weaver Philanthropic
Initiative class of 2015. For more information about their work, go to www.myvillageproject.org.
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
245 Riverside Ave.
Suite 310
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone 904-356-4483
Fax 904-356-7910
www.jaxcf.org
helps people come together to make the community a better place. Now in its 53rd year, the Foundation
has assets of $344 million and has made nearly $410 million in grants since 1964.
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Contact:
Susan Datz Edelman
VP, Strategic Communications
904-356-4483 | [email protected]
245 Riverside Ave.
Suite 310
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone 904-356-4483
Fax 904-356-7910
www.jaxcf.org