I often recall my husband saying, "So long as I can help others, even a little, I am happy." Last month, Jim would have celebrated his 97th birthday. To honor his incredible life and kind, compassionate heart, The Foundation recently awarded three very special grants -- one in each county where we currently fund programs: Broward, Duval and Palm Beach. Totaling more than $800,000, this funding will help create pathways to independence for hundreds of individuals facing significant life challenges to reach their potential.

Please take a few minutes to read about these exciting opportunities at ARC Broward, The Arc Jacksonville and HomeSafe. Jim would be the first to want to walk alongside these hardworking nonprofits and young adults on their journey toward success. I hope you will join us in wishing them well and even consider lending a helping hand.

My best to you and your families,

Through hands-on learning, students prepare for jobs in the food services industry.

With a proven model for success, the ARC Broward Culinary Institute helps individuals with disabilities and other life challenges gain career skills and long term self-sufficiency.

The Jim Moran Foundation has awarded $250,000 toward the planned expansion and modernization of an 8,000 square-foot space on ARC Broward's campus to include commercial and teaching kitchens, classrooms and event areas.

The larger capacity will allow the nonprofit to serve many more students in its certificate programs, bring in additional revenue through its successful catering enterprise to ensure sustainability, and offer new cooking classes and event space for the community to enjoy.

"It's a chance for people to find their true colors...to find their true freedom," said prospective resident, Moira (above).

For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, The Arc Jacksonville provides job training and other vital services to help them achieve their full potential and participate in community life.

The organization is currently building Florida's first planned neighborhood of affordable rental units geared toward its residents' needs with staff support to maximize their self-sufficiency. The Arc Jacksonville Village will include 97 fully accessible apartments, a community center and recreational amenities within walking distance of restaurants, stores and other services.

Through a $322,600 grant from The Jim Moran Foundation, The Arc Jacksonville will hire highly-specialized and caring staff to provide residents with wrap-around support to live safely and independently.

Transition specialist Bobby Crume (above, right) meets often with young adults to work through educational and life challenges.

HomeSafe in Palm Beach County provides a holistic system of care for youth who have been removed from their families due to abuse or neglect. 

The agency will soon open a new Independent Living Housing Program with a 12-unit apartment complex for youth who have turned 18 and legally "aged out" of the system of care. Located within walking distance of a local college, it will provide affordable, safe housing for young adults as they continue their education and learn to live on their own for the first time. To help them remain on the right track, HomeSafe's Transition Specialist will provide guidance, resources and caring support as he does for all of the youth in their residential program.

The Jim Moran Foundation's grant of $250,000 will establish a fund to help sustain this transitional housing program.

The Foundation awards grants throughout the year. Review our recent partnerships and past years' grants on our website.

 
To apply for funding, read The Foundation's Grant Making Guidelines and submit a Letter of Inquiry here.

Founded by automotive pioneer Jim Moran, the mission of The Jim Moran Foundation is to improve the quality of life for the youth and families of Florida through the support of innovative programs and opportunities that meet the ever-changing needs of the community. The Foundation has invested nearly $60 million in education, elder care, family strengthening, after school and youth transitional living initiatives since its inception in 2000 -- with efforts currently focused in Broward, Palm Beach and Duval counties. Through a long-term Grant Agreement, The Foundation's significant funders are JM Family Enterprises, Inc., and its subsidiaries, including Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC.