During this special time of year when we are reminded to pause and be thankful, I am grateful to the hardworking nonprofits and volunteers that we have partnered with and to those individuals and families who find the strength to persevere despite life's many challenges. When we see a little bit of ourselves in one another and respect the resiliency of the human spirit, we are compelled to lift each other up -- that is where philanthropy begins.

Our warmest wishes to you and your families,

Jan Moran
Chairman and President

The Shorters (center) with Jan Moran and George Gadson

In recognition of their more than 25 years of helping those who struggle to put food on their tables in Palm Beach County, Dan and Jacquie Shorter have been named the 2015 recipients of The Jim Moran Foundation Award. 

With this honor, the Shorters have selected Feed the Hungry for a $50,000 unrestricted grant awarded by The Jim Moran Foundation. They have also received a bronze sculpture created by South Florida artist George Gadson of an open book with a child climbing a ladder supported by an outstretched hand.

"Dan and Jacquie have devoted much of their lives to selflessly serving others," said Jan Moran, chairman and president of The Jim Moran Foundation. "Their compassion and commitment to feeding the hungry inspire us all to reach out with kindness to our neighbors in need."

Krissania (left) shares her graduation papers from the Learn to Read program with her mother who traveled to Jacksonville to celebrate her daughter's achievements.

For adults who struggle with literacy, Learn to Read in Duval County provides free tutoring and computer lab instruction to equip them for a path of continued learning. The program is often a stepping stone towards a GED or a better paying job -- and sometimes, participants simply want to be able to read with their children or grandchildren.

Believing that education is the key to success, Krissania began attending Learn to Read classes while also working at a local retail store. After completing the program, she transitioned to the GED preparation course at Florida State College at Jacksonville. Her goal is to someday work in the nursing profession.

"With my GED, I will have self-confidence, self-respect and also it will make my family proud," said Krissania. 

Nearly 100 volunteers help the organization serve over 600 students each year. 

Hal reads The New York Times on the  Center's iPads every day.

As a "home away from home" for nearly 900 elderly individuals, the Daniel Cantor Senior Center in Broward County provides a variety of social, educational and recreational programs.

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 more than $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.