The St. Joe Community Foundation approved grants totaling more than $5.3 million in 2022 to be paid to local non-profit organizations, the highest for a single year since its inception in 1999. Following the Foundation’s stated goal of enriching the quality of life for the people who live, work, and play in Northwest Florida, the Foundation provides grants to other local 501(C)(3) entities that strive to make a positive difference for the community to strengthen education, improve healthcare, support cultural arts, and protect the environment.
Also in 2022, students in Bay and Walton counties became the first recipients of No Ordinary JOE scholarships. Through the Bay and Walton County Education Foundations, scholarships ranging from $500 to $13,000 were awarded to deserving college-bound students at every public high school in Bay and Walton counties. Plans are in place to continue this scholarship program for local students for years to come.
Other Foundation grants included $46,290 to the non-profit Food for Thought, for which the Foundation partnered with Walton County students for the “Read to Feed” program. To raise money through this grant, students determined the amount of the Foundation’s grant by the number of books they read and Accelerated Reader tests they passed. Additionally, a $480,000 grant from the Foundation was used to buy specialized medical equipment for two different medical facilities to better serve the healthcare needs of the region, and more than $310,000 in granted funds were used to support art projects that beautified and culturally enriched areas of Bay and Walton counties.
“These grants help make a real difference for people in our local communities,” said April Wilkes, Executive Director of The St. Joe Community Foundation. “From providing professional development opportunities for teachers to supporting literacy through enrichment opportunities, advancing healthcare options with new high-tech medical equipment, funding cultural arts sponsorships for free public events, and providing beds for children who have never had one, the Foundation is truly improving the quality of life in our community not only this past year but well into the future.”
In total, the Foundation has now granted over $38 million since 1999 to 501(C)(3) organizations dedicated to making a positive difference in Northwest Florida.
“When the Foundation is most successful, our community non-profits are able to do their best work as well,” said Jorge Gonzalez, President, and CEO of The St. Joe Company and Member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “This was another record-breaking year in terms of the number of funds the Foundation was able to distribute into the community, and that is going to translate into real-life results for locals who are striving to ensure a bright future for residents of Bay and Walton counties. I’m proud that the Foundation is able to support the good work being done by so many people to bring visions of a better life to reality. The rising tide lifts all boats.”
To apply for a grant, or to learn more, visit www.JoeFoundation.com.
