by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
In less than a year what could best be described as a “perfect storm” has significantly affected Jacksonville when it comes to not-for-profit organizations and the way they make their contributions to the community.
First came Amendment 1 which changed the way the City can collect property taxes, which led to major adjustments in the municipal budget including a considerable reduction in the amount of funding available for not-for-profits and therefore, their programs. Then the Jacksonville Journey committee studied the city’s public safety issues and determined that after-school and other programs for youth were the first line of defense when it comes to keeping kids off the streets, out of trouble and on the right track.
Needing more programs but having less money. That’s the “perfect storm.”
One suggestion coming out of City Hall is that the private sector can step up and fill some of that gap. That concept became reality last week when Comcast Cable announced its 2008 Community Investment Grants, more than $150,000 that is being made available to 21 not-for-profit groups, most in Jacksonville and most to support programs aimed at helping disadvantaged young people.
“We began this program and the Comcast Foundation programs as soon as we arrived in Jacksonville,” said Bill Ferry, Comcast regional vice president of Government Affairs. “We help fund organizations that support literacy, youth development and volunteerism because those are organizations that make a difference in our community every day.”
In 2007, Comcast contributed more than $425,000 to North Florida’s service organizations through Community Service Grants, the Comcast Foundation and in-kind contributions, said Comcast Director of Government and Community Relations Ann Carter Murphy.
“The grants don’t just go into an organization’s general fund,” she added. “Every dollar is used for a specific program that was chosen by our selection committee.”
This year’s grants will support programs including after-school tutoring, arts programs and the development of language and literacy skills for children in at-risk neighborhoods.
“We had more than 100 applications for grants this year,” said Murphy.
Community Connections of Jacksonville was one of this year’s first-year grant recipients. The $10,000 from Comcast will be used to provide daycare services for children of women who have jobs and are in transitional housing programs as well as women in the Sulzbacher Center.
“That money will serve 100 homeless kids. We’ll be able to provide 20,000 days of child care including food. We teach two-year-olds every day how to deal with conflict. Violence prevention in our community starts in our day care,” said Greg Frazier, Community Connections’ director of development.
The current economy and shift away from public funding for organizations like Community Connections has made a tremendous difference in how the organization operates and plans programs, he added.
“It has taken a toll across the board. We’re in a situation where the homeless population is growing while funding for programs is shrinking. Even with all of our sources of funding including the United Way, we operate at about a $60,000 a year loss so this (the Comcast Investment grant) is critical money,” said Frazier.
Ferry said the Comcast Foundation grants will be announced later this year and added, “We encourage other companies to join us and help our community as much as they can.”
First year grants:
The Boselli Foundation - $20,000
Funds will be used to support the Tony Boselli Youth Life Learning Centers and after-school educational programs for disadvantaged youth. A weekly cultural arts program will also be offered during the school year.
MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation - $20,000
The grant will fund the “TnT” teens and tutoring program that serves 150 elementary through high school students at the organization’s facility in Durkeeville, one of the highest crime and lowest income areas in Jacksonville.
Police Athletic League of Jacksonvillle - $12,000
Funds will support youth leadership after-school programs for students ages 5-14 including academic assistance, recreational activities and life skills training.
Community Connections - $10,000
The grant will be used to provide daycare for the children of employed women living in the Florence N. Davis Center, Trinity Rescue Mission, the Sulzbacher Center and the Family Promise program.
Metro Kids Konnection - $10,000
Funds will be used to extend the hours of after-school and summer programs at six subsidized housing communities from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
City Kids Art Factory - $6,000
Grant will be used to support the Summer Art Literacy Camp including field trips and group projects that enhance verbal and written skills.
Habitat for Humanity of the Jacksonville Beaches - $6,000
Funding will be provided for after-school programs at the Jordan and the Donner Community Centers in Atlantic Beach to provide tutoring to at-risk youth.
Micah’s Place - $5,000
Grant will fund two-day violence awareness programs in all high schools in Nassau County.
Second year grants
Women’s Center of Jacksonville - $5,000
The grant will support tutoring and small classes for women who need assistance with reading, writing, computer skills and GED preparation.
Vision is Priceless Council - $5,000
Funds will provide eyeglasses for 3-5 year olds and screen for eye diseases in disadvantaged youth.
Episcopal Children’s Services - $5,000
The grant will support the School Readiness Program at 10 child care centers in Orange Park.
Cathedral Arts Project - $5,000
Funds will provide free after-school dance programs for disadvantaged youth.
Book Source 4 Kids - $2,500
The grant will fund a reading program for 150 children from low-income African-American families.
Housing Partnership of Northeast Florida - $2,500
Funding will go toward building wheelchair ramps for low-income senior citizens, widowed women and single women with children.
The Senior Life Foundation - $2,500
The grant will support a program to help low-income seniors remain independent in their homes.
Wild Amelia Nature Festival - $1,500
Funds will support the annual celebration of the St. Johns River including guided tours, seminars and workshops.
Third year grants
The Hospitality Institute - $15,000
Funds will provide free job training for low-income, unemployed or underemployed individuals seeking entry-level positions in the hospitality industry.
The Bridge of Northeast Florida - $12,500
The grant will help support training for youth age 14-18 from low-income families who are deficient in basic literacy skills.
Comcast Family Saturdays at Tree Hill - $7,500
Funds provide weekend activities for families at Tree Hill Nature Center in Arlington.
On Campus Transitions - $4,000
The grant will help fund alternative educational opportunities for students with developmental disabilities.
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