Four local nonprofits received grants totaling $115,000 in late September to expand youth programs that blend athletics and academics through a new collaboration of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, the Heisman Trophy Trust and the New York Community Trust.
The Heisman Trophy Trust’s mission is to grow the legacy and preserve the integrity of the Heisman Memorial Trophy, which is annually awarded to the outstanding college football player in the U.S.
The grants awarded in September are Heisman’s first to benefit Florida.
“The Heisman Trophy Trust is proud to further expand our support in the South and partner with The Community Foundation of Northeast Florida,” said Michael Comerford, Heisman Trophy Trust president, in a news release.
“Our mission has always been to ensure that the values of discipline, teamwork, and leadership learned on the field translate into lifelong success off the field. By investing in these programs, we are helping to level the playing field and create greater opportunities for youth across the region. We look forward to building on this momentum and making a lasting impact in Florida for years to come.”
The MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation received $40,000 to expand coaching and tutoring staff for after-school and summer opportunities serving students in the nonprofit’s Jacksonville-based tennis programs.
The Police Athletic League of Jacksonville received $40,000 to expand academic support for students in JaxPAL’s after-school academic and sports programming and provide additional scholarships for participation in competitive sports.
Game Face 4:13 Training Academy received a $20,000 grant to use basketball as a motivator to help children in Jacksonville’s Arlington neighborhood develop educationally, physically and spiritually.
The Protential Foundation received $15,000 to expand by 20% the number of youth served in its program, which enhances literacy proficiency and in partnership with Ancient City Soccer Club provides scholarships and developmental pathways to children from underserved communities in St. Johns County.
“These grants represent a meaningful step toward equalizing the playing field through greater access and exposure to sports in underserved communities,” said Roderick Jenkins, the trust’s senior program director for youth and workforce development.
“The lessons learned on the field – discipline, focus, teamwork, and leadership – will benefit these kids off the field and throughout their lives.”
The Heisman Trophy Youth Development Fund is a donor-advised fund housed at the New York Community Trust.
It has awarded more than $10 million in grants benefiting more than 100,000 young people in seven locations around the country.