Our Impact
A.L. Lewis Black Opportunity & Impact Fund
2025 Large Grant Application is Closed
The A.L. Lewis Black Opportunity & Impact Fund supports nonprofit organizations and programs/projects working within underserved neighborhoods in Duval County.
Top row, left to right: Glenn Holmes, Cleve Warren, Joe Louis Barrow, Martha Baker, Ronnie King, Judge Brian J. Davis, Isaiah M. Oliver (President of The Community Foundation); Bottom row, left to right: Wanda Willis, Nicole Thomas, Carol Alexander, Timothy Johnson, Dr. Diana Greene, Velma Monteiro-Tribble, Dr. Atiya Abdelmalik
A Legacy in Motion
Abraham Lincoln Lewis was a local entrepreneur, humanitarian and philanthropist who became Florida’s first African-American millionaire. Over his lifetime, he established many businesses, and founded American Beach to strengthen Black communities. Today, his vision and legacy continue with the A.L. Lewis Black Opportunity & Impact Fund. Anyone can join this collective giving initiative with an annual membership of $1,500. The fund also accepts donations from the public in support of its grantmaking.
A.L. Lewis Fund Impact
Since its inception in 2022, the A.L. Lewis Fund has made about $380,000 in grants through a series of large grants as well as small grants to benefit grassroots organizations. It has also hosted powerful community conversations with inspirational leaders, which have served to further enhance its grantmaking power. Funding has benefitted Fruit of Barren Trees Pipeline, Kappa Alpha Psi Jacksonville Foundation, and LISC Jacksonville, among many others. Learn more about the work of the Fund and a recognition of its supporters in our 2022-2025 Report.
Igniting Transformational Change
Established by 22 community stewards in 2022, the A.L. Lewis Black Opportunity & Impact Fund is the first of its kind in Northeast Florida. This giving circle works to achieve enduring change in three focus areas to strengthen Black neighborhoods and the organizations that serve them.
Economic Development
Education
Healthcare
More about the A.L. Lewis Fund's Grantmaking
Nonprofits may learn about grant funding through the A.L. Lewis Fund through the grantseeker section of The Community Foundation’s website. When grants are open, applicants will find details about the grant schedule, eligibility, and more. Grants are decided by the membership of the A.L. Lewis Fund.
“‘When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.’ {African proverb} That’s what philanthropy is about. We brought with us the tradition of being of service to others.”
– Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, great-granddaughter of A.L. Lewis
Here to Help
For more information, contact:
