JACKSONVILLE, Florida – November 6, 2025 – The Beaches Community Fund, a collective giving initiative of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, has awarded $55,000 in emergency grants to three nonprofit organizations working to combat food insecurity in Beaches neighborhoods from Mayport to Guana.
The grants respond to urgent needs stemming from the recent U.S. government shutdown, which has led to furloughs for federal workers and suspended SNAP benefits. The Fund’s members, who have long focused on supporting basic needs, decided to support trusted partners already addressing the crisis with the following grants:
- Blessings in a Backpack – $15,000
- BEAM (Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry) – $20,000
- Feeding Northeast Florida – $20,000
“Over the years, our grants committee has built strong relationships with nonprofits and developed a deep understanding of community needs,” said Dr. David Loeb, a Fund member. “That long-term commitment allowed us to respond rapidly.”
With these emergency grants, the Beaches Community Fund has now awarded $374,000 in total grants for 2025. Applications for 2026 grant funding will open later this month.
Since its founding in 2015, the Fund has invested more than $2.5 million in nonprofit organizations serving the Beaches area. Today, more than 35 families participate in the collective giving circle, pooling resources to support Beaches-focused nonprofits. New members are welcome to join with an annual contribution of $10,000 that supports grantmaking and operations.
About The Beaches Community Fund
The Beaches Community Fund was established in 2015 by charitable Beaches-area families to address concerns about the issues affecting their neighbors between Mayport and Guana. Beaches Community Fund participants pool their charitable dollars to support basic needs, making more than $2.5 million in grants since inception. To learn more: www.jaxcf.org/beaches or contact Wanda Willis, VP of Civic Leadership, at wwillis@jaxcf.org, or 904-356-4483.
About The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida
The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida (www.jaxcf.org), Florida’s oldest and one of its largest community foundations, works to stimulate philanthropy to build a better community. The Foundation helps donors invest their philanthropic gifts wisely, helps nonprofits serve the region effectively, and helps people come together to make the community a better place. Now in its 61st year, the Foundation manages more than $750 million in assets and has made more than $850 million in grants since inception.
###
Contact: Stephanie Garry Garfunkel
VP, Strategic Communications
904—356—4483 | sgarfunkel@jaxcf.org