News & Stories

Martin Harrell’s ‘aha!’ moment about giving back came as a youngster, when he saw his grandparents’ name on a stained-glass window in a small community chapel in Amelia Island.

Those who appreciate the music of Northeast Florida’s pipe organs have long benefited from the devotion and expertise of John Parkyn. In his estate plan, Parkyn created a series of funds at The Community Foundation to ensure support for local church organs in perpetuity, thanks to some smart investments, including in Apple stock.

J. Shepard “Shep” and Mary Ann Bryan loved Jacksonville, where they raised their five children, developed deep and abiding friendships, and prospered. For Shep, the act of giving back was an imperative inspired by his Christian faith. Mary Ann was an artist herself, who expressed the beauty and complexity of life through her work.

Each year, The Community Foundation makes about $2 million in Foundation-directed grants to nonprofits in Northeast Florida, overseen by staff and the Program & Initiatives committee of the Board of Trustees.