Don and Mary Blair. PHOTO BY JOSHUA KODIS

John’s Island Foundation board members lauded its donors at a cocktail reception at the John’s Island Club to thank them for contributions that enable grants to local nonprofits for capital expenditures, such as construction expenses, vans, equipment and furnishings.

Don Blair, JIF president, said that over the past six years, the foundation has set new records for fundraising and capital investments.

This year, the JI Foundation granted an impressive $1,697,551 to 26 agencies, 21.5 percent more than last year, including $1,056,867 in core grants, $600,000 in McCabe Leadership Grants, and $40,684 in accelerated grants.

“Since our inception 24 years ago, we’ve invested over $15 million in capital support for local nonprofits. Capital funding is essential to build their capacity to serve,” said Blair.

Recently they have provided accelerated grants to address urgent needs, and leadership grants to significantly impact such critical issues as homelessness and a lack of affordable housing.

Leadership grants included $500,000 toward the Hope for Families Center expansion, and $100,000 to Habitat for Humanity to fund critical home repairs.

In a video presentation, several nonprofit representatives spoke of the grants’ impact.

“I can’t express how grateful we are for the John’s Island Foundation. Without this type of support, without these capital improvements, there is no way we could do what we do,” said Phil Barnes, executive director of the Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy, which provides mentoring, a pre-apprenticeship program and a new parent aid program.

“The John’s Island Foundation has been so generous to us over the years. We couldn’t run our business without what they do for us,” said Karen Deigl, CEO of the Senior Resource Association, which offers numerous senior services and community-wide transportation.

“The John’s Island Foundation has been phenomenal, not only for the Arc, but the community at large,” said Heather Dales, CEO of the Arc of Indian River County, which provides a continuum of care to special needs individuals.

“Just in the last few years, they’ve helped us by providing funding for a new house, window replacement for impact windows, and a pavilion project. It helps us provide the building blocks for tomorrow.”

“Together, we are making a difference,” said Blair.

For more information, visit JohnsIslandFoundation.org.

Photos by Joshua Kodis