Groundwork Jacksonville is the recipient of a $1 million grant from the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Funds in conjunction with the J. Wayne Weaver Fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. The largest single private donation in the organization’s 10-year history, the grant will fund the lead sponsorship of the Emerald Trail Riverside Link, segment 3.
The donation is part of Delores Barr Weaver’s Legacy 2024 grantmaking plan which included a $61 million contribution to her donor-advised fund at The Community Foundation, the largest in the foundation’s history.
Groundwork Jacksonville is one of several local charities benefiting from the historic philanthropic gift which focused on grantmaking to causes and selected nonprofits Weaver has supported for many years. Previously, Weaver contributed nearly $60,000 toward the McCoys Creek restoration design, and $250,000 for the Emerald Trail LaVilla Link.
“Groundwork Jacksonville is grateful to be among the beneficiaries of the Weavers’ generous commitment to improving our community and the lives of our residents. The positive impact they are making with these gifts will be felt for generations,” said Kay Ehas, CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville.
The Groundwork grant will fund the design of segment three, the Riverside Link. According to Ehas, “This grant enables Groundwork Jacksonville to maintain the tremendous momentum we have established in building the Emerald Trail.”
“Investing in projects like the Emerald Trail ensures that people in the surrounding neighborhoods are included in the quality-of-life benefits that result from this important work,” said Delores Barr Weaver. “For me, it is gratifying to see the entirety of the Riverside area benefit from this Emerald Trail link.”
“This grant is a wonderful continuation of the work Mrs. Weaver has done in Riverside including the restoration of the historic John Gorrie High School into residences and her support of the John Gorrie Dog Park which the Emerald Trail Riverside Link will connect to. Her legacy in Jacksonville – and in Riverside – is indelible,” added Ehas.
About the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Funds
Delores Barr Weaver has an extraordinary legacy of philanthropy in Northeast Florida since moving to Jacksonville as co-owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1993. Since her historic gift of $50 million in 2012 establishing the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund, she has partnered with The Community Foundation on her philanthropy through numerous, multi-million-dollar gifts, including the Foundation’s largest-ever gift of $61 million in 2023. She has established designated funds for more than four dozen nonprofits, including 20 that receive ongoing annual support through the Delores Barr Weaver Forever Event Fund, est. 2015. Today, her grantmaking exceeds $209 million, with support for more than 300 organizations in Northeast Florida and beyond.
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 60th year, the Foundation manages more than $650 million in assets as of 12/31/2023 and has made more than $750 million in grants since inception.
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