The Jacksonville Public Education Fund and the Community First Cares Foundation launched an expanded classroom grant program in 2021 to provide $50,000 in grants to support critical work for students during a challenging new school year. The partnership is the largest grant program of its kind for both organizations, who have worked together on several similar grant programs in the past few years. 

Teachers who work in Title I traditional and charter public schools in Duval County were eligible to apply for funds to support creative problem-solving projects that can create a warm, loving environment for students and drive student achievement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The YMCA of Florida’s First Coast and Community First CARES Foundation, the nonprofit philanthropic arm of Community First Credit Union, have launched an initiative to strengthen before and afterschool programs for youth across select Jacksonville communities.

The $40,000 donation from Community First, the single largest financial contribution in the organization’s history, will support academic tutors, translators, program supplies, nutritional snacks and transportation for children and families utilizing the Y’s signature child care program.