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Mission of the Foundation
To fund high impact projects that build healthy communities by improving our educational system, enhancing financial literacy and supporting programs that improve the quality of life on the First Coast.

Jacksonville Public Education Fund
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.
St. Johns County Educational Foundation
In partnership with the Community First Cares Foundation, the Champions for Children program accepted applications for unique and original classroom projects. Selected projects were awarded $1,000 or more for teachers’ classrooms. In total, INK! has received $52,000 in grants for local teachers and students from partners Beaver Toyota St. Augustine and Community First Cares Foundation.
Educational items requested include supplies and tools in technology, computers, student materials, books, art and music, furniture, gardening, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), among others. These grants will enhance financial literacy and help build healthy communities by improving the educational system in our area.

First Coast YMCA
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.
Together we can make a difference.
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