Groundwork Jacksonville Receives $1 Million Grant

[thelakelander]

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.

https://www.groundworkjacksonville.org/groundwork-jacksonville-receives-1-million-grant/