2024 Investments
The Community Changemaker Fund team extends our sincere gratitude to all the Palm Beach County-based changemakers who shared their ideas about how to continue to grow a culture of health in Palm Beach County. We received an unprecedented 288 applications from nonprofits, small businesses, and individuals passionate about making a positive impact in their communities. The review team consisted of 10 community changemakers who were individually paired with 10 Palm Beach County-based grantmakers. All the reviewers were inspired by the ideas shared and the thoughtful contributions individuals hope to make and are making throughout the county.
As a result, we received 288 applications from individuals, small businesses, and nonprofits with operating budgets under $500,000 showcasing ideas about how to continue to grow a culture of health in their neighborhoods, communities, and institutions.
Ten grantmakers were paired with 10 community changemakers to review grants which resulted in 21 awards (4 individuals, 5 small businesses, 12 nonprofit organizations) totaling $186,580. Contributing to the impact of this process, in the coming months, all applicants will be invited to engage with the growing community and network of changemakers eager to make differences in their communities alongside systems and funders. Be on the lookout for opportunities to gather, network and learn to advance your ideas and further develop your set of tools and skills.
The Community Changemaker Fund marks the beginning of the next chapter in our journey for better health. It's all about connecting with the heart of Palm Beach County, deepening our understanding, and expanding what makes us great – a culture of health and well-being that's as diverse as we are. This Fund is our way of embracing every unique way we 'health,' meeting people right where they are, in the spaces and styles that resonate with them.
Meet the Awardees
Nonprofit with operating budget $250,000 and under
The Survivor's Circle is a monthly support group for individuals living with Lupus and other chronic illnesses. Information will be shared about the common side effects and complications, inspiration from survivors, various tips, and group activities to support mental and physical health.
Common Ground Community Development will be promoting mental wellbeing, and enhancing creativity and self-expression. by providing an outlet for individuals to explore their creativity and express themselves through various music and art forms, and fostering social connections and community engagement through art and music projects.
Connect to Greatness will be providing Lunch Box Talks aiming to disrupt and change the dynamic between Black/African American boys and academic achievement and success in life.
Sojourners attend various community events, host monthly free breast screenings, and will also start up educational sessions, both virtual and in-person, for individuals who lack knowledge on breast health and proactive measures for early detection screening programs.
The Bridging Families on the Cancer Journey program will provide emotional support to help survivors cope with the challenges of cancer, such as anxiety, depression, and fear. Provide educational workshops, Increase social support, raise awareness, and connect survivors with resources and services to help to ensure that everyone has access to quality cancer care, regardless of their income or insurance status.
Life After Dialysis Inc. hosts monthly support groups for those living with kidney disease, those on kidney hemodialysis and recipients of kidney transplants.
The program aims to enhance the mental well-being of veteran participants by reducing symptoms of mental illness and increasing self-awareness and mindfulness. Feedback from participants indicates positive outcomes, including reduced anxiety, improved mood, and strengthened social bonds with both horses and fellow veterans.
Nonprofit with operating budget $250,001 to $500,000
Back to Basics programs are designed to encourage students to attend school with an attitude towards learning. By eliminating the bias that arise from fashion clothing, students can focus on learning.
This project will address the factors that lead to community violence and work toward making Palm Beach County safer. Keeping youth free and alive through age 25 is the organization’s most significant goal.
This project aims to educate individuals about the shared history of the African Diaspora, empowering them with a deeper understanding and fostering self-confidence while challenging narratives that marginalize certain ethnic groups in America.
Mindfulness Club is an innovative way to teach high school students to train the mind and fill the heart. We teach teens about wise decision-making, and we practice healthy relationship maintenance.
The Wage Theft Prevention Program aims to bring education and tools to prevent wage theft and offer hope and a path of potential recovery for those who have been victims of this crime.
For-profit Small Business
Queens Justice Holistic Services aims to mprove maternal mortality rates as well as improved mental and physical health. While also utilizing support groups linking participants to by the community resources that they were unaware of.
The mission is to empower leaders and community health workers with the knowledge, skills, and resources to foster mental health acceptance, improve access to support, and reduce stigma and disparities within our community.
The goal is to reduce mortality rates, reduce re-hospitalization, bring dignity and provide quality of life for our vulnerable populations of underserved elderly and homebound residents.
Soul Movement provides students with an opportunity to learn valuable coping mechanisms that can positively impact their mental and emotional health, but it will also help to create a more supportive community within their dance community.
The Legal Lifelines for Fathers series will positively impact the lives of Palm Beach County residents as it will empower fathers to advocate for their right to be in the lives of their children.
Individual
Cynthia's project seeks to facilitate the inclusion of resident voices in decision-making processes and encourage greater community involvement in effecting change.
Gaynelle's project aims to empower individuals in SUD recovery and their families by offering a safe outlet for self-expression through movement and dance, fostering social connection and countering the isolation often experienced due to stigma.
Youth Sports Media Academy, will establish a dynamic Youth Sports Media Academy dedicated to showcasing the talents, aspirations, and stories of young athletes in the communities.
Julia's project aims to offer Communication & Conflict skills classes to enhance the mental and relational health of community residents, especially benefiting families with young children, while also providing transferable skills for workplace relationships and potentially lowering community tensions.