As part of Mayo Clinic’s commitment to community well-being and addressing barriers to social determinants of health, Mayo Clinic in Florida awarded nearly $360,000 in grants through its Community Contributions Grants program. This investment will support 32 local organizations and programs dedicated to addressing pressing health needs in Northeast Florida, including access to care, chronic disease management, mental health, senior isolation, food insecurity and cancer support.

The grants align with priorities stemming from the Northeast Florida Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), a comprehensive study conducted by the Jacksonville Nonprofit Hospital Partnership every three years. This assessment identifies the most urgent health issues faced by the community, guiding Mayo Clinic’s funding decisions to ensure they have the greatest impact.

"Mayo Clinic is honored to support and fund these 32 community-based and community-directed programs with these grants and to be in alignment with the community health needs assessment and with all of the extraordinary community members who have demonstrated their commitment to improving the health and health outcomes in our community," says Dr. Maisha Robinson, chair of the Community Relations Committee at Mayo Clinic in Florida.

The grants are focused on these critical areas:

• Access to Healthcare: Ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the means to reach essential services.
• Chronic Disease Management: Supporting programs that help people manage and overcome long-term health conditions.
• Mental Health: Providing resources and support for those struggling with mental health challenges, offering hope and recovery.
• Cancer Care: Advancing efforts in cancer prevention, treatment, and support for patients and their families.

Among the organizations benefiting from these grants are:

2nd Mile Ministries
Program: As We Gather (Senior Social Isolation and Loneliness Prevention) Program

American Heart Association Inc.
Program: Empowering Safety Net Clinics to Combat Chronic Disease in Northeast Florida

American National Red Cross
Program: Advancing our Sickle Cell Initiative in 2024: Diversifying our Blood Donor Base and Sickle Cell Education in Northeast Florida

Barnabas Center Inc.
Program: Food for Healthy Living initiative

Beyond 90 Inc.
Program: Helping Refugees Access Essential Healthcare

Cathedral Arts Project Inc.
Program: Arts Affirmation: Creative Arts Counseling for Youth

Empowerment Media Inc.
Program: Two at a Time Project Funding

Goodwill Industries of North Florida Inc.
Program: The Corner at Debs Store Startup

"Your generous donation is more than just a gift — it's a lifeline for those facing barriers throughout our community. Because of Mayo Clinic, The Corner at Debs Store will provide nourishment and hope to those in need in the Historic Out East community for decades to come. Thank you for making a meaningful impact in the lives of so many," says David Rey, CEO of Goodwill Industries of North Florida.

Hart Felt Ministries Inc.
Program: Transportation Program: Improving Access to Medical Care and Groceries

Here Tomorrow Inc.
Program: National Suicide Prevention Month Funded Therapy Program

Hope Haven Association
Program:  HOPE for the GAP: Financial Assistance for Children with Special Needs Requiring Specialized Services

Interchurch Coalition for Action Reconciliation and Empowerment
Program: ICARE Mental Health Project

Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network Inc.
Program: Mental Health Enhancement Project (MHEP)

Jacksonville Speech and Hearing Center Inc.
Program: Tinnitus Treatment Program

Jacksonville University
Program: Men Matters: The Implementation of an Eight-Week Wellness Group for Men

Jax Hope Inc.
Program: Enhancing Resource Accessibility: Redesigning the "JAX Hope for Parkinson's Disease" Website

Jewish Family and Community Services
Program: Bridging the Gap Program

Kim's Open Door Inc.
Program: International After-School and Summer Academy Music/Reading Literacy Program

Lift Jax Inc.
Program: Health Access Navigator and Health Access Point for Jacksonville's Historic Eastside

Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida Inc.
Program: Refugee Dental Care

MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation Inc.
Program: Mental Health and Behavioral Support Activities

Operation New Hope
Program: Ready4Work Program Support

Pie In the Sky Community Alliance Inc.
Program: Senior Produce Program

Pine Castle Inc.
Program: Preventing Social Isolation for Adults with IDD Program

Gabriel House of Care
Program: Community of Healing and Integrative Therapy Program

The ARC Jacksonville Inc.
Program: Dementia Capable Community Home

The Way Free Medical Clinic Inc.
Program: ClayPASS: Coordinated Free Medical Care Initiative

"We are so grateful to Mayo Clinic for its support of our ClayPASS medical care coordination program for low-income, uninsured Clay County residents. With proper navigation of patients to free medical care, the organization is positioned to double the number of patients receiving free medical care over the next three years and reduce unnecessary hospital utilization, saving the healthcare system significant resources," says Don Fann, executive director of The Way Free Medical Clinic Inc.

The Young Men's Christian Association of Florida's First
Program: LiveSTRONG at the Y

United Way of Northeast Florida
Program: Ride United Transportation Access (RUTA) Program

Volunteers in Medicine Jacksonville
Program: Medical Care for Low-Income Working Adults with Diabetes

We Care Jacksonville Inc.
Program: Wrap-Around Services and Case Management Support for Uninsured Neighbors with Complex Conditions

Yoga 4 Change Inc.
Program: Health and Wellness Resources through Trauma-Informed Yoga

Mayo Clinic receives Outstanding Foundation Award on National Philanthropy Day

On Nov. 7, Mayo Clinic in Florida received the Outstanding Foundation Award at the First Coast Association of Fundraising Professionals National Philanthropy Day Luncheon. Mayo Clinic was nominated by Sulzbacher for its commitment to the community by providing essential health resources, time and services to the community across Northeast Florida. This award reflects Mayo staff's dedication and commitment to making a difference beyond the hospital walls and Mayo's deep-rooted collaborative efforts with community organizations. 

Mayo Clinic is steadfast in its mission to be a positive force in the community. Mayo Clinic believes that caring for patients means caring for communities. Mayo staff share their time and expertise by volunteering both within the clinics and in local neighborhoods, making a real impact.  

About Mayo Clinic's Community Contributions Grants

At Mayo Clinic, giving back is more than just a corporate responsibility; it is a reflection of Mayo's values and mission. Through the Community Contributions Grants program, Mayo Clinic aims to strengthen the community by supporting initiatives that align with Mayo's core objectives and address the needs identified by the Community Health Needs Assessment.

The Community Engagement Committee, a diverse group of Mayo Clinic team members, carefully reviews grant applications to ensure that funding supports programs with a meaningful impact. Organizations can apply for grants twice each year, allowing Mayo Clinic to continually support evolving community needs.

Learn More

To learn more about Mayo Clinic's Community Contributions Grants, visit Mayo Clinic in Florida Community Relations.

To learn more about the work that Mayo Clinic is doing in Northeast Florida, visit the 2023 Community Impact Report. Direct questions to the Florida Community Engagement team.

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