OURMISSION
Our mission is to address issues affecting African American children and families, by investing in programs and services that create a strong foundation for children to thrive long-term.
OURVISION
Our vision is to transform African American communities, one child at a time.
OURIMPACT
We invest in services, programs and organizations that focus on impacting the underlying issues affecting African American children and families.
During the pandemic Jack and Jill Foundation raised over 3 million dollars to support nonprofits in local communities. Providing access to vital educational programs to children from underprivileged communities would not be possible without donations. Among the uses of the money raised are: $10,000 to help kids in southeast DC study archaeology and $600,000 was provided in college grants to help 1,000 students stay in school.
Our Philanthropic Focus Areas
African American Families | Education | Health & Wellness
There’s a real need in African American communities for a concentrated focus on root cause issues affecting long-term outcomes for African American children.
We are committed to supporting services, programs and organizations that address underlying causes of social problems affecting African American communities, families and ultimately children.
Here are some of the statistics that caused us to act with a sense of urgency:
AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILIES
Statistics are for African American children
Source: Kids Count
EDUCATION
Statistics are for African American students
U.S. Department of Education’s Civil Rights Data Collection
HEALTH
Statistics are for African American students
Source: Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics
There are 22 colleges participating in
the HBCU College GAP Fund
Jack and Jill Foundation has invested in 1,200 students since 2019
“The recipients of the JJ College GAP Fund are so deserving of this assistance. They are bright talented students that are at the brink of graduation with a small unmet financial need. We don’t just offer this financial relief as an incentive – rather, it’s more of a necessity, providing students with this financial support necessary to cross the finish line.” – Pier Blake, Executive Director
Every year, college students are unable to graduate because of small unpaid bills, ultimately dropping from their courses and leaving school without a degree. Some go home to a minimum wage job (if a job at all) to now paying off student loan debt. The JJ College GAP Fund isn’t new, however it is a new collaboration with Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and Jack and Jill of America Foundation to intervene and provide a lifeline for students during this critical time of expected graduation. Students do not need to write another essay or look for another UNFORGIVEN loan. They will just need to show up to class, and the remaining bill is “PAID IN FULL”. The goal is to establish a collaborative $2 Million Dollar Scholarship Endowment over a 10-year period (Foundation will raise and/or match $100,000 annually) for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This restricted endowment meets the charitable goals of the Foundation to make a lasting impact in the lives of deserving students at HBCUs. Jack and Jill Foundation is recognized as a public charity under IRS 501(c)(3) requirements for a charitable organization and all contributions are eligible to receive a tax-deduction in accordance with IRS Code section 170.
SUCCESS STORIES
The Jack and Jill of America Foundation's financial support has helped the Greene Scholars Program (GSP) build Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) confidence and competence in youth of African ancestry the San Francisco Bay Area, California. This grant has helped provide hands-on enrichment in science and math and has helped cultivate diversity in future STEM careers for 171 students in grades 3-12 during our 2022-23 program year.
Tasha Castañeda
During these tough and unprecedented times, affordable mental health has become a commodity that should not be ignored. The Jack and Jill grant has helped numerous students of various demographics throughout our community who are struggling mentally and financially to get the help they need without having to worry about finances. When I offer the grant to clients over the phone, I have had an overwhelming response of gratitude and I can sense the relief in the client's voice once they realize that they can afford to get mental help.
I have had clients be brought to tears when they realize that they can get the help they need without having to sacrifice their limited income. The Jack and Jill grant also removed the barrier to entry for minority groups seeking mental help and as a minority female myself, this has personally impacted me in a positive way, and I will forever be grateful to be allowed the opportunity to build strength in my community.
Caitlin Caldwell-Gates
The Jack and Jill of America Foundation has provided Young Women's Preparatory Network the much-needed support to guide Houston-area girls to and through college. Our programs have been able to support both high school students and collegiates. With the help of JJOAF, students in our programs have earned over $6MM in merit-based scholarships and 66% of our alumnae have earned a bachelor's degree.
Tiphany B.
Sanctuary of Hope
Los Angeles, CA
Baltimore Youth Alliance
Baltimore, MD
SEM STEM
Atlanta, GA
SAVE THE DATE
2023-2024 GRANT PROGRAM
The Foundation grant application portal opens on January 1st. The grant application portal closes on March 15th. No grant applications are accepted after March 15th 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
JACK AND JILL FOUNDATION AWARDS TWO NEW ORLEANS LEADERS IN EDUCATION WITH TRAILBLAZER AWARD DURING 55TH ANNUAL MEETING
NEW ORLEANS, LA–– Jack and Jill Foundation hosted its 55th Annual Meeting in New Orleans for the first time in its existence, and the board awarded the first ever Trailblazer Awards to two local education leaders. The awards were given to STEM NOLA Founder Dr. Calvin Mackie and Dillard University President Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough…
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jack and Jill Foundation Supports Mental Health
We are mourning with the University of Virginia community as well as the entire Black community after the deadly shooting that took the lives of three young Black men, Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis and D’Sean Perry. Our deepest condolences are with the families and friends of those killed, as well as with the family and friends of those injured, Michael Hollins, Jr. and Marlee Morgan…