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OUR
MISSION

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.

OUR
VISION

Our vision is to transform African American communities, one child at a time.

OUR
IMPACT

We invest in services, programs and organizations that focus on impacting the underlying issues affecting African American children and families.

Jack and Jill Foundation: Featured on NBC Washington "Working 4 You" News segment

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.

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WHY IT MATTERS

Here are some of the statistics that caused us to act with a sense of urgency:

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AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILIES

24 Million children live in single-parent households
14 Million children live in poverty

Statistics are for African American children
Source: Kids Count

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EDUCATION

4.2 Million children (3-4 yrs.) not in school
65% of Eighth-graders not proficient in math

Statistics are for African American students
U.S. Department of Education’s Civil Rights Data Collection

health-3

HEALTH

3.2 Million children without health insurance
1.1 Million teens abuse alcohol or drugs

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

  • Bennett College
  • Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
  • Shaw University
  • Coppin State University
  • Jackson State University
  • University of the District of Columbia
  • Dillard University
  • Grambling State University
  • Langston University
  • Xavier University
  • Philander Smith College
  • Prairie View A&M University
  • Southern University

“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.

SanctuaryofHope
A youth development organization that is dedicated to serving Transition Age Youth, ages 16-25. Our primary mission is to provide a caring and multi-cultural approach to services that will help young adults become self-sufficient and lead prosperous lives. The Inglewood Chapter built a Reading Corner to provide a safe reading space to increase the literacy and reading proficiency of children and families that utilize services from our partner organization, Sanctuary of Hope such as Sanctuary’s iParent Program. The iParent program provides supportive services to families experiencing homelessness who desire to build resiliency and prepare for their educational success.
Sanctuary of Hope
Los Angeles, CA
Baltimore Youth Alliance
Baltimore Youth Alliance was established in 1994 to improve the academic and professional performance of disadvantaged African American students in Baltimore City and surrounding counties. Mission: is to motivate African American students to provide academic testing strategies for college readiness. The driving force behind this organization was the recognition that there was approx. 80% of African American students in Baltimore City who will graduate high school and won’t be eligible to enter a four-year college or university.
Baltimore Youth Alliance
Baltimore, MD
JJCRM
Science, Engineering and Mathematics Link, Inc. (SEM Link) features student achievement and career exploration in math and science. Mission: is to promote student achievement and career exploration in math and science while increasing student exposure to the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) communities. Our two core programs, Experimental Design Program and Math and Science Career Academy, enhance the STEM educational experience for K-12 students by providing them with opportunities to engage in hands-on STEM activities, explore STEM careers and learn about real-world applications of STEM.
SEM STEM
Atlanta, GA
NEWS & EVENTS

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…

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