As part of Mayo Clinic's commitment to community well-being and addressing barriers to social determinants of health, Mayo Clinic in Florida awarded over $359,770 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, 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 Maisha Robinson, M.D., chair of the Community Relations Committee at Mayo Clinic in Florida. 

The grants are focused on the following 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 individuals 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. 

Goodwill Industries of North Florida is among the organizations to receive funding, with a grant directed to its The Corner at Debs Store.

"Your generous donation is more than just a gift — it's a lifeline for those facing barriers throughout our community," says David Rey, CEO, Goodwill Industries of North Florida. "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."

Mayo also provided funding to The ClayPASS: Coordinated Free Medical Care Initiative at The Way Free Medical Clinic.

"We are so grateful to Mayo Clinic for its support of our ClayPASS medical care coordination program for low-income uninsured Clay County residents," says Don Fann, executive director of The Way Free Medical Clinic. "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."

See all grant recipients

Additional organizations and programs benefiting from these grants are: 

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

American Heart Association 
"Empowering Safety Net Clinics to Combat Chronic Disease in Northeast Florida"

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

Barnabas Center  
"Food for Healthy Living initiative"

Beyond 90  
Program: Helping Refugees Access Essential Healthcare 

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

Empowerment Media
Program: Two at a Time Project Funding 

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

Here Tomorrow 
Program: National Suicide Prevention Month Funded Therapy Program 

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

Interchurch Coalition for Action Reconciliation and Empowerment  
"ICARE Mental Health Project"

Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network 
"Mental Health Enhancement Project" 

Jacksonville Speech and Hearing Center
"Tinnitus Treatment Program"

Jacksonville University 
"The Implementation of an Eight-Week Wellness Group for Men" 

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

Jewish Family and Community Services 
"Bridging the Gap Program"

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

Lift Jax 
"Health Access Navigator and Health Access Point for Jacksonville's Historic Eastside" 

Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida 
"Refugee Dental Care" 

MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation 
"Mental Health and Behavioral Support Activities"

Operation New Hope  
"Ready4Work Program Support" 

Pie In the Sky Community Alliance 
"Senior Produce Program"

Pine Castle
"Preventing Social Isolation for Adults with IDD Program" 

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

The ARC Jacksonville 
"Dementia Capable Community Home" 

First Coast YMCA
"LiveSTRONG at the Y" 

United Way of Northeast Florida  
"Ride United Transportation Access Program" 

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

We Care Jacksonville
"Wrap-Around Services and Case Management Support for Uninsured Neighbors with Complex Conditions"

Yoga 4 Change 
"Health and Wellness Resources through Trauma-Informed Yoga"