United Way of St. Johns County Secures Transformational $650,000 Grant Over Three Years from the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund
St. Johns and Putnam County — January 2, 2024
In a momentous development, United Way of St. Johns County is pleased to announce an impactful $650,000 grant spanning the next three years from the esteemed Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund at the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. This generous contribution is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing United Way’s community initiatives.
With a remarkable history of 65 years dedicated to altruism and philanthropy, Delores Barr Weaver, along with her husband Wayne, has left an indelible mark on Northeast Florida since 1995 when they became owners of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Mark LeMaire, CEO of United Way of St. Johns County, expressed, “We are so grateful for this funding partnership. This gift will move our United Way forward in advancing our mission to create greater Health, Education, and Financial Stability for our neighbors.”
The funding will specifically enable United Way to expand its Real Sense Free Tax Program, initiate a Scholastic Book literacy program in Putnam County, and encourage greater philanthropy in the community.
“Having been a supporter of the United Way movement for many years, I am pleased now to support the work that is happening in St Johns and Putnam Counties through United Way of St Johns,” said Delores Barr Weaver. “I do appreciate the three community priorities of helping neighbors improve their Health, Education, and Financial Stability. My hope for United Way is that this gift helps draw in even greater community support, expand their programs, and ultimately improve people’s lives.”
United Way extends profound gratitude to Delores Barr Weaver for this partnership and her enduring support and transformative contributions to the community. This grant signifies a substantial leap forward in achieving lasting change and fostering a stronger, more vibrant community.
“Delores Barr Weaver’s generosity knows no bounds, and her commitment to uplifting and advancing our community is truly commendable. This grant will significantly strengthen our ability to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families in St. Johns AND Putnam County,” said Joe Pickens, Board Chair of United Way of St. Johns County.
Combined with Mrs. Weaver’s recent endowed gift and student mental health challenge grant, the total impact of Delores Barr Weaver’s recent gift commitments amounts to $1M over the last 12 months.
If you are interested in joining Delores Barr Weaver in making an endowed gift of any size to United Way of St. Johns, contact Mark LeMaire at mark.lemaire@unitedway-sjc.org or call 904-829-0721.
For more information on United Way of St. Johns, visit unitedway-sjc.org or follow @unitedwaysjc on social media.
About the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund:
The Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida was created by Delores Barr Weaver in 2015 as the natural evolution of the Delores Barr Weaver Fund, which has awarded more than $86 million in grants since she created it in 2012. She also provides separate, annual support to 20 local, non-profit organizations for their annual fundraising events through the Delores Barr Weaver Forever Event Fund. Like the Delores Barr Weaver Fund, the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund’s purpose is to provide grants to nonprofit organizations that do work she has supported over many years and to encourage others to do so as well. Mrs. Weaver has an extraordinary legacy of philanthropy, and she has provided transformative support to dozens of nonprofit organizations that uplift, enlighten, and advance our community.
About United Way of St. Johns County:
United Way of St. Johns County (UWSJC) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives and creating lasting change in the community. Through strategic initiatives, partnerships, and community engagement, UWSJC focuses on promoting health, education, and financial stability for all residents. Guided by passionate leaders, UWSJC remains committed to building a brighter future for individuals and families in St. Johns and Putnam counties.
