The goal of Local Philanthropic is to make giving easier. One way we do this is by providing reviews of nonprofits to get a sense of how effective they are with your donation. You can hover over the “Summary” section for a quick review or click “Full Review” for a more comprehensive analysis.
We’re constantly adding to the list of reviewed charities, so please check back often!
Everyone wants their donation to be spent in the best way possible. This usually means spending more directly on the cause and less on overhead costs like administrative and fundraising expenses. We generally subscribe to this view and like to see an efficient charity, but we also believe it’s important to know they are investing in themselves and for the future. This may result in higher overhead at times, so we take a longer-term view in many cases.
Financial metrics are an important way to evaluate a charity, but we also like to see how transparent they are in their reporting and in achieving their mission. Effective leadership and governance are also critical to a charity’s success.
The basis for our reviews comes from financial documents a nonprofit must file every year. We look at audited financial statements and IRS Form 990 as main source of information. Form 990 is a document tax-exempt organizations must file annually which contains detailed financial information. We will also review the information contained on the nonprofit’s website and provide links to any relevant material.
Reviews provided here are solely the opinion of Local Philanthropic and should not be considered the final word in evaluating a nonprofit. We encourage you to do your own research before donating to any charity.
We have four ratings:
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
RECOMMEND
CAUTIOUSLY RECOMMEND
CAUTION
| NAME | CATEGORY | REVENUE | ASSETS |
REVIEW (click) |
SUMMARY (hover) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Nemours Foundation | Health & Medical | 1,073,155,000 | 1,746,257,000 | Full Review |
Summary
Nemours is one of the largest pediatric health systems in the country, primarily providing
treatment and research to help children and their families. It was founded by the estate
of the late industrialist Alfred DuPont and the DuPont Trust still provides the vast majority
of the contributions.
Nemours gets a “RECOMMEND” rating, but we think their large size limits the impact of an average-sized donation. If you are looking to make a difference, a donation of your time may have more impact than a financial donation.
RECOMMEND
|
| Baptist Health | Wolfson | Health & Medical | 989,240,000 | 1,204,181,000 | Full Review |
Summary
Baptist Health is Northeast Florida’s largest nonprofit healthcare provider, operating five hospitals (this includes Wolfson Children’s Hospital) and a network of physician offices. They describe their mission as providing accessible, quality health care services at a reasonable cost with respect and compassion.
Baptist does a lot to help the community and they spend their money efficiently. They get a “RECOMMEND” rating, but we think their large size limits the impact of an average-sized donation. If you are looking to make a difference, a donation of your time may have more impact than a financial donation. RECOMMEND
|
| Mayo Clinic Jacksonville | Health & Medical | 456,988,000 | 540,157,000 | Full Review |
Summary
The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville is one of three main hospitals operated by the Mayo organization. They are known for treating difficult cases. It is the top-ranked hospital in both Jacksonville and Florida by U.S. News & World Report. The Jacksonville clinic also ranks high nationally, while the Mayo Clinic in Rochester nabbing the top spot in the country.
Mayo is a good organization that spends its money efficiently, earning them a “RECOMMEND” rating. While a donation is always helpful, donors may find that an average-sized contribution will have a limited impact due to Mayo’s massive size. To really make a difference, a donation of your time may have more impact than a monetary donation. RECOMMEND
|
| Wounded Warrior Project | Military & Veterans | 321,807,400 | 314,207,400 | Full Review |
Summary
Wounded Warrior Project is a national charity based in Jacksonville FL that offers free programs and services to wounded military veterans. Assistance is primarily in the form of veteran counseling and athletic and educational programs. It is one of the largest veterans’ charities in the country.
They have an admiral goal of helping wounded servicemen, but they became too focused on fundraising in recent years and lost sight of this. Organizational changes were made in an effort to refocus on their mission. They seem to be on the right path, but have still have some work to do. We give them a CAUTIOUSLY RECOMMEND rating at this time. CAUTIOUSLY RECOMMEND
|
| Community Hospice of NE Florida | Health & Medical | 107,929,316 | 88,264,997 | Full Review |
Summary
Community Hospice of NE Florida provides end-of-life care for adults and children in Northeast Florida. Their mission is to improve the quality of life and be a compassionate guide for patients with advanced illness, their families, and their community. Care is provided regardless of an individual’s ability to pay.
They are a good organization that does a lot to help the community in a difficult specialty. It spends its money efficiently, earning them a “RECOMMEND” rating. Monetary contributions are always helpful, but donors can also help by donating items to their thrift stores or donating their time as a volunteer. RECOMMEND
|
| Early Learning Coalition of Duval | Children & Youth Services | 55,779,925 | 4,864,829 | Full Review |
Summary
The Early Learning Coalition of Duval offers a variety of programs and resources to help children enter kindergarten ready to read and learn, emphasizing literary skills for children who may be at risk for future school failure.
They are a good organization that does a lot to help the community in an important subject that can often be overlooked. It spends its money efficiently, earning them a “HIGHLY RECOMMEND” rating. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
|
| Family Support Services of North Florida | Children & Youth Services | 54,465,455 | 4,669,266 | Full Review |
Summary
Family Support Services of North Florida is the lead agency for foster care, adoption, and family preservation in Duval and Nassau counties. They provide services and programs to help prevent child abuse and neglect, to promote a healthy family environment, and to care for children in foster care.
They are the lead agency for a difficult subject, which can lead to some criticism – maybe some deserved, maybe not. They spend their money efficiently and we give them a “RECOMMEND” rating, but it may be easier to contribute directly to the organizations they fund. RECOMMEND
|
| Mental Health Resource Center | Health & Medical | 43,697,400 | 19,930,283 | Full Review |
Summary
The Mental Health Resource Center provides a range of behavioral health services for adults, adolescents, children, and families. Services include emergency evaluations and crisis stabilization, case management, social rehabilitation, medication management and other outpatient services.
They operate in a tough industry and we note that many negative reviews can be found online. They emphasize they are for “crisis stabilization” and cannot remedy serious problems requiring longer-term solutions that many expect. Recent and planned expansions will help in this respect. They provide a needed service and spend efficiently, so we give them a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
|
| Hope Heritage Foundation | Aid Organization | 37,852,300 | 11,087,811 | Full Review |
Summary
Hope Heritage is a NGO that describes itself as an international humanitarian agency that delivers a wide variety of relief, developmental, and empowerment services to areas of the globe hit by disaster.
They have solid numbers, both in terms of the amount of contributions, the efficiency of their spending, and the size of their volunteer corps. However, we thought we’d be able to find more information on an organization this large and with 8,000 volunteers. We’ll continue to look for more info on this organization, but for the time being we give them a “CAUTION” rating. CAUTION
|
| Feeding Northeast Florida | Community Services | 37,594,500 | 1,869,240 | Full Review |
Summary
Feeding Northeast Florida is the local Feeding America food bank, serving eight counties in the area. They work with local grocery stores, manufacturers, and farms to find high-quality food that would normally be wasted and use a network of partners to transform it into meals for those in need. In 2016, they provided 12.3 million meals to their network of social service agencies.
They are extremely efficient with their spending while providing a worthy cause. They say just $1 in donations can provide six meals, which is hard to beat. We give them a “HIGHLY RECOMMEND” rating. It is also worth looking into their numerous volunteer opportunities. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
|
| Pace Center For Girls | Children & Youth Services | 34,327,792 | 19,056,262 | Full Review |
Summary
The PACE Center for Girls is a statewide alternative school, providing education and counseling for at-risk middle- and high school-aged girls. Students also work with therapists and life-management counselors, which continue for three years after the girls leave the program to help in the transition. The organization is headquartered in Jacksonville and has 19 locations throughout the state.
This is a very good program with a high success rate and a staff that really cares about their success. They do have some high costs, but do a good job, overall. We give them a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
|
| Goodwill of North Florida | Community Services | 30,561,900 | 29,457,400 | Full Review |
Summary
Everyone knows Goodwill. They take your donations of used clothing and household items and resell them at their stores. But most people don’t know the money they raise goes to helping people with disabilities and special needs get job training and find employment. Goodwill of North Florida ranks third in the country of the overall Goodwill organization in placing people into employment.
They are a great organization that provides a needed service. Whether it is a monetary contribution or donation of a used item, we give them a “HIGHLY RECOMMEND” rating. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
|
| United Way of Northeast Florida | Community Services | 24,333,500 | 19,524,176 | Full Review |
Summary
United Way of Northeast Florida has a long history of serving the area, focusing on solutions for early education, financial stability, and healthy lifestyles. They can be thought of more as a fundraiser for other charities, since the funds they raise are then disbursed to other charities specializing in those topics.
We have mixed feelings on the United Way. They raise a lot of money that goes to charities which many not have the resources to raise the funds on their own. However, they take a lot out in overhead to do so. Because of this, we give them a “CAUTIOUSLY RECOMMEND” rating. It may be better to just give directly to the charities they support. CAUTIOUSLY RECOMMEND
|
| Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless | Community Services | 17,218,100 | 16,100,035 | Full Review |
Summary
The Sulzbacher Center is Northeast Florida’s largest provider of services for the homeless. Not only do they provide lodging 24/7/365, but also provide three meals a day, health services, and even a children’s building with programs for tutoring, arts and crafts, and music. Every client at Sulzbacher is given a case manager that helps with a transition back into the community with job placement assistance and life skills programs.
You can’t go wrong donating to the Sulzbacher Center. They provide a worthy service and their numbers look solid, to which we give a “HIGHLY RECOMMEND” rating. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
|
| Jacksonville Zoo | Animals, Environment, & Wildlife | 16,297,200 | 62,310,322 | Full Review |
Summary
The Jacksonville Zoo is considered one of the city's premiere attractions, with more than 2,000 different animals and over 1,000,000 visitors last year. It’s not just about the animals here as they are also known for their gardens, with over 1,000 different plant species on the property.
We think it’s hard to go wrong donating to the Zoo. If not a contribution, at least a visit to their park should be your “to-do” list. They are a good organization which we give a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
|
| Daniel Memorial (Daniel Kids) | Children & Youth Services | 15,426,771 | 2,652,801 | Full Review |
Summary
Daniel Memorial (or Daniel Kids) was founded in 1884 and is the oldest children’s agency in the state. They provide a variety of programs addressing child welfare, adoption, independent living, mental health, case management, and juvenile justice.
They provide a worthy, needed service. Their numbers look solid and they are a good organization, to which we give a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
|
| Catholic Charities of Jacksonville | Religious | 11,545,612 | 7,092,880 | Full Review |
Summary
Catholic Charities aims to help everyone in need, regardless of religious affiliation. Their services include: adoption programs, emergency assistance, job training, immigration services, and disability programs.
They are a well-respected organization that does a lot to help not just the religious community, but the community in general. We give them a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
|
| The Arc St Johns | Community Services | 11,545,403 | 10,755,010 | Full Review |
Summary
The Arc of the St. Johns provides services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to help them achieve their potential and participate in their community. Formed in 1972, The Arc operates two charter schools, multiple adult day programs, continuing adult education classes, residential programs and employment programs.
The Arc is a good organization with an excellent mission. Their numbers look decent, to which we give a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
|
| K9’s For Warriors | Military & Veterans | 11,076,105 | 18,118,148 | Full Review |
Summary
K9’s For Warriors provides and trains service dogs to military veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other traumas. This program trains rescue dogs for service animal work, then veterans from around the country are brought to their facility for a three-week training program where they learn to work with their new dog.
K9’s For Warriors is a very successful organization with a great mission. We give them a “HIGHLY RECOMMEND” rating. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
|
| The Arc Jacksonville | Community Services | 8,396,000 | 7,160,100 | Full Review |
Summary
The Arc Jacksonville provides services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to help them achieve their potential and participate in their community. Formed in 1965, The Arc Jacksonville offers a number of programs that serves more than 500 adults each day. They also operate The Arc Village, a 32-acre private, planned community of affordable rental homes for adults with developmental disabilities.
The Arc is a great organization that serves an excellent mission. Their numbers look solid, to which we give a “HIGHLY RECOMMEND” rating. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
|
| Jacksonville Symphony | Arts & Culture | 7,806,900 | 4,208,800 | Full Review |
Summary
The Jacksonville Symphony was founded in 1949 and is one of the country’s top regional orchestras. Last year they saw a record attendance of 255,000, which is sure to be broken this year with an expanded concert season. They are one of the few symphonies in America to have their own, dedicated concert hall, which has been described as an acoustic gem.
The Symphony is a great program and is well run. Not only do we recommend a donation, but also recommend catching a performance. We give them a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
|
| The Florida Theatre | Arts & Culture | 7,280,900 | 7,387,900 | Full Review |
Summary
Built in 1927, The Florida Theatre holds more than 200 events each year at their location in downtown Jacksonville. Events range from ballet and opera to concerts of all musical genres to comedy acts to community events. The Theatre is regarded as one of the finest concert venues in the Southeast and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Ticket sales and other revenue make up 70% of their budget; the remainder is raised through outside contributions.
The Florida Theatre is difficult to analyze like a regular nonprofit since they operate so differently. They appear to be well run, but continued modest deficits suggest the need for more donations. We give them a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
|
| Habitat for Humanity – Jacksonville | Community Services | 6,978,800 | 18,023,800 | Full Review |
Summary
Habitat for Humanity – Jacksonville (or HabiJax) is the Jacksonville affiliate of the Habitat for Humanity organization and has provided homeownership opportunities to over 2,000 families. They work with needy families to provide affordable homes, built using volunteer labor. Habitat provides the homeowners a no- or low-interest mortgage, plus offers college scholarships and tutoring in an effort to break the cycle of poverty.
Habitat for Humanity is a good organization and a worthy cause. They spend their money responsibly and we give them a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
|
| First Coast No More Homeless Pets | Animals, Environment, & Wildlife | 6,664,400 | 181,900 | Full Review |
Summary
First Coast No More Homeless Pets operates the largest spay/neuter clinic in the country. They are not a shelter – they offer low cost veterinary care to people who may not be able to afford traditional veterinary services. By offering low cost services, this keeps pets from ending up in shelters with the possibility of being killed. Formed in 2001, they complete more than 20,000 surgeries a year.
They are a good organization that provides a worthy program. We give them a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
|
| Soles4Souls (formerly Dignity U Wear) | Community Services | 5,562,400 | 5,343,300 | Full Review |
Summary
Dignity U Wear provided free new clothing to those in need. Since its founding in 2000, they provided about $160 million in clothing to over 1 million people. As of July 2017, however, Dignity U Wear was acquired by Soles4Souls, a non-profit aimed at creating sustainable jobs and providing relief through the distribution of shoes and clothing around the world.
Dignity U Wear had a great mission and a positive impact on the community. They outgrew their capabilities and were forced to seek help to have a greater impact. We give them a “CAUTIOUSLY RECOMMEND” rating – solely due to uncertainties surrounding the takeover. CAUTIOUSLY RECOMMEND
|
| Cummer Museum Foundation | Arts & Culture | 5,455,500 | 45,032,000 | Full Review |
Summary
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens largest fine arts museum in North Florida and their gardens are on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum and gardens attract 130,000 visitors annually.
Museums cannot be evaluated the same as a traditional nonprofit and normal spending ratios cannot be applied here. We believe they do a good job and your donation helps a worthy program. We give them a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
|
| Jacksonville Humane Society | Animals, Environment, & Wildlife | 5,254,700 | 21,505,600 | Full Review |
Summary
The Jacksonville Humane Society is a no-kill animal shelter that has served the area since 1885. In the past year, they found homes for over 5,500 dogs and cats and provided medical care for over 5,000 animals.
The Humane Society is a good organization and a worthy cause. They spend their money responsibly and we give them a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
|
| Boy Scouts – North Florida Council | Children & Youth Services | 4,920,000 | 8,002,800 | Full Review |
Summary
We’re all familiar with the Boy Scouts – they are one of the nation’s largest youth organizations, whose goal is instill responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a range of outdoor activities, educational programs, and career-oriented programs. The North Florida Council covers 17 counties in northeast Florida, serving over 40,000 scouts.
The Boy Scouts are a popular youth organization that does a good job serving their mission. Their admin costs are low, but fundraising costs are a bit high. We give them a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
|
| Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida | Children & Youth Services | 4,388,500 | 4,590,400 | Full Review |
Summary
Formed in 1966, Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida provides after-school programs to disadvantaged youths to help develop the qualities they need to gain skills, experience positive peer influence, and improve their academic success. They serve over 5,000 students in their 25 sites throughout Duval and St. Johns counties. They acquired two nonprofits with similar missions in the last year to expand their operations.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida is a respected organization with a great mission. The large acquisitions recently undertaken make it difficult for us to evaluate at this time, so we give them a “CAUTIOUSLY RECOMMEND” rating – solely due to uncertainties this has created. CAUTIOUSLY RECOMMEND
|
| Tom Coughlin Jay Fund | Public Figure or Organization | 4,251,082 | 17,322,557 | Full Review |
Summary
The Jay Fund was founded by legendary football coach Tom Coughlin to help families with children battling cancer. The primary mission provides financial assistance to families, helping cover basic living expenses. The fund also provides emotional support to the children through parties and events, as well as activities at the hospitals to create a positive atmosphere.
The Jay Fund is a solid organization with an admirable mission. We give them a “STRONGLY RECOMMEND” rating. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
|
| Hubbard House | Community Services | 4,026,100 | 8,315,100 | Full Review |
Summary
Hubbard House is the only certified domestic violence center serving Duval and Baker counties. Formed in 1976, it provides programs and services to over 5,000 women, children, and men annually. It is best known for its emergency shelter, which offers victims of domestic violence and their children food and lodging. They also offer a number of other services, like counseling and outreach, education, batterers’ intervention programs, court advocacy, and volunteer/community education opportunities.
Hubbard House has a long track record of helping domestic violence victims. We believe they are a good organization and give them a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
|
| Girl Scouts of Gateway Council | Children & Youth Services | 4,015,600 | 7,970,900 | Full Review |
Summary
You know the Girl Scouts – it’s the organization for girls that offers programs and activities to gain skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), the outdoors, general life skills, and entrepreneurship. They are one of the most popular charities in America and the Gateway Council serves about 13,000 girls in the Northeast Florida region.
The Girl Scouts of Gateway Council does a good job serving their mission. Several years of losses have us concerned and we see a need for increased donations (or more cookie sales!). We give them a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
|
| Jacksonville Area Legal Aid | Community Services | 3,864,100 | 1,132,600 | Full Review |
Summary
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid provides legal services to low income and special-needs individuals throughout the northeast Florida region. With roots dating back to the 1930’s, they now have a staff of 35 attorneys and 30 support staff who handle civil legal matters.
This is an often-overlooked program that provides an important service. Legal matters can be expensive and overwhelming and affordable legal help is critical. We give them a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
|
| Tim Tebow Foundation | Public Figure or Organization | 3,762,728 | 5,931,948 | Full Review |
Summary
Everyone knows Tim Tebow and most have heard of his foundation, but few know what they actually do. The Tim Tebow Foundation operates or supports several different Christian-themed programs that help the disadvantaged around the world.
They operate the “Night to Shine,” which provides a prom night experience to those with special needs and run a program to help children with life threating illnesses meet Tim. They created children’s playrooms in hospitals, which helps take the child’s mind off their illness. They supported aid programs and hospital construction in the Philippines. They also support orphan care and adoption aid for those with special needs. The Tim Tebow Foundation is a solid organization with an admirable mission. We give them a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
|
| Habitat for Humanity – Jacksonville Beaches | Community Services | 3,746,900 | 6,236,200 | Full Review |
Summary
Beaches Habitat for Humanity is the Jacksonville Beaches area affiliate of the Habitat for Humanity organization. They work with needy families to provide affordable homes, built using volunteer labor. Habitat provides the homeowners a no- or low-interest mortgage, plus offers college scholarships and tutoring in an effort to break the cycle of poverty. Beaches Habitat built 23 new homes last year.
Beaches Habitat is a good organization and a worthy cause. They spend their money well and we give them a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
|
| Hope Haven | Children & Youth Services | 3,241,939 | 3,865,718 | Full Review |
Summary
Hope Haven provides specialized services for children and their families, with treatments for a range of educational, developmental, and mental health concerns. Their many programs include screenings, counseling, therapy, after school educational programs, and a Down syndrome center. They serve more than 5,000 families every year.
The charity provides a much needed service. However, they’ve run large deficits the last several years providing this service. A new CEO was installed in 2017 and it will take time to see how effective they are in reducing these deficits. Because of this, we give them a “CAUTIOUSLY RECOMMEND” rating. CAUTIOUSLY RECOMMEND
|
| Ronald McDonald House of Jacksonville | Community Services | 3,062,700 | 23,268,400 | Full Review |
Summary
Many of us have heard of the Ronald McDonald House, but not many know exactly what they do. They provide a place for families to stay with all the comforts of home while their children receive care at nearby hospitals. The Ronald McDonald House of Jacksonville was opened in 1985 and has helped more than 33,000 families over that time.
This organization solves a unique problem. Their costs are on the high side, but it may be justified with the amount of contributions they bring in. We give them a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
|
| North Florida School of Special Education | Community Services | 2,769,580 | 2,507,530 | Full Review |
Summary
The North Florida School of Special Education serves students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With a 1:6 teacher/student ratio, the school focuses on academics, social skills, speech, physical education and therapy, and music and art. They also work on life skills like independent living instruction, meal prep and cooking, and job training and placement assistance.
The North Florida School of Special Education is a great organization that provides an excellent program. Their numbers look good and we give them a “HIGHLY RECOMMEND” rating. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
|
| Monique Burr Foundation | Children & Youth Services | 2,515,791 | 2,299,725 | Full Review |
Summary
The Monique Burr Foundation focuses on bullying prevention and provides children with resources to prevent and respond to the different types of bullying. Their programs are used in schools throughout Florida, provided free of cost.
The Foundation provides a service that is certainly needed. However, large deficits and high fundraising expenses earns them a “CAUTIOUSLY RECOMMEND” rating. CAUTIOUSLY RECOMMEND
|
| Habitat for Humanity – St. Johns/St. Aug. | Community Services | 2,397,600 | 2,789,900 | Full Review |
Summary
Habitat for Humanity of St. Johns County / St. Augustine is the St. Johns area affiliate of the Habitat for Humanity organization. They work with needy families to provide affordable homes, built using volunteer labor. Habitat provides the homeowners a no- or low-interest mortgage, plus offers college scholarships and tutoring in an effort to break the cycle of poverty.
We believe they are a good organization and a worthy cause. They spend their money well and we give them a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
|
| Beaches Emerg. Assist. Mnstry. (BEAM) | Community Services | 2,348,357 | 1,350,682 | Full Review |
Summary
Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry – commonly referred to as “BEAM” – serves low income residents in the Beaches area who are facing hard times. They provide emergency assistance to cover overdue expenses like rent and utility payments. They also operate a food pantry to help those having difficulties covering food expenses. They offer longer-term help through counseling on both financial matters and diet and wellness.
BEAM is a solid organization with an admirable mission. We give them a “HIGHLY RECOMMEND” rating. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
|
| 26.2 With Donna (Donna Foundation) | Public Figure or Organization | 2,091,147 | 142,659 | Full Review |
Summary
26.2 With Donna is well known in the Jacksonville area for their annual marathon and races. It is the only marathon in the U.S. dedicated to breast cancer research and awareness, started by former news anchor Donna Deegan. The funds raised go to the Donna Foundation, which supports breast cancer research at the Mayo Clinic and provides financial assistance to individuals living with breast cancer.
This is a difficult conclusion due to the publicity around this organization, but the philanthropic impact of this organization is far below a level we can recommend. It may not be a bad race to run, but if you’re looking to make a difference, we give them an “AVOID” rating. AVOID
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| Police Athletic League of Jacksonville | Children & Youth Services | 2,015,904 | 5,688,860 | Full Review |
Summary
The Police Athletic League aims to create positive relationships between law enforcement officers and children through educational and athletic programs. Volunteer officers coach children in sports, help with homework and other school-related activities, and also offer a summer camp. The bond this creates makes children less likely to commit crimes and increase their support of the police.
The PAL addresses a problem that only they can solve and evidence shows they are effective in creating a bond between children and the police. We give them a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
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| Family Foundations of Northeast Florida | Community Services | 1,794,074 | 1,643,147 | Full Review |
Summary
Family Foundations of Northeast Florida promotes financial literacy, stability, and better financial behaviors. They offer several programs to help people with their finances, from providing financial counselors who educate and create a roadmap to achieving financial goals, to family and mental health counseling. They also offer an asset-building program that aims to move people out of poverty.
Family Foundations has a unique mission and is one that is much needed. We give them a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
|
| Big Brothers Big Sisters NEFL | Children & Youth Services | 1,764,032 | 538,883 | Full Review |
Summary
The Big Brothers Big Sisters organization matches at-risk children with volunteer mentors to provide a caring adult in their life. Most children come from a low-income, single parent household or have incarcerated parents. The majority of the children are mentored once a week at their school, while other children are mentored through outings and activities in their community.
Big Brothers Big Sisters does a good job serving the community through their mission. They experienced a turnover of their CEO over the past year, but the successor comes from within the organization so there is not a lack of continuity. We’d also like to see a smaller board size. All that said, we give them a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
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| Catholic Foundation - Diocese of St. Aug. | Religious | 1,528,200 | 27,561,600 | Full Review |
Summary
The Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of St. Augustine provides a permanent endowment fund to meet the religious, charitable, and educational needs of Catholics in the diocese. Additionally, there is a large number of individual endowments created by the parishes and schools under the stewardship of the Foundation. It has generated and returned millions of dollars in income and grants to the parishes, schools and Catholic organizations.
They are a well-respected organization that does a lot to help not just the religious community, but the community in general. They spend their money efficiently, earning them a “HIGHLY RECOMMEND” rating. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
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| Dreams Come True of Jacksonville | Children & Youth Services | 1,423,843 | 4,666,922 | Full Review |
Summary
Dreams Come True of Jacksonville is the areas only locally-based organization that grants the wishes of local children with life-threatening illnesses. They are completely independent – not affiliated with any national organizations. No child is ever denied a dream and they have granted over 3,700 wishes since their formation in 1984.
They do a great job serving their mission, though we do have concerns over the enormous size of their board. Despite this, we give them a “HIGHLY RECOMMEND” rating due to their commitment to their mission. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
|
| Bob Tebow Evangelistic Assoc. | Religious | 1,182,335 | 820,596 | Full Review |
Summary
The Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association brings the word of God to people across the world, focusing particularly on the Philippines. They preach the gospel, set up churches and pastors, and set up orphanages to care for abandoned children. Their goal is reach every village in the country, which is an uphill climb in a country with over 42,000 villages.
They have an admirable mission and spend their money well. We give them a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
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| Girls Inc. of Jacksonville | Children & Youth Services | 856,456 | 252,675 | Full Review |
Summary
Girls Inc. inspires girls to achieve their potential and overcome gender barriers to grow up healthy, educated, and independent. They offer in- and after-school programs and summer camps that focus on academic subjects like literacy, STEM, and finances, plus a focus on health subjects like nutrition and physical fitness. They also provide enrichment activities like dance, computer, art, storytelling, theater, and bullying prevention.
The organization provides a great service and they spend their money well. We give them a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
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| Mission House | Community Services | 849,767 | 1,859,310 | Full Review |
Summary
Mission House is the only homeless shelter serving the Beaches community. They provide two meals a day, fresh clothing, showers, and a medical clinic staffed entirely by volunteers. The nonprofit also provides case managers to assist in finding employment and housing.
The organization provides a critical service to the Beaches area and they spend their money well. We give them a “RECOMMEND” rating. RECOMMEND
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| USO Jax | Military & Veterans | 737,578 | 2,300,834 | Full Review |
Summary
We’ve all heard of the USO, but many outside the military don’t know exactly what they do and believe they only provide entertainment for troops overseas. This is just part of their mission. Local USO chapters like USO Jax provide a “touch of home” to military members and their families. This can include anything from care packages to calling cards to tickets to sporting events. They also operate a space in Jacksonville International Airport to provide a home-like setting to service members and their families who are waiting for their flights. They are not a government agency and rely entirely on donations.
Charities in the military and veteran space are favorites of ours and we feel you can’t go wrong with a donation to the USO. We give them a “HIGHLY RECOMMEND” rating. Additionally, a donation of your time can be just as important as a monetary donation. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
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| NAME | CATEGORY | REVENUE | ASSETS |
REVIEW (click) |
SUMMARY (hover) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Phoenix Foundation | Military & Veterans | 4,000,000 | 14,000,000 | Full Review |
Summary
The Phoenix Foundation is a privately funded research and development "think-tank"
organization which offers a broad range of services to both Government and Private
sectors. They do an excellent job in accomplishing their mission and efficiently
use their donor contributions to do so.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
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| The Human Fund | Community Services | 1,000,000 | 4,000,000 | Full Review |
Summary
The Human Fund describes its mission as “Money for People.” Without much more
in specifics and without a Form 990 on file, this nonprofit is suspicious and should
be avoided.
CAUTION
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