In its 13th year, the QIC program will provide funding to grassroots organizations that help meet the basic needs of people in Palm Beach County.
June 2023 – Starting today, Quantum Foundation is once again calling for local grassroots nonprofits to apply for its 13th annual Quantum in the Community (QIC) program. Applications are open through July 28, 2023. Each year, the program gifts grants to nonprofits that help support food, shelter, transportation, clothing, and financial assistance to improve quality health in Palm Beach County. In 2022, Quantum Foundation gave an unrestricted $1 million to 120 grassroots organizations in Palm Beach County. To date, QIC has awarded a total of $9.5 million to local organizations.
Quantum Foundation’s mission is to inspire and fund initiatives that improve the health of Palm Beach County residents. The health foundation was formed from $135 million in proceeds from the sale of JFK Medical Center. Now in its third decade of community investment, the foundation has assets of approximately $150 million. Since its inception, Quantum Foundation has awarded $165 million to hundreds of Palm Beach County nonprofit grantees. Every dollar the foundation grants stays in the county to benefit local communities.
“Quantum Foundation has been not only instrumental but crucial to ensuring that food insecure youth are nourished,” said Gregg Francis, president and CEO of PROPEL and previous QIC recipient. “Youth who now receive dinner four times a week due to Quantum in the Community have yielded an average GPA of 3.4, a 100% high school graduation rate, and over an 80% college graduation rate. This would not be possible without Quantum Foundation’s help!”
In addition, Quantum Foundation will be accepting nominations for the Marie Thorpe Above & Beyond Award in its third year in memory of staff member Marie Thorpe, who served the foundation for 22 years. The recognition will be given to an individual and everyday hero who exemplifies incredible service and sacrifice to improve Palm Beach County. At the annual QIC breakfast celebration on November 7, $2,500 will be awarded to an individual for their selfless services that go beyond the call of duty, and $2,500 will be presented to their nominating organization, which can be a past or present QIC grantee.
“In Palm Beach County, families are struggling financially and are debating on a doctor’s visit, keeping the lights on, or putting a meal on the table,” said Eric Kelly, president of Quantum Foundation. “Years ago, our board realized that often it’s the social determinants of health that shape the conditions of our neighbors’ daily lives. These factors can include the wider set of forces and systems based on where they grow up, work, live, and age. We started Quantum in the Community to address those exact needs and we’re happy to fund selfless grantees who are helping struggling neighbors so they don’t have to compromise a healthy lifestyle. Residents deserve quality healthcare and dignity regardless of their zip code or current economic turbulence.”
A committee of foundation staff and board members will carefully consider each application. Strict criteria are set up for those nonprofits applying. Organizations must be registered as a 501(c)(3), have been working in Palm Beach County for at least six months, and have an annual operating budget not exceeding $500,000.
This year’s QIC committee is co-chaired by board members Dr. Gerald O’Connor and Dr. Ronald Romear. All applications must be submitted using the foundation’s online system and grantees will be announced in the third week of October.
To apply, please visit the Quantum Foundation website at www.quantumfnd.org .
