In its 14th year, Quantum Foundation’s QIC program will fund local grassroot organizations that help meet the basic needs of people in Palm Beach County
June 12, 2024 – In its largest Quantum in the Community grant giving yet, Quantum Foundation is calling on local grassroots nonprofits with annual budgets at or under $500,000 to get a piece of its $1.25 million in funding. In the 14th annual Quantum in the Community (QIC) program, applications are currently open and will close on August 2, 2024.
Each year, the QIC program gives grants to local nonprofits that help support food, shelter, transportation, clothing and financial assistance to improve quality health in Palm Beach County. In 2023, Quantum Foundation gave an unrestricted $1 million to more than 120 grassroots organizations in Palm Beach County. To date, the QIC program has awarded a total of $10 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 $160 million. Since its inception, Quantum Foundation has awarded $170 million to hundreds of Palm Beach County nonprofit grantees. Every dollar the foundation grants stays in the county to benefit local communities.
“With each passing year, Quantum in the Community serves as a source of hope and a reminder of all the servant-minded nonprofits here in Palm Beach County,” said Eric Kelly, president of Quantum Foundation. “It is an honor to fund the hardworking and selfless organizations that meet their neighbors who are struggling to access basic needs such as a roof over their heads, a doctor’s visit or a warm meal. These are the people who never fail to answer the call and have the ability to make extraordinary changes here in Palm Beach County. Ultimately, we steward these grants, so they support organizations and initiatives that positively influence the social determinants of health.”
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.
“Because of Quantum in the Community funding, we were able to feed the homeless here in Palm Beach County and provide hotel stays so that they could get showers,” said Charmaine Jean-Francois, Founder of Heart of God Missions and previous QIC recipient. “We also allow our recipients to come to the store and pick out clothes for interviews and to return to work. We also use the Quantum funding to keep our lights on and our doors open while we provide for the community.”
In addition, Quantum Foundation will be accepting nominations for the Marie Thorpe Above & Beyond Award in its fourth 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 19, a $2,500 award will be presented to an individual for their selfless services, and $2,500 will be presented to their nominating organization, which can be a past or present QIC grantee.
This year’s QIC committee is co-chaired by board members Gerald O’Connor, MD and Ronal Romear, MD. 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. For more information, please email quantumfnd@slatkowhusak.com.
