Quantum Foundation is once again calling for local grassroots nonprofits to apply for its 12th annual Quantum in the Community (QIC) program. 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 2021, QIC gave $1 million in unrestricted funding to local organizations that were harshly hit by COVID-19 setbacks, and to date has awarded a total of $8.5 million through this targeted initiative.
Photo Credit: Tracey Benson Photography
Quantum Foundation’s mission is to inspire and fund initiatives that improve the health of Palm Beach County residents. Quantum Foundation is a health foundation that 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 $175 million. Since its inception, Quantum Foundation has awarded $160 million to hundreds of Palm Beach County nonprofit grantees. Every dollar the foundation grants stays in the county to benefit local communities.
“It’s a privilege to reinforce the good work that tends to underserved residents of Palm Beach County,” said Eric Kelly, president of Quantum Foundation “We are arriving at another unique time where organizations and individuals are feeling the weight of rising rent, food, and gas costs as well as overall inflation. It is our goal to help these grassroots organizations meet ongoing and increasing basic needs in our communities in order to maintain and improve quality 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.
In addition, Quantum Foundation will be accepting nominations for the Marie Thorpe Above & Beyond Award, also 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 10, a $2,500 award will be presented 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.
This year’s QIC committee is co-chaired by board members Ethel Isaacs Williams and Dr. Gerald O’Connor. All applications must be submitted using the foundation’s online system by July 29, 2022, 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 quantumfd@slatkowhusak.com.
