QUANTUM FOUNDATION INVEST $1 MILLION IN LOCAL GRASSROOTS AS PART OF ITS QUANTUM IN THE COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Grant recipients are more financially equipped to create a healthier Palm Beach County
WEST PALM BEACH -Through its 11th annual Quantum in the Community (QIC) initiative, Quantum Foundation is funding 120 grassroots organizations in Palm Beach County. To date, QIC has awarded a total of $8.5 million to local organizations. This month, the $1 million in unrestricted funding from Palm Beach County’s largest health funder is targeted to go toward essentials such as meals, hygiene products, rent/utility assistance, clothing, transportation, and more.
This year’s QIC committee is co-chaired by board members Ethel Isaacs Williams and Board Chair, Dr. Gerald O’Connor. Two of the 2021 QIC recipients, Eat Better Live Better (EBLB) and Chasin A Dream Foundation, share how they are improving health in all corners of the community.
At EBLB, founder Debra Tendrich uses nutritional knowledge to support the clinical, psychological, and behavioral needs of local children and teens through evidence-based programming. The Delray Beach nonprofit is teaching students and parents alike the invaluable lesson of the wealth that comes with health. Additionally in 2020, the nutrition-focused nonprofit delivered and distributed approximately 500,000 lbs. of healthy groceries, produce, and nutrition information to families experiencing hardships.
“Many families have suffered due to COVID-19, and the stories we hear are heart-breaking,” said Tendrich. “‘I am hungry,’ is the last thing a parent wants to hear after they are let go from their job.”
Then further north in Palm Beach County is Chasin A Dream Foundation led by founder Lori Griffith. Today, the nonprofit looks at families and their entire scope of needs as their children fight cancer, cystic fibrosis, heart diseases, and other life-threatening illnesses. The organization supports families from providing customized hospital backpacks with creature comforts to its Critical Needs Program covering financial costs and assistance with medical bills.
“I based Chasin’ A Dream Foundation on the premise of ‘locals helping locals’ and truly believe that people are more apt to get involved if they know the children that need help,” said Lori Griffith, CAD Founder. “I want supporters to know our warriors and to celebrate their victories.”
However, both grassroots organizations have faced financial hardships due to the domino effect brought on by COVID-19. To that end, Quantum Foundation is stepping up to provide financial support and is encouraging individuals to make their contributions.
“COVID-19 severely impacted so many nearby grassroots organizations,” said Eric Kelly, president of Quantum Foundation. “More than ever, Quantum in the Community funding is helping nonprofits navigate even greater needs exposed by the pandemic.”
Groups funded by Quantum Foundation must meet strict grant criteria and must be classified as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All grants must benefit the people of Palm Beach County.
Discover more on what Quantum Foundation is doing in the community! For more information, or to learn about applying for grants, please visit quantumfnd.org or call 561-832-7497.