This year marks the 11th annual Quantum in the Community (QIC) initiative to help local nonprofits working toward a healthier Palm Beach County by meeting the basic needs of residents through food, clothing, shelter, transportation, and more. Starting on June 7, Quantum Foundation will be accepting applications for grassroots nonprofits in Palm Beach County to receive their share of $1 million. Included in this year’s awards is a new Marie Thorpe Above and Beyond Award to be presented to an individual. The deadline for applications is July 30.
To acknowledge the incredible service and sacrifice of so many working to improve Palm Beach County, Quantum Foundation will celebrate a local everyday hero with the 2nd annual Marie Thorpe Above and Beyond Award in memory of staff member Marie Thorpe who served Quantum Foundation for 22 years. The $2,500 award will be presented at the annual QIC breakfast celebration to an individual for their selfless services that go beyond the call of duty as well as their supporting organization. The individual will receive $2500 as will their organization for a total of $5000.
Quantum leaders say the past year has exposed longstanding health inequities as well as the impacts of social determinants of health, especially for grassroots nonprofits. “Health is not simply the absence of illness; it is a positive state of physical and mental well-being,” said Eric Kelly, president of Quantum Foundation. “Our Quantum in the Community program has been addressing the needs of disinvested communities for 11 years. Those communities need us now, more than ever, to continue providing basic needs. Health equity is our way forward.”
A committee of Quantum Foundation staff and board members will carefully consider each application. Strict criteria are set up for those nonprofits applying:
• Organization must be registered as a 501(c)(3).
• Organization must have been working in Palm Beach County for at least six months.
• Annual operating budget may not exceed $500,000.
• Organization must provide basic needs like food, clothing, shelter, utilities, or transportation to the county’s most vulnerable 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 $170 million. Since its inception, Quantum Foundation has awarded $150 million to hundreds of Palm Beach County nonprofit grantees. Every dollar the foundation grants stays in the county to benefit local communities.
To learn more about Quantum in the Community, visit the Quantum Foundation website at www.quantumfnd.org. All applications must be submitted using the foundation’s online system by the July 30 deadline. For general information about Quantum Foundation, or to learn about applying for grants, please visit www.quantumfnd.org or call 561-832-7497.
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