This year marks the 11th annual Quantum in the Community 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 Monday, June 7, the 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, the Quantum Foundation will celebrate a local everyday hero with the second annual Marie Thorpe Above and Beyond Award in memory of staff member Marie Thorpe, who served the 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 $2,500, as will their organization, for a total of $5,000.
Quantum leaders note that 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 the 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 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). Organizations must have been working in Palm Beach County for at least six months with annual operating budget not exceeding $500,000. Organizations must provide basic needs like food, clothing, shelter, utilities or transportation to the county’s most vulnerable residents.
The 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, the 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 web site at www.quantumfnd.org. All applications must be submitted using the foundation’s online system by the July 30 deadline. For general information, or to learn about applying for grants, visit www.quantumfnd.org or call (561) 832-7497.
