Honoring Community Impact: South Florida Nonprofits on National Philanthropy Day
National Philanthropy Day, observed annually on November 15, celebrates the vital role of philanthropy in our society, recognizing the individuals, businesses, and organizations that give back to their communities to improve the lives of others. It serves as a moment to reflect on the spirit of generosity that drives meaningful change.
First established by President Ronald Reagan in 1986, National Philanthropy Day underscores the importance of collective action for the greater good. The day is commemorated by the Association of Fundraising Professionals and its local chapters, honoring charitable activities that make a difference in our communities.
From financial donations and in-kind contributions to volunteer efforts supporting countless causes and missions, philanthropic actions not only strengthen local communities but also contribute to positive change on a global scale.
Below is a list of the South Florida non-profit organizations that you can support.
The Community Foundation of Broward is proud to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2024. Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Broward partners with families, individuals and organizations to create personalized charitable funds that deliver game-changing philanthropic impact. 532 charitable funds represent more than $287 million in assets, distributing more than $190 million in grants over the past 40 years. The Community Foundation transforms our community through focused leadership that fosters collaboration, builds endowment, advances equity and connects people who care to causes that matter. The Community Foundation of Broward empowers visionaries, innovators and doers to create the change they want to see in the community – and to BE BOLD.
As part of its commitment to the success of the nonprofit organizations it supports, the Community Foundation of Broward established the Broward Center for Nonprofit Excellence which provides training, grants and other critical resources to help nonprofit professionals and volunteers amplify their charitable organizations’ impact in the community.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been serving youth in the community since 1946. What once was a single building and site for boys has grown to six Clubs and sites combined serving thousands of boys and girls year-round, providing programs in the areas of character and leadership development, educational enhancement, career preparation, health and life skills, cultural arts and sports, fitness and recreation. Club staffing, initiatives, and programs are designed to inspire and enable area youth and provide them with the resources to succeed and share in the American Dream.
Feeding South Florida is a member of the Feeding America network and is the leading hunger-relief organization serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties. Providing support for 25 percent of the state’s food insecure population, its mission is to end hunger in South Florida by providing immediate access to nutritious food, leading hunger, and poverty advocacy efforts, and transforming lives through innovative programming and education. Feeding South Florida served more than 1.17 million individuals through direct-service programs and a local network of more than 350 nonprofit and community partners from July 2022–June 2023
The Ann Storck Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the heart of uncompromising care, supporting children and adults of all abilities with developmental, educational and residential programs that foster lives of discovery and fulfillment. The center is building a village of love and purpose, changing how those with intellectual and developmental disabilities are included as inspiring, valuable members of our communities. ASC has been serving the community for more than 65 years, originally known as the Pediatric Care Center, then in 1981 becoming ASC. Today, ASC accommodates 300 children and adults on six separate sites including a school/therapy center, adult day training program, two intermediate care facilities offering specialized residential services, as well as ten group homes embedded in the community offering a more independent lifestyle.
Jack & Jill Center’s mission is to strengthen children and families through innovative education, supportive programming and community engagement. It achieves its mission by focusing on both the children and family units as a whole, so that the entire household, children and parents alike, are able to reach their full potential. Since 1942, Jack & Jill Center has served more than 30,000 children and families in South Florida. It currently serves as a NAEYC-accredited year-round early learning program for children aged six weeks through preschool, as well as an elementary school. The Madelaine Halmos Academy’s (MHA) state-of-the-art elementary school building, an expansion of Jack & Jill Center’s Early Education Center, debuted in April 2021. Serving students from high-need working families in kindergarten–fifth grade, the transformational project, is geared to prepare students for success in career and life.
JFHC is a not-for-profit agency providing quality home care for Broward County seniors from all reaches of life, enabling them to continue living at home and have the best level of wellness, dignity and independence throughout life. Such services are often a welcomed alternative to moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility. JFHC is dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening older adults and families, and protecting the vulnerable and frail by providing direct home care and personal care services guided by Jewish values, social responsibility, compassion and respect. JFHC is an affiliated agency of Goodman Jewish Family Services of Broward.
Founded by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to protect families from drunk driving and underage drinking. MADD also supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge, serving one person every nine minutes through local MADD victim advocates and at 1-877-MADD-HELP. In Southeast Florida, the organization’s annual Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K has raised nearly $4 million since 2011. Under MADD Southeast Florida, hundreds of free events take place each year to educate youth and parents on the dangers and consequences of impaired driving in Broward, Palm Beach and St. Lucie Counties.
By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Aziz Acharki