Jacksonville Celebrates 20 Years of the Eartha M.M. White Fund
Jacksonville, Florida – The Eartha M.M. White Fund, established in 2004 with a generous endowment of $1.9 million, is making headlines as it commemorates two decades of supporting local initiatives. Rooted in the legacy of Eartha Mary Magdalene White, a renowned humanitarian, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and social activist, this fund has focused extensively on both education and the empowerment of the Black community.
The fund is administered through The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, and over the past 20 years, it has awarded an impressive 330 grants ranging from $200 to $50,000. What makes this fund unique is its low profile; its public presence is limited, focusing attention instead on tangible community impact.
Keeping a Low Profile
According to Cleve Warren and Gregory Owens, who serve as lead advisers to the fund, the decision to operate under the radar is intentional. Warren indicates that they prioritize the communities they serve rather than widespread publicity, stating, “We specialize in not spreading it around.” Both men have deep ties to the community and were previously involved with the nursing home founded by Eartha White when she was 89 years old.
The advisers also emphasize the importance of being responsive to community needs. “We get close to people and the issues that are going on, and we get that real-time feedback about what that need and concern is,” Warren explained, underscoring their adaptive approach to granting.
Accessibility of Grants
One aspect of the fund that sets it apart is that there is no formal application process. For small nonprofits, this means they can avoid navigating complex procedures that often accompany grant funding. Warren stated, “We couldn’t be a million-dollar donor, but we could certainly be a significant one.” This allows the fund to play an essential role in providing much-needed financial support to grassroots organizations.
Future Aspirations
As Warren and Owens approach their 20th anniversary serving as advisers, they are thinking ahead. Both are committed to mentoring younger individuals to carry forward the fund’s mission. Owens stated, “We will have some people in place who will obviously take care of this fund and do the work that needs to be done in this community.”
With their backgrounds—Warren serving as the chief investment and advancement relations officer at Florida State College Foundation, and Owens as a retired executive from JEA—both men bring valuable experience to their roles. Their commitment is evident as they work to ensure a sustainable and effective future for the Eartha M.M. White Fund.
Conclusion
The Eartha M.M. White Fund stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of its founder and reflects a committed effort to support the Jacksonville community, particularly the Black community, through education and opportunity. As it celebrates its 20 years of impactful service, the fund’s quiet yet substantial contributions underscore the importance of local philanthropy in addressing pressing social issues.
