Jaguars announce $67,500 in grants to local nonprofits serving military and veterans

Jaguars President Mark Lamping joined Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry at a press conference today inside City Hall to announce the 2021 recipients of the Jacksonville Veterans Resource and Reintegration Center community grants. In conjunction with the City of Jacksonville’s Military Affairs and Veterans Dept and CSX, the Jaguars Foundation awarded $67,500 to 11 military and veteran-serving organizations throughout Northeast Florida.

“We are proud to champion today’s grant recipients and support the important role they play in caring for our local military,” said Lamping. “The hard work and dedication of these organizations ensures those who’ve sacrificed so much for our country receive the hero’s welcome they deserve back home.”

Grants were provided to the following 11 organizations:

• Five Star Veterans Center – Provides residential and support services for veterans.
• Florida National Guard Foundation – Offers emergency financial assistance for Guard members and their families.
• K9s for Warriors – Supports the expansion of warrior and service dog matching and training program.
• Northeast Florida Women Veterans – Supports the HerBiz program for women veterans starting their own business.
• Operation New Uniform – Provides comprehensive training classes for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
• Operation Barnabas – Offers emergency fund support for veterans in Clay County.
• Veterans Council of St. Johns County – Provides emergency assistance to veterans and mentoring programs for Veterans Treatment Court.
• United Way of Northeast Florida – Supports Mission United which works to connect military and veterans with needed services.
• Yoga 4 Change –Offers in-person and virtual trauma-informed yoga classes for veterans.
• Jacksonville Humane Society – Supports technical training for veterans wishing to pursue employment in animal care and veterinary services.
• Blue Star Families – Provides support for military families during deployment and relocations.

“Here in Jacksonville, we are grateful to have so many citizens and organizations that are dedicated to supporting our military,” said Mayor Curry “One of the most generous is our own Jacksonville Jaguars. The community grants they are awarding to eleven local organizations will go a long way toward supporting the brave men and women who have served our nation.”

Including today’s announcement, the Jaguars Foundation has now provided more than $425,000 in annual nonprofit organization grants, in addition to the $1.2 million contribution to help fund the Veterans Resource and Reintegration Center at City Hall since 2013. Beyond these annual grant giving programs, the Jaguars have provided more than $500,000 in additional funding to local military recognition efforts including the Greater Jacksonville USO and the National POW/MIA Memorial at Cecil Field.

The Jaguars will celebrate their annual Salute to Service campaign, presented by CSX, with numerous activities at area bases and in the community, including the CSX float in the Veterans’ Day Parade, and culminating with the Jaguars Salute to Service game on Sunday, November 28 at TIAA Bank Field.