The Linda DuBow Beautification Fund: 2022 Grantmaking Awards

THE LINDA DUBOW BEAUTIFICATION FUND: 2022 GRANTMAKING AWARDS

By Jennifer Rensch Foundation Manager

The Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida is proud to announce another round of grants issued from the Linda DuBow Beautification Fund in memory of our beloved lifelong community member. The DuBow family worked closely with the Jewish Foundation to establish the fund in 2021 with the intention of making annual grants to improve the aesthetics and functionality of the places that Linda held most dear. This September was the second time a committee of volunteer community members met to review and score the beautification proposals, and since its inception, the fund has awarded a total of $30,000 in grants.

We are delighted to reveal the decision of this year’s committee to award funding to two exciting partner agency projects: the renovation and revitalization of the Setzer Social Hall of the Jacksonville Jewish Center and the Allison Stein Robbins Building of the LJD Jewish Family & Community Services. Here’s what each of these organizations has to say about receiving this generous grant:

At our Allison Stein Robbins Building, case managers provide services to stabilize and strengthen children at risk of abuse and neglect, parents and children reeling from the after-effects of family violence, and households struggling with hunger or facing homelessness. The work is tireless and doesn’t end at the typical “close of business.” While this is a wonderful building that meets their needs for flexible workspace, confidential and family-friendly visitation rooms, and meeting spaces, we are excited to take its look to the next level. By adding a warmth and spark to the space, this grant will help us move purposefully in that direction, helping our building’s environment match our agency’s values of respect and dignity and a mutual investment in the staff and the families we serve. - The LJD Jewish

Family & Community Services

The updated look of the Bessie Setzer Activity Center, which was made possible from our last grant from the Linda DuBow Beautification Fund, has made such a difference to our community members. We are elated to be able to share with them that we will be able to continue these enhancements with another grant from the fund, centered on improving the aesthetics of the Benjamin Setzer Social Hall. Beautifying this space will help encourage future use of the Center as an event space, where weddings and s’mahot can happen often - without the added burden of large expenses, such as draping and lighting, to improve the room’s current condition.

- Jacksonville Jewish Center

The Jewish Foundation is honored to be working in partnership with the DuBow family to celebrate Linda and provide a fresh look to our partner agencies’ spaces in her memory. To learn more about the Linda DuBow Beautification Fund, or how you can begin creating your own Jewish Legacy, please contact Kellie Smith, Director, Foundation, at kelliek@ jewishjacksonville.org or (904) 512-3796.