The Rays Baseball Foundation and Rowdies Soccer Fund created the Racial Equity Grant Fund to build power within communities that have been historically overlooked and purposefully disadvantaged because of systemic racism. We have committed $100,000 annually to this program.
We seek to:
- Invest in those communities most impacted by systemic racism and oppression;
- Support 501(c)(3) organizations making an impact in the areas of housing, workforce development, health equity, criminal justice reform, education and youth development;
- Support anti-racist organizations and leadership.
Abe Brown Ministries
Ready4Work-Hillsborough, operated by Abe Brown Ministries, is a replication of the national Ready4Work program. Utilizing a four-pronged approach encompassing case management, life-coaching, employability training and job placement assistance, Ready4Work motivates and moves individuals to become productive, responsible citizens within the community. Commitments and strategic partnerships with faith-based organizations, local businesses, community outlets and the judicial system assist to ensure individuals transition successfully back into the community.
Bethune-Cookman University Center for Law & Social Justice
Be the Change Scholarship Fund: For students pursuing careers in the criminal justice field in general and law enforcement in particular. The purpose of this scholarship is to promote diversity within local law enforcement agencies throughout Florida. Preference will be given to applicants with a desire to serve their home communities as law enforcement professionals. Given the critical need to increase diversity within Florida’s law enforcement profession, priority will be given to students attending one of Florida’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Bethune-Cookman University, Edward Waters College, Florida A & M University, and Florida Memorial University); however, select minority students attending other Florida colleges and universities may apply.
Carter G. Woodson Museum
Woodson Warriors Scholarship Fund: The scholarship fund was founded in 2019 by artist Jane Bunker who had a desire to unite her love of painting with her desire to be of service to the African American community. Seventeen young students have thus far received awards of up to $5000 a year. Recipients are eligible to reapply for continued support every year they remain in school. Many of these amazing young people have written testimonials about their college experiences and how much receiving scholarship funds has meant to them.
Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation
The Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation works directly with students in two academic enrichment programs, the SPPF M.A.S.T.R. Kids After-School Program and the SPPF M.A.S.T.R. Kids Summer Camp. Both of these programs are built around a “literacy plus STEAM” curriculum. Students build core skills in English and Math, and practice these skills in fun and engaging activities, field trips and interesting exchanges with community leaders.
University of South Florida Center for Justice Research & Policy
The Center for Justice Research & Policy at the University of South Florida (USF) hosts an interdisciplinary team of scholars and practitioners focused on the study of crime, violence, and criminal and social justice policy. Our main goal is to apply rigorous research and evaluations to enhance the evidence base of policing, corrections and court practices. Joint collaborations across multiple fields ensure that innovative strategies that can help reduce crime, reduce incarceration, and promote safe communities, equitable
“Life is not a spectator sport. If you’re going to spend your whole life in the grandstand just watching what goes on, in my opinion you’re wasting your life.”
– Jackie Robinson
