Leadership Grants
Leadership Grants are awarded for larger, often multi-year capital projects that are expected to drive significant impact and have lasting benefits in Indian River County.
2025 Grant Recipients
Develops housing solutions guided by the needs of its family partners and the community.
$500,000 to support infrastructure development for the Citrus Crossing subdivision of 32 affordable single family homes
Elevates and promotes the highest quality early childhood development and education in Indian River County (IRC), focusing on economically challenged children and families.
$200,000 to establish an early childhood education community center in downtown Vero Beach
Provides accessible, cost effective, high quality, comprehensive healthcare to all persons, regardless of their socio-economic circumstances.
$200,000 to construct a 20,000 sq ft Pediatric Center in Oslo
2024 Grant Recipients
The John’s Island Foundation (JIF) proudly provided a $500,000 McCabe Leadership Grant to The Hope For Families Center. This grant marks a defining step in HFC's mission and will allow the organization to double the size of its short-term shelter, increasing the number of families served by 60 per year.
"HFC has existed for over 30 years, aiding families in Indian River County, operating on the principle of empowerment, not dependency," stated Marty Mercado, HFC Executive Director. The HFC model focuses on five essential keys to success: job placement, financial literacy, equity in education, health
and wellness, and housing placement. The John's Island Foundation identified Affordable Housing as a key focus area for Leadership grants earlier this year and found HFC's holistic approach particularly impactful. Theresa Kilman, Leadership Grant Vice President of John's Island Foundation, expressed, "The compelling nature of the HFC model aligns with our values; offering housing alone is insufficient. Wrap-around services are crucial to empower homeless families to transition towards sustainable stability."
The $500,000 grant will be instrumental in executing the first phase of a three-phase expansion plan, which includes the addition of a new wing to the main shelter, nine new transitional housing units, and, in the final phase, new administrative offices. Chuck Cunningham, the HFC Board President, highlighted the significance of this leadership grant, stating, "The support from the John's Island Foundation means more than just financial backing. It signifies a shared understanding of our community's dire need for affordable housing and a commitment to act.”
John’s Island Foundation supported Habitat’s Critical Home Repair Program with an $100,000 grant serving Indian River County’s most vulnerable populations.
Indian River Habitat’s Strategic Plan details doubling the production of new homes and serving 500 families through the critical repair program within the next five years – a goal they are well on their way to reaching.
The investment of $100,000 is a lifeline for Habitat, enabling them to continue serving low-to-moderate-income families in need of critical home repairs. This demographic is usually one major repair away from losing homeowner’s insurance, or worse, losing their homes entirely. With this grant, Habitat can respond to the urgent needs of those at the greatest risk of housing insecurity.
Indian River Habitat’s Repair Program offers repairs such as roof replacements, heating and cooling installation, home preservation projects, wheelchair ramps, and accessibility improvements.