JaxHope is pleased to announce the launch of our Small Community Grant Program, designed to support initiatives that directly improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in the First Coast community. We invite local support groups, exercise programs, and individuals to apply for funding that strengthens the Parkinson’s community through connection, education, resources, and awareness.

To ensure that emerging community efforts have the opportunity to grow and thrive, priority will be given to smaller or newly established groups and programs. While all eligible applicants are welcome to apply, proposals from large, well-established organizations may receive lower priority unless they clearly demonstrate a unique need or significant added value to the local community.

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Applications will be evaluated based on alignment with JaxHope’s mission, available funds, demonstrated community impact, and our commitment to elevating grassroots and nascent initiatives.

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Funding Priorities & Policy

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JaxHope will award grants to projects or purchases that directly support the Parkinson’s community. Eligible requests may include, but are not limited to:

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✔ Physical Wellness & Exercise Support

• Exercise equipment specifically used for Parkinson’s-focused programs (e.g., balance training tools, resistance bands, agility equipment).

• Facility enhancements that benefit PD-specific classes (e.g., mats, boxing bags, timers, safety equipment).

✔ Program Development & Training

• Certification or training costs for coaches, instructors, or volunteers who work directly with PD participants (e.g., Rock Steady Boxing coach certification, PWR!Moves training, Dance for PD instructor training).

• Affiliate, program, or licensing fees for PD-specific classes or offerings.

✔ Support Group & Community Engagement Needs

• Supplies or materials that improve the experience for PD community members
  (e.g., printed educational materials, meeting supplies, guest speaker costs, room supplies).

• Tools that increase accessibility, participation, or safety.

✔ Other PD-Specific Enhancements

• Technology, equipment, or materials used directly by people with Parkinson’s or by PD programs
  (e.g., assistive devices, audio/visual equipment for PD classes, tracking or assessment tools).

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Funding Restrictions

Funding must support items, programs, or resources that directly benefit people living with Parkinson’s.  To ensure funds create direct and meaningful impact, Jax Hope will NOT fund:

• Staff salaries, wages, or stipends

• General business operating fees or administrative costs

• Rent, utilities, insurance, or standard overhead

• Non–PD-specific purchases or general fitness equipment not used for PD programming

• Travel unrelated to PD program delivery

 

Grant Amounts

• Typical awards range from $250–$1,500, depending on scope, demonstrated need, and community impact.

• Requests beyond this range may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

Funding Timeline

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Annual Grant Cycle (Primary Funding Route)

• January 1 – March 1: Application Window

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All standard community grant requests must be submitted during the first quarter of the year.
Applications received after March 1 will automatically roll into the following year’s review cycle.

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March: Award Notifications​​

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Grant decisions are reviewed and finalized in March.  Award notifications will be distributed promptly, and funds will be released shortly thereafter.

 

October 15: Impact Summary Due

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All grantees must submit a summary describing how the funds were used and the impact on the Parkinson’s community.  Photos, short testimonials, and measurable outcomes are encouraged when appropriate and may be shared on our website and social media channels.

 

Mini-Grant Policy (For Urgent or Time-Sensitive Needs)

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To better support the Parkinson’s community throughout the year, JaxHope offers a small pool of mini-grants for needs that cannot wait until the annual cycle.

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Mini-grants may be requested for:

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• Unexpected equipment needs (e.g., replacement of broken PD-specific equipment)

• Small items that directly benefit PD participants and must be acquired quickly

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Mini-Grant Amounts

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• Requests may be up to $500.

• Funding is contingent on available mini-grant reserves at the time of application.

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Submission & Review

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• Mini-grant requests may be submitted at any time during the year.

• Review and decisions occur on a rolling monthly basis.

• Applicants will typically receive a decision within 30 days of submission.

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Reporting Requirement

• Mini-grant recipients must submit a brief follow-up summary within 60 days of receiving funds, including a simple description of impact or a photo if appropriate.

 

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