One Year In: Reflections with Isaiah M. Oliver

In this episode of Forever Forward, community stewards Gregory Owens and Cleve Warren sat down with TCF’s Vice President of Civic Leadership, Wanda Willis, to discuss the Eartha M.M. White Legacy Fund. The endowed fund has made more than $1.3M in grants since it was created by the sale of Eartha M.M. White’s nursing home, and is celebrating its 20th anniversary here at The Community Foundation. Both Owens and Warren have led grantmaking from the fund from the very beginning, and in this podcast, they share their stories about Eartha White and what they’re proudest of, looking back on 20 years of grants.  Learn more and sign up for email updates at jaxcf.org

Learn more and sign up for email updates at jaxcf.org

John Inazu is the Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion at Washington University in St Louis. His latest book is “Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect.” Inazu spoke at Donors Forum in September, and continued the conversation with Wanda Willis, VP of Civic Leadership.Learn more and sign up for email updates at jaxcf.org

August is Black Philanthropy Month, a time to celebrate the ways that Black communities give their time, talent, and treasure. Dr. Gail Christopher is a past Senior Advisor and Vice President of the WK Kellogg Foundation -- and she's also a friend and mentor to Isaiah Oliver, TCF President. Dr. Christopher visited Jacksonville to speak at our August Donors Forum celebrating Black Philanthropy Month. Now, we’re expanding on that conversation here on our podcast with a conversation between Isaiah Oliver and Dr. Gail Christopher.Learn more and sign up for email updates at jaxcf.org

In our first episode of Season 2, TCF President Isaiah M. Oliver sits down with TCF Board Chair Michael DuBow to reflect on his inaugural year as President of The Community Foundation. In July 2023, Isaiah moved with his wife and four children to Jacksonville to become the third president of The Community Foundation. Over the past year, he has tirelessly immersed himself in the community. He has engaged with donors, nonprofit leaders, community leaders, and business leaders. He has explored many areas of our region, from the Historic Eastside to Amelia Island. Tune in to hear Isaiah's reflections on navigating a new city, building new relationships, and what's ahead for TCF.Learn more and sign up for email updates at jaxcf.org

TCF President Isaiah M. Oliver led a conversation former Presidents Nina Waters and Andy Bell to talk about the past, present and future of The Community Foundation during a celebration of our 60th anniversary.Learn more and sign up for email updates at jaxcf.org

In the last episode of our first season, Nina Waters sits down with Isaiah M. Oliver, the new president of The Community Foundation. Isaiah tells the story of his journey to Jacksonville -- how he came into community leadership in Flint, MI, how he fell in love with the work of community foundations, and why he and his family decided to make Northeast Florida home.Learn more and sign up for email updates at jaxcf.org

Nancy and Gary Chartrand are well-known names in our community. Their philanthropy has made a positive impact on many important nonprofits in our area. But not everyone knows their whole story.In Episode 8 of our podcast series, which looks back on our work as we approach our 60th anniversary next year, I sit down with Nancy and Gary to talk about what inspires them to give back through The Community Foundation.I hope you'll tune in to hear:How Nancy and Gary first came to Northeast Florida through Gary's career at AcostaWhy their family has focused on K-12 education, early childhood education and social and emotional health in their philanthropyHow they're engaging their children and grandchildren in learning the joy of givingI hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Learn more and sign up for email updates at jaxcf.org

Cindy Edelman is a dear friend, a former chair of our board of trustees, and a champion for public education.  I’ve been privileged to work with Cindy for more than two decades in my role as president of The Community Foundation. Cindy was a visionary leader in the 10-year Quality Education for All Initiative, and she has never wavered in her support for public education since then. In Episode 7 of the Giving Forward podcast, “Bridging Divides,” we talk about our journey in community philanthropy over two decades, including: Why The Community Foundation approaches using our voice to advocate for change in a time of political and social division The benefits of giving through The Community Foundation – even when donors also have a private foundation The “most beautiful gift” she’s ever received – the Cindy Edelman Excellence in Teaching Fellowship I hope you’ll enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Learn more and sign up for email updates at jaxcf.org

Michael Meyers is an attorney, a trustee of The Community Foundation, and the first president of the LGBTQ community Fund for Northeast Florida.  He grew up in Jacksonville, and lived for many years in New York City. Lucky for us, he came back, and quickly committed to improving the community he and his family call now home. In this conversation, we talk about the interesting work we’ve been privileged to be part of: How we worked with many others to create the LGBTQ Community Fund Why collective giving can enhance the impact of individual donors What well-run youth diversion programs can do to reduce crime and improve life outcomes How cash bail reform can address racial and economic disparities in the criminal justice system I’m incredibly proud of the work Michael and I have been part of, and I hope you’ll enjoy our stories as we pull back the curtain on our work to build a better community. Learn more and sign up for email updates at jaxcf.org