CFFK, Knight Foundation Grant $20,000 to Kick Off Community Wins Initiative

The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys (CFFK) has granted $20,000 to launch the new Community Wins initiative supporting emergency housing assistance in the Keys, thanks to a matching gift from the Edward B. and Joan T. Knight Foundation. CFFK is managing the new Community Wins Fund that will benefit residents served by four Keys health and human services nonprofits. CFFK’s challenge grant of $10,000 to Community Wins was immediately matched by a $10,000 generous gift from the Knight Foundation.

“We’re thrilled the very caring Knight Foundation accepted our challenge and agreed to unite with us in helping our residents in most need,” said Jennifer McComb, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “Community Wins is a win-win-win for our workers who are unemployed or underemployed right now, landlords who have invested in workforce housing, and compassionate donors who are able to help keep our workforce here in the Keys.”

Community Wins, created by A.H. of Monroe County to replace its annual royal campaign for the King and Queen of Fantasy Fest this year, will be split equally between A.H. Monroe, Florida Keys Outreach Coalition, The Sister Season Fund, and Samuel’s House. Funding will be used to provide desperately needed dollars for Keys residents in dire need of housing assistance due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CFFK and the charitable nonprofits hope those who can will join other kindhearted individuals in assisting with urgent housing needs. Every donation counts, no matter the dollar amount. Contributions can be made at cffk.org/communitywins or checks can be made to CFFK and mailed to 300 Southard St., Ste. 201, Key West, FL 33040 (please note “Community Wins” in the memo field).

With the cancellation of this year’s Fantasy Fest, AH’s annual royal campaign evolved into this initiative for 2020. “Seeing firsthand our community’s financial challenges forced us to rethink our 8-week fundraiser,” said Scott Pridgen, Executive Director of AH. “This represents a unique opportunity to care for our own. This year, the entire community wins!”

Like the traditional royal campaign, Community Wins activities will continue through mid-October with special events and donation opportunities. Many of the events will be virtual, and those staged will carefully adhere to local mask and social distancing guidelines. A calendar of events will be available at community-wins.org, as well as each of the participating organizations’ websites and social media.

AH Monroe provides managed healthcare, housing and other services for those infected with or affected by HIV. Florida Keys Outreach Coalition provides resources and services to homeless individuals and families. The Sister Season Fund assists workers in the hospitality and tourism-related industry. Samuel’s House provides housing and services for homeless individuals and families.

Your Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, In Paradise for Good, will celebrate its 25th year in 2021. Since 1996, the Community Foundation has been helping individuals and families leave a legacy in the Keys by inspiring giving and by investing in people and solutions to benefit every resident from Key Largo to Key West. Over $30 million in grants have been made to student scholarships, arts and culture, beautification and preservation of the Keys, health and human services, hurricane relief, and youth programs. The Community Foundation is known for its signature “Unsung Heroes” event which honors nonprofit volunteers. For more information, call (305) 292-1502 or visit cffk.org.

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