The Jim Moran Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $25,475,600 (2023); $27,177,200 (2024)
Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
Decision Time: Within 90 days for Letter of Inquiry response
Grant Range: $25,000 - $75,000 (standard grants); larger grants for special initiatives
Geographic Focus: Broward, Palm Beach, and Duval Counties, Florida

Contact Details

Address: 100 Jim Moran Boulevard, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
Phone: 954-429-2122
Website: jimmoranfoundation.org
Email: information@jimmoranfoundation.org
Grant Guidelines: jimmoranfoundation.org/grant/guidelines/

Overview

The Jim Moran Foundation was formally established in 2000 by automotive pioneer Jim Moran to ensure his philanthropic legacy would continue in perpetuity. With assets totaling approximately $251.7 million, the Foundation has invested more than $300 million in Florida communities since its inception. Led by Chairman and President Jan Moran, the Foundation distributed 221 grants in 2023, focusing on improving the quality of life for youth and families through innovative programs addressing evolving community needs. The Foundation operates through a sustained funding model based on JM Family's long-term grant agreement tied to company profits, while also building an endowment for perpetual operations. In 2025, the Foundation is celebrating its 25th anniversary with special grants exceeding $5.6 million that reach beyond traditional funding parameters.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Standard Grant Program: $25,000 - $75,000 (rolling basis via Letter of Inquiry)

Online Letter of Inquiry submission
90-day response time
Invited applicants proceed to full grant application
Operational support limited to maximum 50% of total funding request

25th Anniversary Special Grants (2025): Multi-year grants ranging from $150,000 to $1 million for selected organizations, proactively awarded beyond traditional parameters

Major Strategic Grants: $1 million+ for signature initiatives (e.g., $3 million to Florida State University Foundation for Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship)

Priority Areas

Education Programs

Academic enrichment and quality learning opportunities
Saturday academic programs and after-school enrichment
College support for students from foster care backgrounds
Mentoring programs supporting academic achievement

Elder Care Programs

Services improving quality of life for at-risk seniors
Daily contact and case management for vulnerable seniors
Senior housing for low-income individuals aged 55+
Respite care programs for families

Family Strengthening Programs

Safety and stability initiatives for children and families
Food security and nutrition programs addressing food insecurity
Mental health and trauma counseling services
Services for LGBTQ+ youth
Case management and linkages to community resources

Youth Transitional Living Programs

Support for at-risk youth and young adults aging out of foster care
Job training and employment programs
Leadership development opportunities
Independent living skills training
Programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences

Geographic Priority: Programs must serve populations in Broward, Palm Beach, and Duval Counties, Florida

Population Priority: Economically disadvantaged populations without significant medical complications

What They Don't Fund

The Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications for:

Capital campaigns
Capacity building initiatives
Healthcare or medical research
Individual scholarships
Event sponsorships
Programs outside Broward, Palm Beach, and Duval Counties
Organizations without 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

Jan Moran - Chairman and President, Founding Director
Melanie Burgess - Vice President, Assistant Secretary, Executive Director
Tom Blanton - Assistant Treasurer & Founding Director
Additional directors representing diverse expertise

Key Leadership Quotes:

Jan Moran on the Foundation's philosophy: "My husband, Jim, understood that in order to succeed in life, you had to work hard – but he also knew you needed the right opportunities and, sometimes, a helping hand along the way."

On partnership approach: "For more than a decade, The Foundation has partnered with Hispanic Unity because of their mission, heart and commitment to the families they serve. Through this second multi-year grant to support the Center for Working Families, we are continuing Jim's legacy by helping individuals and families prepare for brighter futures."

On the Foundation's mission: "With this grant, we are reaching back to honor Jim's intent and reaching forward to prepare and empower our next generation of leaders."

On commitment to Florida: "I know Jim would be so happy that we are reaffirming the Foundation's home is in Broward County and ensuring that his heart of compassion and generosity will continue in perpetuity."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Stage One: Letter of Inquiry (LOI)

Submit online Letter of Inquiry Application at jimmoranfoundation.org/grant/guidelines/
Foundation reviews to determine alignment with grantmaking guidelines and funding priorities
All organizations notified of status within 90 days
Rolling basis (no preset deadlines)

Important Note: The Foundation is not accepting new Letters of Inquiry from October 15 through January 1 annually to finalize year-end grantmaking. Submissions resume January 2.

Stage Two: Full Grant Application

Organizations whose programs are considered priority funding receive invitation to complete full Grant Application
Detailed application includes program specifics, budget, and organizational information

Stage Three: Due Diligence

Foundation conducts due diligence review
Site visits to applicant organizations
Presentation of recommendations to Grants Committee and Board Chair for final decision

Decision Timeline

Initial LOI Response: Within 90 days of submission
Full Application Review: Varies based on due diligence requirements
Total Process: Typically 3-6 months from initial LOI to funding decision
Notification Method: Direct communication via email and phone

Success Rates

The Foundation does not publicly disclose success rates or application statistics. In 2023, they awarded 221 grants totaling $25,475,600. The number of applications received is not published, making it difficult to calculate competitive odds.

Reapplication Policy

The Foundation does not publicly disclose specific reapplication policies or waiting periods for unsuccessful applicants. Organizations interested in reapplying after rejection should contact the Foundation directly to discuss timing and any changes to their program that might make it more competitive.

Reporting Requirements

Grantees must provide:

Progress reports midway through grant periods
Impact reports upon completion of grant period
Financial reporting on grant expenditures
Participation in follow-up site visits (common practice)

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Mission: The Foundation emphasizes supporting "innovative programs and opportunities that meet the ever-changing needs of the community." Applications should clearly demonstrate how the program addresses evolving community needs rather than simply maintaining status quo services.

Focus on Economically Disadvantaged Populations: Priority is given to programs serving economically disadvantaged populations in the three target counties. Applications should include demographic data showing the economic challenges faced by beneficiaries.

Demonstrated Innovation: Jan Moran's emphasis on Jim Moran's belief in providing "the right opportunities and, sometimes, a helping hand along the way" suggests the Foundation values programs that create pathways to success rather than simply providing temporary relief.

Strong Outcomes Measurement: Given the Foundation's requirement for midway progress reports and impact reports upon completion, applications should include robust evaluation plans with measurable outcomes aligned with Foundation priorities.

Geographic Specificity: Applications must clearly demonstrate service delivery in Broward, Palm Beach, or Duval Counties. Organizations serving other Florida counties will not be considered.

Operational Support Limitation: If requesting operational support, ensure it does not exceed 50% of the total funding request. The Foundation prefers to fund programmatic work over general operating expenses.

Partnership and Collaboration: The Foundation's multi-year grants to organizations like Hispanic Unity suggest they value long-term partnerships with organizations demonstrating "mission, heart and commitment to the families they serve."

Examples of Funded Projects (2024):

Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County: $331,500 for Saturday academic enrichment programs
Feeding Northeast Florida: $250,000 for nutrition programs addressing food insecurity and chronic conditions
4KIDS of South Florida: $75,000 for transitional independent living homes for youth aging out of foster care
Center for Child Counseling: $165,000 for trauma services strengthening families
Best Foot Forward Foundation: $150,000 for college support for students in the foster care system
Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network: $50,000 for therapeutic counseling for LGBTQ+ youth

Avoid These Common Pitfalls:

Requesting funding for capital campaigns, capacity building, or event sponsorships through the standard application process
Serving populations outside the three target counties
Requesting operational support exceeding 50% of total request
Failing to demonstrate measurable outcomes and evaluation methods
Applying during the October 15 - January 1 blackout period

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Geographic Precision Matters: Your program must serve populations in Broward, Palm Beach, or Duval Counties specifically. Geographic focus is non-negotiable.
Innovation Over Maintenance: The Foundation seeks "innovative programs" addressing "ever-changing needs." Frame your proposal around innovation and adaptation rather than simply continuing existing services.
Multi-Year Relationship Potential: The Foundation awards multi-year grants to organizations that demonstrate strong results and alignment. Think beyond a single grant to how you might build a long-term partnership.
Operational Support Strategy: If you need operational support, ensure it's no more than 50% of your request and clearly justify how these costs directly enable program success.
90-Day Window: Plan for a 90-day wait for initial LOI response. Build this into your fundraising timeline and cash flow projections.
Economic Disadvantage Documentation: Clearly demonstrate that your program serves economically disadvantaged populations with specific demographic and economic data.
Mission Alignment Language: Use language emphasizing "opportunity," "helping hand," and "empowering the next generation of leaders" - terminology that resonates with the Foundation's values as expressed by Jan Moran.
Timing Your Submission: Avoid the October 15 - January 1 blackout period. Submit LOIs early in the calendar year for best positioning.

References

The Jim Moran Foundation Official Website - jimmoranfoundation.org - Accessed December 18, 2025
Grant Guidelines & Application - jimmoranfoundation.org/grant/guidelines/ - Accessed December 18, 2025
Who We Are - jimmoranfoundation.org/about-us/ - Accessed December 18, 2025
2024 Grants Archive - jimmoranfoundation.org/grants/2024/ - Accessed December 18, 2025
2025 Grants Archive - jimmoranfoundation.org/grants/2025/ - Accessed December 18, 2025
GuideStar Profile - guidestar.org/profile/65-1058044 - Accessed December 18, 2025
Cause IQ Profile - causeiq.com/organizations/jim-moran-foundation,651058044/ - Accessed December 18, 2025
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/651058044 - Accessed December 18, 2025
Candid Foundation Directory - fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=MORA024 - Accessed December 18, 2025
"Philanthropy on Federal" - Fort Lauderdale Magazine - fortlauderdalemagazine.com/philanthropy-on-federal/ - Accessed December 18, 2025
Community Foundation of Broward - "$2 Million Grant Furthers Jim Moran's Legacy" - cfbroward.org/articles/2-million-grant-furthers-jim-morans-legacy-of-support-for-browards-youth - Accessed December 18, 2025
Inside Philanthropy - The Jim Moran Foundation Profile - insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/florida-grants/the-jim-moran-foundation - Accessed December 18, 2025