The Jim Moran Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $25,475,600 (2023)
• 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 totalling approximately $251.7 million, the Foundation has invested more than $335 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 programmes 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, whilst also building an endowment for perpetual operations. The Foundation recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with special grants that reached beyond traditional funding parameters.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

Standard Grant Programme: $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

Anniversary Special Grants: Multi-year grants ranging from $150,000 to $1 million for selected organisations, 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 Programmes

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

Elder Care Programmes

• 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 programmes for families

Family Strengthening Programmes

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

Youth Transitional Living Programmes

• Support for at-risk youth and young adults ageing out of foster care
• Job training and employment programmes
• Leadership development opportunities
• Independent living skills training
• Programmes for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences

Geographic Priority: Programmes 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
• Programmes outside Broward, Palm Beach, and Duval Counties
• Organisations 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 honour 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 organisations 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 finalise year-end grantmaking. Submissions resume January 2.

Stage Two: Full Grant Application

• Organisations whose programmes are considered priority funding receive invitation to complete full Grant Application
• Detailed application includes programme specifics, budget, and organisational information

Stage Three: Due Diligence

• Foundation conducts due diligence review
• Site visits to applicant organisations
• 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 totalling $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. Organisations interested in reapplying after rejection should contact the Foundation directly to discuss timing and any changes to their programme 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 emphasises supporting "innovative programmes and opportunities that meet the ever-changing needs of the community." Applications should clearly demonstrate how the programme addresses evolving community needs rather than simply maintaining status quo services.

Focus on Economically Disadvantaged Populations: Priority is given to programmes 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 programmes 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. Organisations 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 organisations like Hispanic Unity suggest they value long-term partnerships with organisations 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 programmes
• Feeding Northeast Florida: $250,000 for nutrition programmes addressing food insecurity and chronic conditions
• 4KIDS of South Florida: $75,000 for transitional independent living homes for youth ageing 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 counselling 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 programme must serve populations in Broward, Palm Beach, or Duval Counties specifically. Geographic focus is non-negotiable.

• Innovation Over Maintenance: The Foundation seeks "innovative programmes" 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 organisations 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 programme 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 programme serves economically disadvantaged populations with specific demographic and economic data.

• Mission Alignment Language: Use language emphasising "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

1. The Jim Moran Foundation Official Website - jimmoranfoundation.org - Accessed January 2026
2. Grant Guidelines & Application - jimmoranfoundation.org/grant/guidelines/ - Accessed January 2026
3. Who We Are - jimmoranfoundation.org/about-us/ - Accessed January 2026
4. 2024 Grants Archive - jimmoranfoundation.org/grants/2024/ - Accessed January 2026
5. 2025 Grants Archive - jimmoranfoundation.org/grants/2025/ - Accessed January 2026
6. GuideStar Profile - guidestar.org/profile/65-1058044 - Accessed January 2026
7. Cause IQ Profile - causeiq.com/organizations/jim-moran-foundation,651058044/ - Accessed January 2026
8. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/651058044 - Accessed January 2026
9. Candid Foundation Directory - fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=MORA024 - Accessed January 2026
10. "Philanthropy on Federal" - Fort Lauderdale Magazine - fortlauderdalemagazine.com/philanthropy-on-federal/ - Accessed January 2026
11. 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 January 2026
12. Inside Philanthropy - The Jim Moran Foundation Profile - insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/florida-grants/the-jim-moran-foundation - Accessed January 2026