The Jim Moran Foundation, as part of its 25th anniversary celebration, awarded a $1 million grant to support Communities In Schools of Jacksonville’s new Leon Baxton Legacy Fund.
Communities In Schools of Jacksonville launched a $3.5 million campaign in early 2025 to celebrate its 35th anniversary and honor CEO Baxton’s 33 years of service by establishing the Leon Baxton Legacy Fund. Managed by The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, the endowment fund will advance CIS Jacksonville’s programs, with a focus on innovation, expansion and long-term sustainability.
“This transformative gift will enable us to reach more students and families in Duval County who need support,” Baxton said. “We remain committed to expanding our services and evolving alongside our students’ needs – ensuring their success not only in school, but well beyond graduation.”
"As a longtime supporter of Communities In Schools of Jacksonville, we have seen its extraordinary impact in the lives of countless students, and Leon’s unwavering dedication to providing them with guidance and opportunities,” said Jan Moran, chairman and president of The Jim Moran Foundation. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with CIS to strengthen families and empower students to reach their greatest potential.”
To recognize its 25th anniversary, The Foundation has already committed more than $5.6 million in special grants – with more to be announced in the coming months – that reach beyond its traditional giving guidelines to support nonprofit partners in Broward, Duval and Palm Beach counties.
Communities In Schools is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to empowering at-risk students to stay in school and achieve in life. Operating within schools since 1990, the Jacksonville affiliate serves more than 7,000 students in 36 schools annually with nationally recognized literacy, case management and afterschool programs. For more information, visit CISJax.org.
Founded by automotive pioneer Jim Moran, the mission of The Jim Moran Foundation is to improve the quality of life for the youth and families of Florida through the support of innovative programs and opportunities that meet the ever-changing needs of the community. Since its inception in 2000, The Foundation has invested more than $290 million in education, elder care, family strengthening and transitional living initiatives. Additional funding has been committed through multi-year grants with efforts currently focused in Broward, Duval and Palm Beach counties. Through a long-term Grant Agreement, The Foundation’s significant funder is JM Family Enterprises, Inc. To learn more, visit www.jimmoranfoundation.org.
