The grants were strategically awarded to organizations serving in high-need neighborhoods

Jacksonville, Fla. (May 21, 2025) – United Way of Northeast Florida announced today $118,800 in microgrant funding for health literacy programs focused on neighborhoods with the highest concentration of need in Northeast Florida. Thirteen organizations will receive microgrants, made possible by the generous support of Miller Electric Company, to provide programs that improve health literacy to help individuals better care for themselves and achieve overall improved health outcomes.

Studies show a large percentage of Americans have limited health literacy. These microgrants, which range from $5,500 to $10,000, will provide opportunities for individuals to find, understand and use available resources to better inform health-related decisions. The grants will also support neighborhood-based organizations in making a significant impact on local health outcomes through innovative programs that improve health literacy.

“United Way envisions a community where everyone has hope and can reach their full potential, and these grants will help change health outcomes for our most vulnerable families,” said Melanie Patz, president and CEO of United Way of Northeast Florida. “Health literacy and access to health resources is essential not just for life expectancy but also for individuals to be able to succeed in school, build careers and take care of their families.”

The following 13 organizations will receive microgrants:

• CARES Justice Institute Inc.
• Community Coalition Alliance
• The DONNA Foundation
• Edward Waters University
• Friends of the Quilt
• Infinity Food Pantry
• Liam Lives Foundation
• The Master’s Touch Ministry
• Melanin Collaborative Group
• Mission of the Dirt Road
• My Needs Network
• Saint James AME Church
• Volunteers in Medicine Jacksonville

“Our grants will help local organizations provide vital educational resources, workshops and outreach efforts, ensuring the most vulnerable populations have access to the health information and services they need,” said James Ellout, vice president of community impact at United Way of Northeast Florida. “We are proud to support these organizations serving communities with the greatest health literacy needs. Their work will increase community understanding, broaden knowledge of how to navigate health care systems and increase utilization of health services available.”

Examples of programs supported by these microgrants include education on essential topics for expectant mothers such as prenatal care, childbirth and postnatal care as well as learning opportunities for seniors to better understand heart disease, diabetes and the nutritional behavior needed for prevention.

“We are so grateful for the United Way health literacy microgrant,” said Dr. Tiffanie L. Williams, president and founder of Liam Lives Foundation. “The microgrant will help us bring critical maternal health education directly to the minority women and families we serve. This support means we can offer culturally relevant resources that help our moms feel informed, confident and supported every step of the way. Together, we are creating a safer, more informed path to motherhood and beyond.”

To qualify for a microgrant, applicants needed to operate in Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau and/or St. Johns counties; be an established grassroots, faith-based, community-based or nonprofit organization for at least two years; have history of serving high-need communities; and not currently be funded by United Way under a multi-year grant.  Submissions were accepted for review Feb. 13 through March 7. Selected organizations’ funding will support programming for a period of six to eight months.

“We are incredibly grateful to United Way for this opportunity to expand our health literacy and prevention efforts in Nassau County,” said Caitlin Miller, lead prevention and research specialist for the Nassau County Coalition for Community Health. “This grant will help us reach even more residents with life-saving education, tools and resources — especially in areas where access and awareness are most needed. By supporting initiatives like safe medication disposal, overdose response training and youth mental health education, United Way is not just funding programs, they’re investing in real, lasting change for our community’s health and safety.”

United Way’s Microgrant Program focuses on developing innovative solutions to address hyper-localized community issues through partnerships with neighborhood groups, small nonprofit organizations and grassroots entities unable to participate in traditional United Way grant processes.

United Way’s first round of microgrants took place in 2024 and focused on youth enrichment, funding programs that have now served more than 5,000 local youth and supported college readiness, social skills, and character and leadership development, to name a few areas. Future grant opportunities will be shared at unitedwaynefl.org/community-partners.

To request an interview with United Way leadership and/or a microgrant recipient, contact Sarah Henderson, vice president of marketing and communications, at sarahh@nulluwnefl.org or 904-390-3226. If you are an organization seeking more information on United Way grant opportunities, please email unitedwaygrants@nulluwnefl.org.

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About United Way of Northeast Florida
Founded more than 100 years ago in 1924, United Way of Northeast Florida has earned a reputation as a respected and efficient philanthropic organization. United Way envisions a community of opportunity where everyone has hope and can reach their full potential. The organization’s mission is to solve Northeast Florida’s toughest challenges by connecting people, resources and ideas. United Way focuses on improving economic mobility in the following impact areas: basic needs, financial well-being and community resiliency. The nonprofit organization’s long tradition of addressing the human-service needs in Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau and northern St. Johns counties is made possible through the commitment of thousands of volunteers, donors and community partners. To learn more, visit unitedwaynefl.org, or follow United Way of Northeast Florida on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.