Jacarlene Foundation

The Jacarlene Foundation employs a focused, mission-driven approach centered on three pillars established by founder Jackie Preis: arts, environment, and education. With approximately $97.5 million in assets following a dramatic expansion after Jackie Preis's passing in 2022 (assets grew from $4.1M to $96.5M when the foundation became the beneficiary of her estate), the foundation has significantly scaled its grantmaking capacity. The foundation uses a two-stage application process with quarterly rolling LOI reviews, managed through Bank of America Private Bank's FoundationSource portal. This deliberate, invitation-based approach allows the foundation to carefully vet applicants against its Florida-only mandate and three focus areas. The foundation's mantra—'what can we do for you'—reflects a collaborative, applicant-centered philosophy rather than a top-down prescriptive model. The foundation does not fund political or religious organizations, maintaining strict focus on its core mission areas.

The Jacarlene Foundation has demonstrated significant growth in grantmaking activity. In 2024, the foundation distributed 48 grants totaling $4.9 million (up from 38 grants totaling $2.7 million in 2023), reflecting its expanded asset base. Grant sizes range widely from $450 (head lice treatment for an elementary classroom) to $1 million (Zoo Tampa's Jacarlene Animal Care Campus), with a median grant of $66,438 and an average of $72,071. The foundation's total charitable disbursements reached $5.35 million in 2024, representing roughly 5.5% of total assets—above the required 5% minimum distribution for private foundations. Revenue comes primarily from contributions (55%, $3.75M) and investment dividends (45%, $3.07M). With zero liabilities and strong investment returns, the foundation is well-positioned to maintain or increase its current level of grantmaking.

The Jacarlene Foundation occupies a distinctive niche among Florida philanthropies. While smaller in assets than the major community foundations, its $97.5M endowment and statewide Florida mandate give it broader geographic reach than most regional community foundations. Its focused three-pillar approach (arts, environment, education) provides clarity that larger, more diversified foundations lack. The foundation's payout rate of approximately 5.5% is competitive, and its rapid growth from $4.1M to $97.5M in assets positions it as an increasingly influential player in Florida philanthropy.

The most significant recent development for the Jacarlene Foundation was the dramatic expansion of its endowment following founder Jackie Preis's death in 2022. The foundation's assets surged from approximately $4.1 million in 2022 to $96.5 million in 2023, when it became the beneficiary of Preis's estate and trust. This roughly 24x increase in assets has transformed the foundation from a modest family philanthropy into one of Florida's more substantial private foundations. In 2024, the foundation responded to this growth by significantly expanding its grantmaking: 48 grants distributed (up from 15 in 2022), totaling $4.9 million. Notable recent grants include $642,715 to Metropolitan Ministries Inc, $600,000 to Second Harvest of the Big Bend, and $150,000 to South Florida State College Foundation for trade programs. The foundation added trustee Ian Ombres alongside President Jacquelyn Rogow and VP Tim Center, each receiving $115,000 in compensation. The foundation operates with zero debt and maintains its administration through Bank of America Private Bank.

To maximize your chances with the Jacarlene Foundation, applicants should: (1) Ensure strict alignment with one of the three focus areas—education, environment/animal welfare, or arts—as the foundation does not fund outside these pillars. (2) Demonstrate Florida-specific impact, since all funding must remain within the state. (3) Present 'measurable and sustainable' goals explicitly in your LOI, as the foundation specifically looks for these qualities. (4) Request realistic amounts that reflect what is genuinely needed for a project to succeed, rather than inflating the ask—the foundation funds grants from $450 to $1M based on actual need. (5) New organizations (under one year old or without an annual audit) should limit initial requests to $25,000 or less. (6) Previous grantees must submit evaluation reports before reapplying, so maintain thorough documentation of outcomes. (7) The quarterly LOI review cycle means you should plan submissions strategically—submit early in a quarter for the fastest response. (8) Use the online eligibility quiz at jacarlene.org before investing time in an LOI to confirm your organization qualifies. The foundation values the collaborative spirit of its 'what can we do for you' philosophy, so frame your proposal around partnership rather than just funding needs.