Knight Foundation awards more than $206,000 in grants –

The Community Foundation of North Florida announced six local nonprofits will receive a total of $206,135 from the Knight Foundation’s Donor Advised Fund.  These grants will be used to support initiatives aimed at strengthening the community and enhancing the lives of its residents.

The James L. Knight Foundation annually supports the Tallahassee community with a goal to have an impact in revitalizing the downtown and bordering communities to attract and retain talented people and promote economic opportunity through projects in smart design, the arts and entrepreneurship.

• Village Square – $11,250: This grant will be used to enhance a “Speed Date Your Local Leaders” program, designed to give citizens an opportunity to informally chat with leaders in our community.  
• Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency – $25,000: Grant funding will enhance the transit experience on the North Monroe Gateway into Downtown Tallahassee by reimagining an existing bus stop at the nexus of two arterial roadways. Improvements will include shelter, seating artistic elements, signage and landscaping.
• Capital City Chamber (CCC)  – $75,000: CCC will partner with both the Historically Black Credit Union Foundation, Inc. and the FAMU Credit Union to catalyze a further-reaching Tallahassee economic ecosystem by establishing a modern, financial-centric, education and co-working/co-creation facility.
• Knight Creative Communities Institute (KCCI) – $25,000:  These funds will bring together a diverse group of people, Community Catalysts, and train them on community challenges, opportunities, and the importance of place. The goal is to empower them to implement a placemaking project that unites and enhances Tallahassee within one year.
• Talent Development Council – $37,500: Funding will be used to support an initiative aimed at creating a more efficient workforce development ecosystem, developing a pipeline of highly skilled talent, and promoting access to training and employment opportunities for targeted populations.
• Tallahassee Downtown Improvement Authority – $32,385: These funds will be used to enhance the bicentennial sculpture design which will commemorate Tallahassee’s founding. The sculpture is intended to foster civic pride and enhance public safety through solar-powered lights.