Page 32 - October 2023

GRANT PROGRAM COMMITTEE MINUTES (DRAFT) (8)
• An updated newsletter design, which has since increased the number of click-throughs to jsf.bz.
• New social media tracking methods focused on engagement and community-building rather than follower metrics.
• The rollout of a new spreadsheet for grantees to share news & updates that JSF can use on its own channels.
• Key metrics on JSF’s website, social media, and email marketing efforts.
• The Foundation’s decision to sunset its Twitter account in favor of placing increased focus on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Questions were asked about the difference between engagements, impressions, and how to view posts, all of which were clarified and discussed. Another question was asked about what plans were in place to grow followership. Hannah shared that, while the overall communications goal is focused on spotlighting current grantees as an added value to philanthropic partnership, there are plans to implement a paid campaign to grow the number of JSF followers on LinkedIn this fall and winter.
13. Disadvantaged Programing a. Elevation Scholars
Bobby introduced Scott Lee, President of Elevation Scholars; Mariel Mejia, Manager of Development; Aminah Harris, Program Director; and Steve Orosz, Board Chair. All 4 appeared before the Committee via Zoom. The following materials had been circulated: an application from Elevation Scholars requesting $600,000 over 4 years witha1:1matchtoscaleitswork,andareportfromtheorganization’sgraduationeventheldonMay22,2023. JSF recently completed a 3-year, $150,000 matching grant with Elevation Scholars.
Scott began by thanking JSF for its prior partnership. Elevation Scholars has a newly formed development department that will focus on sustainability by focusing on 3 areas: individual award sponsorships, corporate partnerships and foundation grants. These funds support both the organization’s College Access program for high school seniors and the College Success program for current collegians. Corporate partnerships not only provide financial support but also open doors for internship and employment opportunities for the students. After graduation, 69% of the students return to the Orlando area to work. There are also opportunities to recruit volunteers from the community. Steve got involved in the program through his family’s business, Hanover Capital Partners, which supports Elevation Scholars.
The program is known for getting students into elite universities. A question was asked about whether Elevation Scholars students are encouraged to attend HBCUs, which sometimes are less selective in their admissions. Aminah stated that the program supports whatever school is best for the student. Sometimes HBCUs don’t have enough funds to offer the students full-ride scholarships, and that’s where scholarship dollars from Elevation can make the difference. Another question was about the acceptance rate for students applying for the program. The rate ranges from 30% to 50% from year to year. Scott said about half of the applicants don’t qualify because of grades, family income or alignment with Elevation Scholars’ values. A few values the scholars must possess are kindness, coachability and community service. There were 50 applicants for the most recent cohort, of which 25 passed all the screenings. However, there was only enough funding to accept 18. The students are typically in the top 5 percent of their graduating class. This led to another question: Because Elevation Scholars accepts the cream of the crop, is it truly making an impact? Aminah said an external evaluation is under way to determine the organization’s effectiveness. About 75% of the students are first-generation students from immigrant families, and the Elevation Scholars staff reflects a similar demographic. The scholarships are valued at between $19,000 and $25,000 depending on where the students attend college. About 20% of that amount is expended leading up to college and 80% during college. Scott, Mariel, Aminah and Steve left the meeting.
During the discussion, an observation was made that the program seems to operate like a well-oiled machine. Its origins as an outgrowth of a corporate entity could be a major factor. A suggestion was made for staff to engage with the Elevation team to see how JSF might use the same dollars to better support the organization, perhaps through structuring the grant to better assist with fund raising or capacity building.
The Committee approved as presented an application from Elevation Scholars requesting $600,000 over 4 years with a 1:1 match to grow the scholarship program. The Committee directed staff to engage with the
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