Sunday’s Child held its annual Kickoff event on Thursday, January 23 at the Studer Community Institute. Members were greeted with the projection of the Sunday’s Child logo on the side of the building. Inside delicious food and beverages were waiting and the “Folk New Grass” sound of the band Bear With Me filled the air. After some mingle time and a brief presentation, Treasurer Cory Wilkinson announced the organization raised $100,000 among 168 members. Those dollars will be awarded to Pensacola Bay Area non-profit organizations that place value on diversity, inclusion, and equality.
Launched in 2014, Sunday's Child uses a model similar to Impact 100 — individual members or member ensembles donate $1,000 annually, with 100 percent of funds going toward grant awards. Grant applications are vetted by members and winners are determined by the votes of members at an annual meeting.
Over the past six years the organization has raised over $536,000. One hundred percent of dollars raised have funded projects that impacted areas such as child welfare, animal welfare, hunger issues, LGBTQ+ issues, health, adults with disabilities and the arts.
“Pensacola and the surrounding area are served by some amazing nonprofit organizations,” said Gary Rhodes, board president of Sunday’s Child. “Our members recognize not only the importance of supporting local nonprofits but also the importance of creating an accepting and inclusive environment for all of our citizens, including our LGBTQ citizens.”
Sunday's Child will award four grants of $25,000 in June. Letters of intent may be submitted now through Wednesday, Feb. 19.