"Founder's Day" Grants to Become Annual Tribute to Jim Moran

Deerfield Beach, Fla. The Jim Moran Foundation (The Foundation) Board of Directors recently announced two special grants during JM Family Enterprises (JM Family) Founders Day celebration for $91,000 each. They were awarded in recognition of automotive pioneer Jim Moran, who created The Foundation and JM Family, for what would have been his 91st birthday. To honor Jim Morans philanthropic legacy, these grants will become an annual tradition.

The Foundations recipients included one nonprofit in North Florida and one in South Florida, where JM Family has significant business presence. Metro Kids Konnection (Metro Kids) in Duval County was selected for its after-school program and Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Inc. (BPHI) in Broward County was chosen for its Family Services Program.

"We are excited to announce that these grants begin a new tradition that will become an annual celebration of my husbands life and his belief in generously sharing what we have to take care of each other," said Jan Moran, chairman and president of The Jim Moran Foundation. "Through these deserving nonprofits, the funds will support critical services and opportunities to improve the quality of life for children and families."

Metro Kids serves more than 100 students in grades K-12 in Jacksonvilles Cleveland Arms Apartment Community, helping young people learn the skills and values necessary to complete their education and make positive choices in their lives. Through the after-school program, students have access to a computer and learning center, and staff and volunteers provide homework assistance, tutoring and special programs. Because of Metro Kids intervention and resources, students are improving academically and their futures are much brighter.

With families as one of the fastest-growing populations among the homeless, The Foundations South Florida Founders Day grant is BPHIs Family Services Program in Fort Lauderdale, which helps stabilize families through safe shelter, parent education and support groups, quality child care, and academic and work force development. BPHI provides the homeless with the resources and guidance necessary to rebuild their lives and achieve independence.

Since founding JM Family in 1968, Jim Moran instilled the philosophy of giving back to the communities where his associates live and work. To ensure his legacy of philanthropy would continue beyond his lifetime, he established The Foundation in 2000.

To learn more about The Foundations non-profit partnerships and view a special video produced for Founders Day honoring Jim Morans legacy, visit www.jimmoranfoundation.org .

About The Jim Moran Foundation