April 27, 2018 (New York, NY) – The Jim Collins Foundation (JCF), a national nonprofit organization with a mission to fund gender-affirming surgeries, is pleased to announce that we are awarding five grants for 2018. This is our highest number of grant recipients in the ten-years of the organization’s existence.
This year JCF awarded three general fund grants and two matching fund grants. Our General Fund Grant covers 100% of the medical fees associated with gender-affirming surgery. Our matching fund grant, referred to as the Hembrough Grant, is from the Krysallis Anne Hembrough Legacy Fund. This grant covers 50% of the medical fees associated with gender-affirming surgery; the recipient provides the other 50% using their own financial resources.
Our 2018 General Fund Grant recipients include Hope Giselle, Theophilus Bibb, and Mac Alex. Our Hembrough Grant recipients include Cole Jaymason and a private grantee. Please go to our website to read their amazing stories.
“This year marks our ten-year anniversary as an organization. We are pleased to provide a record number of grants to mark this milestone,” said Jody Randall and Ryan Sallans, incoming JCF president and vice president. “The grants we are able to award would not be possible without the generous donations and legacies that we receive, as well as the support from our surgeons including this year’s pro-bono services provided by Dr. Kathy Rumer.”
More than 400 people applied for this year’s grant, demonstrating the continued urgency and financial need. With the addition of this year’s grantees, the Jim Collins Foundation has awarded a total of 20 grants since 2011.
“This gift from The Jim Collins Foundation and the donors changes my entire world. I was speechless when I was contacted and still am in disbelief. They’re my guardian angels shining bright at the end of this dark storm I’ve been enduring,” said Cole, 2018 Hembrough Grant grantee.
“The Jim Collins Foundation has made possible for me a surgery I didn’t think would ever happen. I am forever grateful for this chance at a new life. To everyone who has helped me along the way, especially JCF, thank you so, so much. I didn’t think I’d ever be this grateful to be an anomaly,” said Mac, 2018 General Grant Fund grantee.
“Thank you to the foundation for existing. Thank you to those that donate and THANK YOU for picking little ole me to set free. I’m forever grateful and I cannot wait to pay it forward!” said Theophilus, 2018 General Grant Fund grantee.
Our 2019 grant cycle will start May 15, 2018. We will continue accepting applications through August 1, 2018.
For press inquiries and interviews, contact info@jimcollinsfoundation.org. For more information on The Jim Collins Foundation, grantees, the issues, and to donate, visit jimcollinsfoundation.org.