SustainABLE Community Initiatives
We envision an East of the River community with a thriving nonprofit ecosystem, upward economic mobility in high-demand health-related careers, and a robust health care system to address systemic inequities.
Our Grantmaking Vision
We seek to realize a self-sustaining East of the Anacostia River community via a grantmaking strategy that invests in health and wellness, collaborative relationships, and capacity building / technical assistance.
Health and Wellness
We recognize the immense pressure nonprofit leaders face as they respond to trauma, systemic inequities, and urgent needs East of the Anacostia River. Through our grantmaking, we provide access to wellness resources, leadership coaching, peer support networks, and opportunities to collaborate on solutions. Prioritizing mental, emotional, and physical well-being is of the utmost importance to reducing burnout and creating a ripple effect of care that extends to the communities and organizational teams these leaders serve.
Collaborative Relationships
We cultivate partnerships to amplify collective impact among organizations working East of the Anacostia River by facilitating opportunities to network and connect.
Sustainable progress requires collaboration. By strengthening these relationships, we are creating a thriving ecosystem where organizations work with a shared purpose and not in silos. This empowers local leaders, nonprofits, and community stakeholders to share knowledge, leverage resources, and drive transformative solutions together. We believe reducing duplicated efforts, creating efficient pathways to address systemic challenges, and leaning in on trust and innovation will lead to greater community self-sufficiency.
Capacity Building and Technical Assistance
We help nonprofits East of the Anacostia River boost their operational effectiveness, leadership, and long-term sustainability. Building a strong pipeline of empowered leaders, especially for Black-led organizations, requires targeted capacity building and technical assistance support. Grantmaking for tailored support in strategic planning, financial management, governance, assistance to secure funding, and leadership development opportunities are a few ways we execute on our goal to strengthen the nonprofit ecosystem.
How We Are Supporting Community-Based Partners
We start by listening to the community. Engaging with residents and nonprofit leaders allows us to support efforts that address pressing challenges and celebrate community strengths. We show up through:
Our Grantee Partners
We are incredibly grateful for your support in making our 8-week Wellness Immersion Program a reality for the women in Ward 7 and 8. With your generous funding, we successfully served approximately 20 women, providing them with much-needed resources and opportunities to focus on their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Thank you for believing in our mission and for investing in the well-being of women in our community.
Charnal Chaney
Through JBRF’s generous funding, we were able to expand our Sisterhood Suppers and community-based programming in Washington, D.C., creating safe and empowering spaces for Black women to gather, share stories, and access culturally rooted nutrition education.
Tambra Raye Stevenson, MPH, MA
Working with the Jane Bancroft Robinson Foundation has been both affirming and transformative…a true thought partner—offering strategic guidance, consistent encouragement, and meaningful action. Their investment in FSFSC extended beyond traditional grantmaking… We are deeply grateful for their belief in our work and their willingness to walk alongside us as we grow.
Dionne Bussey-Reeder
Their commitment to advancing health equity and community well-being in Ward 8 is evident in every interaction… The Foundation’s approach reflects deep respect for the community and a clear understanding of what it means to lead with both heart and strategy. We are proud to have JBRF as a partner in this work and look forward to continuing to build a healthier, more connected Ward 8 together.
Jaren Hill Lockridge
We are incredibly grateful for your support in making our 8-week Wellness Immersion Program a reality for the women in Ward 7 and 8. With your generous funding, we successfully served approximately 20 women, providing them with much-needed resources and opportunities to focus on their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Thank you for believing in our mission and for investing in the well-being of women in our community.
Charnal Chaney
Through JBRF’s generous funding, we were able to expand our Sisterhood Suppers and community-based programming in Washington, D.C., creating safe and empowering spaces for Black women to gather, share stories, and access culturally rooted nutrition education.
Tambra Raye Stevenson, MPH, MA
Working with the Jane Bancroft Robinson Foundation has been both affirming and transformative…a true thought partner—offering strategic guidance, consistent encouragement, and meaningful action. Their investment in FSFSC extended beyond traditional grantmaking… We are deeply grateful for their belief in our work and their willingness to walk alongside us as we grow.
Dionne Bussey-Reeder
Their commitment to advancing health equity and community well-being in Ward 8 is evident in every interaction… The Foundation’s approach reflects deep respect for the community and a clear understanding of what it means to lead with both heart and strategy. We are proud to have JBRF as a partner in this work and look forward to continuing to build a healthier, more connected Ward 8 together.
Jaren Hill Lockridge
We are incredibly grateful for your support in making our 8-week Wellness Immersion Program a reality for the women in Ward 7 and 8. With your generous funding, we successfully served approximately 20 women, providing them with much-needed resources and opportunities to focus on their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Thank you for believing in our mission and for investing in the well-being of women in our community.
Charnal Chaney
Through JBRF’s generous funding, we were able to expand our Sisterhood Suppers and community-based programming in Washington, D.C., creating safe and empowering spaces for Black women to gather, share stories, and access culturally rooted nutrition education.
Tambra Raye Stevenson, MPH, MA
Working with the Jane Bancroft Robinson Foundation has been both affirming and transformative…a true thought partner—offering strategic guidance, consistent encouragement, and meaningful action. Their investment in FSFSC extended beyond traditional grantmaking… We are deeply grateful for their belief in our work and their willingness to walk alongside us as we grow.
Dionne Bussey-Reeder
Their commitment to advancing health equity and community well-being in Ward 8 is evident in every interaction… The Foundation’s approach reflects deep respect for the community and a clear understanding of what it means to lead with both heart and strategy. We are proud to have JBRF as a partner in this work and look forward to continuing to build a healthier, more connected Ward 8 together.
Jaren Hill Lockridge
We are incredibly grateful for your support in making our 8-week Wellness Immersion Program a reality for the women in Ward 7 and 8. With your generous funding, we successfully served approximately 20 women, providing them with much-needed resources and opportunities to focus on their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Thank you for believing in our mission and for investing in the well-being of women in our community.
Charnal Chaney
Through JBRF’s generous funding, we were able to expand our Sisterhood Suppers and community-based programming in Washington, D.C., creating safe and empowering spaces for Black women to gather, share stories, and access culturally rooted nutrition education.
Tambra Raye Stevenson, MPH, MA
Working with the Jane Bancroft Robinson Foundation has been both affirming and transformative…a true thought partner—offering strategic guidance, consistent encouragement, and meaningful action. Their investment in FSFSC extended beyond traditional grantmaking… We are deeply grateful for their belief in our work and their willingness to walk alongside us as we grow.
Dionne Bussey-Reeder
Their commitment to advancing health equity and community well-being in Ward 8 is evident in every interaction… The Foundation’s approach reflects deep respect for the community and a clear understanding of what it means to lead with both heart and strategy. We are proud to have JBRF as a partner in this work and look forward to continuing to build a healthier, more connected Ward 8 together.
Jaren Hill Lockridge
Who We Support
Center for Nonprofit Advancement
The Black Women’s Cohort of the Center’s Chief Executive Leaders Ascend Program, co-sponsored by JPMorganChase and the Jane Bancroft Robinson Foundation, is a comprehensive initiative designed to strengthen Black women–led nonprofits in D.C.’s Wards 7 and 8. The program empowers Black women leaders by providing dedicated grantmaking, capacity-building opportunities, wellness support, and networking opportunities.
Medical Ascension
Medical Ascension is a free health care pipeline program that empowers middle and high school scholars from underrepresented and/or disadvantaged backgrounds through health science and leadership opportunities. It is a concerted effort to encourage students to pursue health care professions and to serve their communities as culturally responsive health care providers. Since 2020, 597 middle school and high school youth have participated in Medical Ascension. JBRF proudly supported the initiative through a one-time co-sponsorship with Sibley Memorial Hospital.