GIVE
"The mission of bringing help to children when none other is available - that's the best."
-Meninak J. F. Bryan
The Meninak Foundation
From Meninak’s early days of organizing toy drives for underprivileged children and providing holiday food baskets to today’s marquee initiatives—our annual charity project and scholarship awards—we have remained dedicated to making our community stronger by sharing our good fortune.
To ensure lasting impact, the Meninak Foundation was established as a dedicated vehicle for collecting and distributing funds to support the club’s philanthropic efforts.
Guided by a Board of Trustees—composed of the past eight club presidents—the Foundation is responsible for fundraising, managing the corpus, and ensuring thoughtful distribution of resources. Through continued development efforts, the Foundation aims to endow many of the club’s charitable activities, securing a legacy of support for future generations.
How You Can Support
the Meninak Foundation
Children are the future living among us today—a truth that drives the Meninak Foundation’s unwavering commitment to the well-being and success of our community’s youth. Through the active support of Meninak members, the Foundation has made a lasting impact, helping shape the lives of those who will, in turn, shape our community.
You can be a part of this legacy. There are many ways to support the Meninak Foundation, whether through annual contributions, a significant gift, or a lasting bequest. Every gift helps ensure that future generations have the opportunities and support they need to thrive.
Charity Projects
The Meninak Club is widely recognized and celebrated for its unwavering support of youth in need. A core part of our Creed best expresses this commitment: 'I believe in the youth of our country. I believe that service to youth is insurance for the preservation of democracy.'
One of the most impactful ways we uphold this mission is through Meninak’s annual Charity Project.
This major gift program invites local charitable organizations to apply for funding, primarily for capital improvements that enhance their ability to serve young people. The size of the award depends on the funds raised by the Meninak Foundation and the income generated by its corpus.
Over the past century, Meninak has contributed more than $1.75 million to nonprofit organizations throughout Jacksonville. Each year, a special charity project grant is awarded to a youth-focused nonprofit to fund a critical capital improvement that strengthens its services.
The selection process is led by the Club’s Charity Project Committee—comprised of dedicated Meninak members—who carefully review applications, conduct site visits, and assess the greatest needs within the community. The award is granted based on which organization will have the most significant impact on Jacksonville’s youth.
For over 100 years, Meninak has provided vital support to more than 300 youth-serving nonprofits, often stepping in when no other assistance is available. Our legacy of giving continues to transform lives, ensuring that the next generation has the resources and opportunities to thrive.
Recent Meninak Charity Projects
- Daniel Memorial – Norton House Renovations
- The Carpenter’s Shop – Classroom Flooring
- Hope Haven Clinic – Handicap Accessible Bathroom
- Jacksonville Speech & Hearing Center – Pediatric Audiology Suite
- Police Athletic League Northside – Sports Center New Room
Renaissance Jax – Skilled Robotics Training Center
Jacksonville Children’s Chorus – Security System
Hope at Hand – New Classrooms
Florida Baptist Children’s Homes – Refrigeration System and Generator
Clara White Mission – Healthy Eating Educational Center
Scholarship Program
“I can’t even begin to tell you how helpful the scholarship has been and will be in supporting me in my college endeavors and dreams.” - Amy Nicotra, Scholarship Alumni
"Give them all $5,000. We’ll get it somehow." In 1997, Meninak leaders Bill Drennon and J.F. Bryan made history. With only $10,000 in available funds, they challenged Club members to raise $25,000 in just a few days to provide five deserving seniors with $5,000 scholarships. Not only did they succeed, but they raised a surplus for the following year.
That ambitious spirit continues today. In partnership with the Youth Leadership Jacksonville Program, the Meninak Club has awarded 160 Youth Leadership graduates with scholarships, totaling an incredible $720,000.
This is the essence of Meninak—bold action, unwavering commitment, and a deep belief in investing in the next generation of leaders.
Meninak Leadership Program
The Meninak Leadership Program awards five $5,000 scholarships to high school seniors who completed the Youth Leadership Jacksonville Program conducted by the city. This grant is unique in that it not only provides financial support for college but also recognizes and celebrates leadership qualities among Jacksonville’s youth, encouraging their continued growth as future leaders.
Eligibility & Selection Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have completed the Youth Leadership Jacksonville Program
- Be a member in good standing of the organization
- Be a high school senior at an accredited local school
- Plan to attend an accredited college or university
Recipients are selected by the Meninak Club’s Scholarship Committee based on the following criteria:
- Financial need
- Demonstrated leadership and service
- Academic potential
Candidates are evaluated based on their application responses and individual interviews.
Youth Leadership Program of Jacksonville
Youth Leadership Jacksonville is a six-month program designed for a select and diverse group of high school sophomores from Baker, Clay, Duval, and St. Johns counties who have demonstrated leadership potential. The program prepares students to become ethical leaders committed to active community involvement while fostering a lifelong interest in addressing Jacksonville’s challenges and opportunities. Each year, more than 50 students participate.
How to Apply
Students must begin the process as high school freshmen by working with their school’s guidance department to understand the application process and deadlines. Each school may nominate up to six freshmen for consideration, with nominations due by the end of January.
To be eligible for the Meninak Scholarship, students must successfully complete the Youth Leadership Jacksonville Program.
“I want to update Meninak on a recent accomplishment: I was recently accepted to Nova Southeastern University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine…[and] will be starting medical school down in Davie, FL this Fall!” - Matt Willhelm, Scholarship Alumni
Join Us in Giving Back
Together, we can create a brighter future for our youth and community. Consider making a donation to the Meninak Foundation today. Your support allows us to continue our vital work and help those in need.