The Jessie Ball duPont Fund works to create vibrant public spaces where all community members feel they belong and can thrive together. Their projects include The Jessie, a building in Jacksonville that houses nonprofits and community spaces in a historic setting with modern technology. They also support Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing Park, which honors the Johnson brothers who wrote the Black National Anthem in Jacksonville's LaVilla neighborhood.
The park was designed by award-winning architect Walter Hood to celebrate the area's history while making space for an inclusive future. The Vibrant Places Collective organizes weekly programming at the park, led by local historians and community leaders. Other projects include colorful murals downtown that honor community leaders, and efforts to activate Jacksonville's riverfront through community conversations and expert planning.
All these projects aim to create spaces where people feel connected and empowered to solve community challenges together.