Thirteen groups serving Jacksonville veterans and military families share $100,000 from the Jaguars Foundation. Veterans can also book a free smoke alarm installation from the fire department.
Thirteen organizations that serve Jacksonville veterans and military families will share $100,000 in grants from the Jaguars Foundation. The City of Jacksonville named the recipients this week, the first time the list has been announced in public.
The city’s Military Affairs and Veterans Department released the list at a news conference opening its annual Celebration of Valor. That is a run of veterans events from October to mid-December. The details are in the city’s announcement.
The city gave each grant but not a total. By our count of its list, seven groups get $10,000 and six get $5,000, which comes to $100,000.
Who got the money
| Organization | Grant |
|---|---|
| Five STAR Veterans Center | $10,000 |
| Operation New Uniform | $10,000 |
| Women Veterans Ignited, Inc. | $10,000 |
| Navy League Mayport Council | $10,000 |
| Here Tomorrow | $10,000 |
| Jacksonville Humane Society | $10,000 |
| The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone | $10,000 |
| K9’s for Warriors | $5,000 |
| Operation Barnabas | $5,000 |
| Veterans Treatment Court | $5,000 |
| Florida National Guard Foundation | $5,000 |
| St. Michaels Soldiers | $5,000 |
| Wounded Warrior Project | $5,000 |
The city said the grants support local organizations that serve Jacksonville’s veteran and military community. The Jaguars Foundation says it has given $41 million since 2012, according to the same release.
“This citywide celebration reflects the deep respect and appreciation our city holds for the men and women who wear the uniform and for their families who stand beside them,” Mayor Donna Deegan said.
Deegan also pointed to the crews now overseas. “Multiple Jacksonville-based ships and patrol squadrons are currently deployed overseas, some for extended deployments,” she said.
Free smoke alarms for veterans
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department will install free smoke alarms in the homes of Jacksonville veterans in November, the city said. To book a visit, call 904-630-CITY (2489) or go to MyJax.com. The city’s event calendar lists installation weeks of Nov. 2-6 and Nov. 9-13.
Veterans events in the next week
From the city’s Celebration of Valor calendar:
- Saturday, Nov. 7: Wounded Warrior Carry It Forward 5K, 8 a.m., 4899 Belfort Road.
- Saturday, Nov. 7: UNF Brain Wellness Summit, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Duval Room.
- Monday, Nov. 9: JAX Chamber Military Appreciation Breakfast, 9 a.m., Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.
- Tuesday, Nov. 10: Paychecks for Patriots job fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., FSCJ Downtown Campus.
- Tuesday, Nov. 10: UNF Veterans Day Tribute, 11 a.m., Veterans Plaza at UNF.
- Tuesday, Nov. 10: Marine and Navy FMF Corpsmen Memorial, 4 p.m., Evergreen Cemetery.
- Wednesday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day Parade, 11:01 a.m., downtown.
- Friday, Nov. 13: Marine Corps Birthday Ball, 5 p.m., Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. Tickets are sold through Eventbrite.
- Saturday, Nov. 14: Armed Forces 10K Tri-Bridge Challenge and Veteran 5K, 8 a.m., USS Orleck Naval Museum, 601 E. Bay St.
Later in the season
- Sunday, Nov. 29: Jaguars Salute to Service game against the Titans, 4:05 p.m., EverBank Stadium.
- Friday, Dec. 4: Vetrepreneur Summit, its 10th anniversary, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 401 W. State St.
- Thursday, Dec. 10: job fair at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., River Cove Community Center.
- Saturday, Dec. 12: Army-Navy game watch party, 3 p.m. The city has not named the place yet.
- Saturday, Dec. 19: Wreaths Across America, noon, Jacksonville National Cemetery.
What it means for you
- Veterans: book a free smoke alarm installation now at 904-630-2489. The installation weeks listed run through Friday, Nov. 13.
- Parade day: the Veterans Day Parade closes downtown streets from 7 a.m. Wednesday. Our parade guide has the route, closures and parking.
- Looking for work: the Paychecks for Patriots job fair runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the FSCJ Downtown Campus.
- More information: the city’s Military Affairs and Veterans Department is at jacksonville.gov/mavd or 904-255-5524.
See also: things to do this month.
Frequently asked questions
Which groups got Jaguars Foundation veterans grants in 2026?
Thirteen: Five STAR Veterans Center, K9’s for Warriors, Operation Barnabas, Operation New Uniform, Veterans Treatment Court, Women Veterans Ignited, the Florida National Guard Foundation, Navy League Mayport Council, St. Michaels Soldiers, Here Tomorrow, the Jacksonville Humane Society, the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone and Wounded Warrior Project. Each got $5,000 or $10,000.
How do Jacksonville veterans get a free smoke alarm?
Call 904-630-CITY (2489) or go to MyJax.com to book a visit. The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department is installing free smoke alarms in veterans’ homes in November; the city’s calendar lists installation weeks of Nov. 2-6 and Nov. 9-13.
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