Our Vision

A gathering place for philanthropy and nonprofits in the heart of downtown Jacksonville

Completed in 2015, the Jessie Ball duPont Center (aka The Jessie) houses 21 local nonprofits in one of Jacksonville’s most iconic buildings — a remarkable Mid-Century Modern structure that was once the city’s public library.

The Jessie is a collaboration and gathering space with three goals:

  1. Empowering philanthropic leaders and forward-thinking community members to solve tough community challenges together;
  2. Facilitating partnerships that reduce structural barriers to opportunity for nonprofits and their clients; and
  3. Providing a public asset for inclusive cultural enrichment in the heart of downtown Jacksonville.

In addition, development of the Jessie Ball duPont Center allowed its owner, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, to:

  • Make a major commitment to downtown Jacksonville that is in keeping with its broader commitment to revitalizing communities;
  • Demonstrate the benefits of restoring historic structures and using green building techniques;
  • Demonstrate a different approach to community investment by applying a fresh perspective on the use of institutional endowments.