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Advancing the Legacy
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Founded in 2016 as a 501(c)3, James Weldon Johnson Foundation is a public charity with a mission to advance the legacy of James Weldon Johnson.
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MAKE A DONATION
Founded in 2016 as a 501(c)3, James Weldon Johnson Foundation is a public charity with a mission to advance the legacy of James Weldon Johnson.
Frequency
One time
Monthly
Yearly
Amount
$100.00
$250.00
$500.00
$1,000.00
$10,000.00
Other
0/100
Comment (optional)
Join Us!
As dedicated preservationists, Rufus and Jill Jones have made it their mission to honor and safeguard African American cultural heritage. Recognizing that only "1% of the nation's preservationists are African American," they have personally invested over $700,000 in funds and in-kind contributions since 2011 to begin restoring a significant cultural asset once owned by an iconic Black figure in American history.
Under their stewardship, the James Weldon Johnson Foundation (JWJF) has emerged as a leader in preservation efforts, securing prestigious grant support totaling $676,000 from the Mellon Foundation's Humanities in Place program and the National Trust for Historic Preservation's African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. These funds have enabled critical progress, including the restoration of James Weldon Johnson's historic writing cabin, preservation and universal accessibility (ADA-compliant) planning, research, and the development of a Sustainability Management Plan.
To further these efforts, the JWJF is seeking additional funding to prevent the potential sale and development of a 9-acre parcel, known as the "Back 9," which borders Five Acres on the south and west sides of the historic writing cabin. Acquiring this land is essential to holistically preserving, conserving, and protecting the Five Acres' setting, landscape, and environment for future generations.
MAKE A DONATION
Founded in 2016 as a 501(c)3, James Weldon Johnson Foundation is a public charity with a mission to advance the legacy of James Weldon Johnson.
Frequency
One time
Monthly
Yearly
Amount
$100.00
$250.00
$500.00
$1,000.00
$10,000.00
Other
0/100
Comment (optional)
Other ways to Support Us
Support Our Artists
Invest directly in the creativity and vision of our Fellows by purchasing works through the The LIFT Collective, a curated showcase of original art produced by participants in the James Weldon Johnson Fellowship in the Arts. By purchasing from the The LIFT Collective, you directly support the artists your investment helps sustain the work of emerging, mid-career, and established artists while celebrating the values James Weldon Johnson championed.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS
Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities
The James Weldon Johnson Foundation invites corporate partners to join us in celebrating the enduring legacy of James Weldon Johnson while advancing our mission to foster creativity, education, and social equity. By becoming a corporate sponsor, your organization will play a critical role in preserving history, supporting the arts, and inspiring future generations. Together, we can create a meaningful and lasting impact that resonates far beyond the present.
Why Partner with Us?
Laura Wheeler Waring, “JamesWeldonJohnson,” 1943 Harmon Foundation; gift 1967 to National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of the Harmon Foundation.
Align with Legacy
Support initiatives that honor one of America’s most influential cultural figures. James Weldon Johnson’s work championed justice, creativity, art and community—values that remain as vital today as ever. Your partnership enables the Foundation to expand programs that uphold these ideals and bring Johnson’s legacy to life.
Amplify Your Impact
Sponsorship directly contributes to transformative programs that foster artistic excellence, preserve historic landmarks like Five Acres, and promote equity and inclusion. As a corporate partner, you’ll help ensure that these initiatives continue to inspire and empower individuals and communities.
Benefits of Sponsorship
Demonstrate Corporate Responsibility
Align your brand with initiatives that advance social equity, support education, and promote the arts, reinforcing your company’s commitment to making a positive impact.
Engage Employees
Provide your team with access to inspiring cultural programs and exclusive events that enrich their perspectives and foster a sense of pride in your company’s mission.
Build Community Impact
Play a vital role in preserving historic landmarks, supporting artists, and empowering communities. Your sponsorship helps drive programs that embody creativity, justice, and innovation.
Spread the Word
Support the Foundation by sharing our mission with your network. Follow us on social media, promote our initiatives, and encourage others to get involved. Your voice amplifies our impact.
How to Get Involved
We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with you and tailor a sponsorship package that aligns with your company’s values and objectives. Whether supporting the restoration of James Weldon Johnson’s historic Five Acres, funding artist residencies, or contributing to educational programs, your partnership is essential in bringing our mission to life.
To learn more or begin a partnership, please contact us:
rufus@jamesweldonjohnson.org
Join us in honoring James Weldon Johnson’s legacy and building a future where art, history, and equity thrive together. Together, we can make a lasting difference.
FUNDERS
Recognizing Our Funders and Donors
The James Weldon Johnson Foundation is deeply grateful to the generous funders and donors whose unwavering support enables us to preserve history, celebrate the arts, and foster the enduring legacy of James Weldon Johnson. Your contributions directly impact our ability to sustain meaningful programs, restore historic landmarks, and inspire future generations. We are honored to recognize the individuals, organizations, and institutions that have partnered with us to make our mission possible.
Institutional and Foundation Partners
The Mellon Foundation
$575,000 grant for historic preservation and accessibility planning.
National Football League (NFL)
Doubling its commitment to $50,000 to support artist residencies, historic preservation, and general operations.
African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Mildred Jones Keefe Fund for Massachusetts
National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Preservation Massachusetts
Preservation Massachusetts in partnership with The 1772 Foundation
Other Donors
Major Donors
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Gail and Gilbert Ahye
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Kenneth and Susan Austin
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James Adams and Julio Santiago
Corporate and Community Partners
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The Jane & Jack Fitzpatrick Trust
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Timothy and Michele Barakett Foundation
Impact of Your Support
Preserve History
Funding the restoration and preservation of James Weldon Johnson’s Writing Cabin and Five Acres, safeguarding this historic site for future generations.
Support Artists
Enabling the annual James Weldon Johnson Fellowship in the Arts, which nurtures creativity and social equity through artist residencies.
Advance Education and Culture
Inspiring communities through public programs, exhibitions, and tours that celebrate Black history and achievement.
Join Our Community of Supporters
Every contribution, large or small, makes a difference. Whether through grants, individual donations, or corporate sponsorships, your support helps keep James Weldon Johnson’s legacy alive. To learn more about how to contribute and be part of this transformative work, please contact us:
Join us in honoring James Weldon Johnson’s legacy and building a future where art, history, and equity thrive together. Together, we can make a lasting difference.
Ways to Support the James Weldon Johnson Foundation
The James Weldon Johnson Foundation relies on the generosity of supporters like you to honor and sustain the legacy of James Weldon Johnson while fostering creativity, education, and social equity.
Your contributions help preserve historic landmarks, fund artist residencies, and support innovative programs that inspire change. Here’s how you can make an impact:
Donate
Your financial contributions directly support the Foundation’s mission to preserve Johnson’s legacy and advance the arts, culture, and education. Every donation helps fund vital programs, including the restoration of Five Acres, artist residencies, and community outreach initiatives.
Impact
Make a one-time contribution of any amount.
One-Time Gift
Provide ongoing support with a recurring monthly gift.
Monthly Giving
Conference at "Camp Spingarn," Amenia, N.Y., August 24-26, 1916. Photographs of Prominent African Americans. James Weldon Johnson Collection in the Yale Collection of American Literature, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library.
How would you have us, as we are?
Or sinking ’neath the load we bear?
Our eyes fixed forward on a star?
Or gazing empty at despair?
Rising or falling? Men or things?
With dragging pace or footsteps fleet?
Strong, willing sinews in your wings?
Or tightening chains about your feet?
—James Weldon Johnson, “We to America,” Originally published in the November 1917 issue of The Crisis magazine
James Weldon Johnson
Some Of Our Valued Sponsors
