Community Foundation of North Central Florida announces $1 million milestone for Nancy V. Perry Take Stock Legacy Fund

Press release from Community Foundation of North Central Florida

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Community Foundation of North Central Florida proudly announces the Nancy V. Perry Take Stock Legacy Fund has surpassed $1 million in total contributions, securing long-term scholarship support for students in the Take Stock in Children program.

The fund was established through a generous matching gift from longtime education advocate and philanthropist Nancy Perry, whose vision continues to inspire transformational support for local students.

“Education has the power to change the trajectory of a life. Mentorship and scholarships do not just open doors; they give students the confidence and support to walk through them. This fund is about giving young people the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Nancy Perry.

Momentum for the fund accelerated thanks to a leadership challenge from Breck Weingart, who rallied his peers to help the fund surpass the $1 million mark. Weingart challenged a group of community leaders to raise $250,000 in a concentrated effort.

Those stepping up to meet the challenge include Brad Kinsell, Phillip Pritchett, Rick Staab, and Robert Walpole.

“This was about coming together as a community to create something lasting,” said Breck Weingart. “We knew if we worked collectively, we could push this fund past a critical milestone and ensure future generations of students have access to the support they need to succeed.”

Residents of Oak Hammock have also played an important role in supporting Take Stock in Children and strengthening the Nancy V. Perry Take Stock Legacy Fund.

The Nancy V. Perry Take Stock Legacy Fund is permanently endowed at the Community Foundation to benefit Take Stock in Children, a program that provides a unique combination of college scholarships, mentoring, and college readiness support to low-income students. Participants commit to maintaining good grades, staying out of trouble, and meeting regularly with a volunteer mentor, building a strong foundation for postsecondary success. The local Take Stock in Children program is managed by The Education Foundation of Alachua County. 

The endowment ensures the fund will provide a reliable and growing source of scholarships for students, year after year. The annual earnings will be distributed for scholarships while maintaining the corpus of the fund for perpetuity.

“This milestone represents more than dollars; it represents opportunity, stability, and belief in our students,” said Tia Brock, Executive Director of The Education Foundation of Alachua County. “Through Take Stock in Children, we see firsthand how mentorship and scholarships change lives. This endowment guarantees the impact will continue for generations.”

With more than $1,160,000 raised, the Nancy V. Perry Take Stock Legacy Fund stands as a powerful example of what is possible when philanthropy, community leadership, and a shared commitment to education come together.