How We Work
John Rex Endowment (JRE) strives to support efforts that align with our mission: strengthening organizations that center racial equity and justice to improve the social and emotional health of children living in Wake County.
Our Funding Philosophy
We follow a trust-based philanthropy model. At its core, trust-based philanthropy is about redistributing power – systemically, organizationally and interpersonally. We believe in true partnerships where community members lead, where lived experiences are valued and where the power lies where it should be – with the community.
As part of this work, we are constantly listening and evolving to be more flexible and accessible to achieve our mission.
Why We Focus on Racial Equity and Justice
John Rex, our namesake, accumulated his wealth from the free and low-waged labor of the people he enslaved. Now, it is our responsibility to intentionally support the social emotional health of Black, Indigenous, Latinx and all children and families of color (BIPOC). We fund organizations that work to do the same.
Our goals include better health and wellness for all children and families in Wake County. We invest in efforts that improve health and wellness outcomes for those made most marginalized by structural racism.
When the work we do accounts for structural racism, it benefits all children and reduces disparities in children’s outcomes based on income, ability, gender and other demographics.
How We Lead with Racial Equity
Leading with racial equity means prioritizing strategies that:
- Work to improve outcomes for BIPOC children and their families.
- Center the wisdom and innovation of Wake County BIPOC residents to develop lasting responses that reach all children.
What We Fund
John Rex Endowment supports organizations qualified as tax exempt public charities under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or nonprofit organizations and programs operating with an eligible 501(c)(3) public charity fiscal sponsor. We look for partners who:
- Center racial equity and racial justice in their programs and operations.
- Conduct programs and activities that enhance positive social emotional health of children.
- Serve Wake County, North Carolina.
What We Fund
- Organizational capacity building
- Racial equity assessments and development
- Understanding social emotional health and learning
- Organizational assessments
- Collaborative assessments and planning
- Strategic planning
- Staff leadership development
- Board governance and leadership development
- Social research, e.g. intersectionality of race equity and children’s social emotional health and learning
- Educational events or conference sponsorships; at the discretion of JRE
What We Do NOT Fund
- Direct program and service delivery activities
- Annual fund drives or membership drives
- Fundraising events or galas
- Capital campaigns
- Grants to individuals
- Awards, prizes or competitions
- Operating deficits or retirement of debt
- Political campaigns
- Legislative lobbying to influence elections
- Organizational wellness retreats
- Scholarships