The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus (JCC), a premier Northeast Florida arts organization serving more than 1,000 children annually, has announced the largest individual cash gift in its history. The Warren and Augusta Hume Foundation has awarded a transformative $400,000 gift to support the chorus’ long-term sustainability and mission-driven programming.
With a goal of a $10-million endowment, this gift includes $250,000 designated for JCC’s newly established endowment at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. This investment strengthens the organization’s financial foundation and ensures that future generations of young singers will continue to benefit from exceptional choral experiences.
The remaining $150,000 will support JCC’s ongoing programs ($100,000) and scholarships ($50,000), including high-quality choral instruction, performances and community engagement initiatives that enrich the cultural landscape of Northeast Florida. Scholarships are an essential component of JCC’s commitment to accessibility. Currently, 37% of JCC singers receive partial or full scholarships, ensuring that financial barriers never prevent talented young people from participating in the chorus’ programs.
The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus has performed in 23 countries, including venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Canterbury Cathedral and the Vatican.
“This extraordinary gift represents a powerful investment in our organization’s future and, more importantly, in the young people we serve,” said Darren Dailey, JCC president and artistic director. “We are deeply grateful to the Warren and Augusta Hume Foundation for their generosity and belief in our mission.”
Singing has been consistently shown to strengthen children’s confidence, discipline, creativity and sense of belonging. Through choral training, young singers learn to collaborate, lead and express themselves, skills that support their growth far beyond the stage.
As the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus celebrates this historic gift, the organization invites community members, families and arts supporters to help build on this momentum. Contributions ensure that every child — regardless of financial circumstance — can access the transformative power of music. To learn more or make a gift, go to jaxchildrenchorus.org or contact: Katherine “KT” Boling, Director of Operations, at 904-415-0360, ext. 4
