Amazon Funds South Dade Nonprofits with $1 Million

Amazon announced a $1 million investment in 13 South Dade nonprofit organizations Sept. 29 at Miami-Dade College's Homestead campus. The announcement coincided with a report from The Miami Foundation detailing how $94 million in public and private funding reached the region, encompassing communities from Cutler Bay to Florida City.

The investment aims to strengthen services addressing housing and healthcare barriers, transportation shortages and limited job access for local families. The Miami Foundation's report, which analyzed over 1,400 grants to 262 South Dade nonprofits between January 2023 and October 2024, identified Richmond Heights, Richmond West, West Perrine, Goulds, Naranja and Leisure City as areas with the greatest need for additional investment.

Researchers found that funders directed 66% of the money to Homestead and Florida City. Public funds accounted for 77% of the total, while private philanthropy provided 23%. Youth and Family Services received 64% of funding, followed by Health (19%) and Education (9%). Economic mobility, arts and environmental initiatives received significantly less.

The report also highlighted that larger organizations and nonprofits not headquartered in South Dade received a disproportionate share of grants. Only 4% of funding offered flexible or unrestricted support, and 71% of nonprofits relied on a single funder. Rebecca Fishman Lipsey, president and CEO of The Miami Foundation, stated the report is "long overdue" and emphasized the need for knowledge and infrastructure investment for local organizations.

Amazon directed its investment to Be Strong International, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, Bridge To Hope, Chapman Partnership for the Homeless, Children’s Home Society of Florida, Genesis Hopeful Haven, Mexican American Council, Miami EdTech, Miami-Dade College School of Aviation, South Dade Connections, South Dade Women’s Veterans Alliance, Touching Miami with Love and Uplift Literacy.

"Smaller, grassroots organizations need more flexible support to grow their impact," said Angelica Santibanez, Amazon's head of community engagement for Public Policy in Florida and Latin America. Amazon anticipates the investment will be amplified through Give Miami Day on Nov. 19. The Miami Foundation is also working to connect donors and funders with grassroots organizations to address long-term needs across South Dade, supporting services from Cutler Bay to the Keys.