Jesse Parker Williams Foundation

The Jesse Parker Williams Foundation is a private charitable foundation based in Atlanta, Georgia, established in 1992. The foundation's roots are traceable to Cora Best Taylor Williams' bequest in 1924, which aimed to establish the Jesse Parker Williams Hospital in honor of her late husband. The primary intent of her bequest was to alleviate human suffering and distress, particularly for women and children who faced medical care challenges.

Background

Cora Best Taylor Williams took over the management of her family's business affairs after her husband, Jesse Parker Williams—a prominent figure in the lumber and railroad industries—passed away in 1913. Notably, she became the world's only woman president of a railroad at that time by managing the Georgia, Florida and Alabama Railroad. Recognizing the financial difficulties faced by women and children unable to afford prolonged medical care due to the lack of insurance, Mrs. Williams' will specifically focused on assisting this middle group. When the hospital gave up its independent charter in 1992, the Jesse Parker Williams Foundation was formed to expand its health care mission across a broader population.

Mission and Activities

The Jesse Parker Williams Foundation's mission is to support organizations that provide preventive and comprehensive health opportunities, enhancing access to health services for women and children, particularly those with limited financial means. It focuses on the five-county metropolitan Atlanta area, which includes Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Clayton counties. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over $54 million in grants to benefit the community.

In 2018, the foundation emphasized health equity as a core strategy, aiming to address disparities in health access and outcomes. It employs tools like the United Way of Greater Atlanta's Child Well-being Index to target areas with significant barriers to health and wellness. The foundation collects demographic data to ensure that its grants effectively support underserved populations, particularly communities of color.

Priority Areas

The foundation prioritizes grant applications that align with its focus areas of Access, Healthy Behaviors, Capacity Building, and Integrated Care. It supports both programmatic and operational needs, as well as initiatives to improve access to quality healthcare for women and children.

Grant Procedure

The foundation uses a one-step, online application process and conducts rigorous due diligence on every proposal. Potential applicants are encouraged to consult with the foundation's executive director before submitting a proposal to ensure alignment with the foundation's mission and priorities. Funding decisions are made jointly by staff and trustees, with site visits sometimes conducted as part of the review process. The foundation may collaborate with other funding partners to amplify collective impact and occasionally supports advocacy efforts aimed at systemic challenges.

Financial Overview

The foundation derives its revenue primarily from investment dividends and interest. It has significant assets, which it uses to make substantial charitable disbursements annually, with a focus on supporting effective health-related initiatives in its target regions.

Legacy and Impact

The Jesse Parker Williams Foundation has established itself as a dedicated advocate for health equity, especially for women and children in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Through its grantees, it works to address systemic health disparities and improve access to comprehensive health care services.