The Jacksonville Symphony has announced the establishment of the Delores Barr Weaver Music Education Endowment, made possible through a gift of $500,000 from philanthropist Delores Barr Weaver. This endowment, created through the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Funds at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, will provide sustained support for the symphony’s music education programs for generations to come.

Weaver, who moved to Jacksonville in 1993 as co-owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, has long been a champion of causes that strengthen Northeast Florida. Her philanthropy exceeds $200 million, with the majority of her giving staying right here in the region. In 2012, she established the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund at The Community Foundation, which has since supported a wide range of nonprofits, from the arts to the zoo.

The new endowment for the Jacksonville Symphony ensures long-term programmatic funding for music education initiatives, expanding access to the power of symphonic music across the community. Distributions from the fund will begin in January 2026 and continue annually each January thereafter.

“We are profoundly grateful for Delores Barr Weaver’s enduring generosity and vision,” said Steven B. Libman, president and CEO of the Jacksonville Symphony. “This endowment will allow us to reach even more students and families with meaningful music education experiences.”

“This gift is transformational for our education programs,” said Marianne Rice Ed.D., Lory Doolittle Endowed Vice President/Music Education & Community Impact. “It ensures that every child in Northeast Florida has the opportunity to be inspired by symphonic music — whether through concerts in Jacoby Symphony Hall, musicians visiting their classrooms or through hands-on learning opportunities. Mrs. Weaver’s generosity guarantees that this impact will continue for generations.”

Since its establishment, the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Funds have transformed the philanthropic landscape of Northeast Florida.

“I am deeply grateful for the hard work that our Legacy 2024 agencies do every day,” said Weaver. “They share an unwavering commitment to making our world a better place for all. The work they do comes directly from the heart and touches our hearts as well.”

In addition to her historic $50 million gift in 2012 and her record-setting $61 million gift in 2023 to The Community Foundation, Weaver has designated funds for more than four dozen nonprofits, with more than 20 receiving ongoing annual support. To date, her giving through The Community Foundation has benefited more than 300 organizations locally and beyond.

For more information about the Jacksonville Symphony’s education programs, go to jaxsymphony.org.