Giving Rye is a feature series highlighting non-profits and community groups in and around the City of Rye. Today meet Jen Morris of the JMH Family Fund. Publisher’s note: MyRye.com Staff Writer Charlie Morris is also a JMH Family Fund board member.
Your Name: Jen Morris
Name of your organization: JMH Family Fund
Your role: Founder and President
MyRye.com: Tell us your organization’s mission
Morris: The JMH Family Fund endeavors to create real opportunities for individuals to follow their dreams and passions regardless of their financial standing. We believe every individual deserves the chance to explore and engage in activities that expand their perspective and give them an opportunity to develop their entire self – from the arts to community involvement to travel and to academic instruction.
How long have you operated in or around Rye?
Morris: We were founded in 2023 and 2026 will be our third year of fundraising and receiving applications. Three of the six board members live in Rye (Jen/myself, Charlie Morris and Alex Goodman) so we have been locally based from the start.
What programming or work is the organization best known for?
Morris: We operate on an annual cycle, which begins on January 5, 2026, when our application portal opens. The board decides how many applicants to award funding to in April, after which our winners are free to use their funding any time within the year. Our winners often apply for funding in the following areas:
- Education – although the JMH Family Fund does not cover full tuition costs for either high school or college, we strive to provide extra financial support for individuals who wish to pursue their top choice of educational institution.
- Travel – the JMH Family Fund assists those who wish to travel for enrichment or educational opportunities. In the past two years, we have helped fund travel for individuals going to Belize, Mexico, Spain, and various US-based locations.
- Enrichment – the JMH Family Fund strives to support individuals who are looking to pursue a passion project to reach their full potential. This could mean a variety of things – entrepreneurship, the arts, music, cooking, and much more. There is often overlap between the three areas for our applicants.
Looking forward to 2026, what will be your top initiatives?
Morris:
- 2026 winners will be announced in April of 2026, which is our biggest moment of the year. We look forward to another year of helping our best applicants earn the opportunity to develop their entire self
- The two major fundraising initiatives for the JMH Family Fund are around Giving Tuesday in early December and around May 5 every year. May 5 was the birthdate of my mother Janice McKeever Hutchinson (JMH), whom our organization is founded in honor of. Our fundraising is critical to help us help our winners, and we are extremely thankful for our donors’ generosity.
- Merchandise – our most unique goal for 2026 is to establish a merchandise vendor and begin to distribute clothes, mugs, hats, bags, pens, etc. with our logo on it. We hope to raise brand name awareness through this distribution, and we also hope to reward our most consistent donors with quality swag.
Tell us about the population you serve and how they can get involved with your programming and services.
Morris: Anyone can apply for a grant from the JMH Family Fund! We are proud to have assisted individuals in a wide range of ages, residences, and project area interests. If you or someone you know (friend, family member, coworker, etc.) might be interested in learning about our mission, purpose, or application process, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Are you a 501(c)(3) non-profit with tax exempt status?
Morris: Yes.
Looking back across 2025, what were your organization’s top achievements?
Morris:
- Our biggest achievement in 2025 was awarding $32,325 to 11 very deserving candidates, a 96% increase in funding granted and a 57% increase in the number of winners.
- Our Giving Tuesday 2025 fundraising efforts were a major success as well, with over $11,000 raised. This puts us in a position to increase our funds awarded once again in 2026 to a new crop of very deserving candidates
How can local residents support your organization?
Morris: The best ways to support the JMH Family Fund is through donations and word-of-mouth advertising. Readers are encouraged to share our mission and application process with anyone who may be interested in pursuing an educational, travel, enrichment, or volunteer opportunity. We are reliant on word-of-mouth and social media advertising, so readers who help spread the word are greatly appreciated.
Tell us about you:
How long have you been in your current role?
Morris: 3 years as president.
Is the role full time or part time? Paid or volunteer?
Morris: This is a part-time role. All work from all of our board members including myself is 100% voluntary
How would your friends and family describe you in one word?
Morris: Generous
Where did you grow up?
Morris: I was raised in Millford, Connecticut. I lived there until I went to college in 1989. My mom Janice (JMH) lived there until 2009.
What principles guide you when you have to make a difficult decision?
Morris: The JMH Family Fund was created as a way to honor both my parents. They believed in family, love, and finding joy in life. The board and I keep this in mind when we make difficult decisions on applicants and how we can help. One of my favorite quotes which guides me personally is Mother Theresa’s “Small things done with great love can change the world.”
What excites you most about the future—for yourself or for the world?
Morris: I started the JMH Family Fund to include my family in learning about and experiencing philanthropy. The fund has done better than I could have imagined and I think it is only going to become more impactful. Having my children – the next generation – involved and interested is what excites me the most about the future. I know they will continue to make an impact and a difference.
Where do you live and how many years have you lived there?
Morris: Our family lives in Rye right next to the Rye Neck border and Rye Golf Club. We have lived there for over 20 years.
Thanks Jen!
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