The Barbara J. Joyner Foundation

The Barbara J. Joyner Foundation is a non-profit organization that was created by founder Elizabeth Watkins to preserve the memory of her sister, Barbara J. Joyner, a lifelong educator for the Cleveland Public School District, who passed away in 1991. Our mission is to support causes that are in line with the spirit of our beloved Barbara Joyner and her career helping others. We strive to better the lives of community members in the Cleveland area and abroad through focused and structured financial support.

Over the course of the last fifteen years, The Barbara J. Joyner Foundation has distributed grants, and awarded funding to various programs and organizations including: The Eliza Bryant Village Music and Memory Program, Karamu House, The Upside of Downs, Fisk University, The Ginn Academy, The Intergenerational School, Hawken School, Oxford Elementary School, The Breakthrough Schools, The Glenville Panthers, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, South Euclid United Church of Christ, The Living Truth Center, Women in Christian Ministries, Olivet Church, and The Miracle Center for Spiritual Healing.

The Barbara J. Joyner foundation operates in partnership with the Cleveland Foundation and accepts donations primarily through their website. If you would like to donate, please click the donate button below.

Thank you for your interest and support,

Elizabeth Watkins
Founder Barbara J. Joyner Foundation

“On behalf of the entire Glenville Panthers Youth Football and Cheer Organization, I would like to thank you very much for your generous donation.”

Sean Perkins

Owner

Glenville Panthers Youth Football and Cheer Organization

Glenville Panthers

“On behalf of the students at Oxford Elementary School, we would like to thank you so much for your contribution to the summer program.”

Joe Nickolis

Principal

Oxford Elementary School

“Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation are conveyed for your thoughtful and generous support of Fisk University and the talented students we serve.”

Edwina E. Harris Hamby PhD

Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Fisk University

“Your gift helps ensure that the legacy of education, fellowship, hope, and inspiration lives on at Karamu House.”

Tony Sias

CEO

Karamu House

“Thank you for your gift to Hawken School. Your commitment enhances the educational lives of our students and faculty”

Andrea Hocevar

Director of the Annual Fund

Hawken School

“Your financial support is critical to our mission of providing support, education, and advocacy for people with Down Syndrome, their families, and communities.”

Toni Mullee

Executive Director

The Upside of Downs of Northeast Ohio

“Eliza Bryant Village is truly fortunate to have friends like you who care and want to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Jean Allen Jenkins

Board Chair

Eliza Bryant Village

“Your contribution makes it possible for us to provide a high quality college preparatory education for inner city students. And to expand to serve even greater numbers of children in neighborhoods across Cleveland.”

Susan Ertle

Executive Director of Development

Breakthrough Schools