FLEMING ISLAND – Jacksonville’s Weaver Philanthropic Initiative counts a Fleming Island man among its members for its class of 2022.

Josh Longmire, senior investment portfolio manager, is one of the program’s 13 participants. He said he was familiar with The Community Foundation, which runs the program, and it’s how he was introduced to the initiative.

“It sounded more about philanthropy and giving specifically in the Jacksonville region,” Longmire said.

The program was spearheaded by Jacksonville philanthropists and former Jacksonville Jaguars owner J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver. Longmire was born and raised in the community and built a career here, he said, but he wanted to learn more about the art of giving back.

“The Weavers set a footprint in Jacksonville several decades ago,” he said. “I think it’s just a phenomenal program.”

In a press release, The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida’s leadership called the 13 people as the next generation of philanthropists.

They will participate in a six-month course focused on grantmaking and giving. The newest members follow in the footsteps of eight prior classes, and the organization attempts to get members to maintain philanthropic and civic leadership when the course concludes. There are about 100 alumni of the program that began in 2013.

“We are happy to be hosting the Weaver Philanthropic Initiative again this year,” The Community Foundation Vice President of Philanthropic Services Joanne Cohen said. “We are pleased to be working with these class members who are all committed to our community and helping to make it the best place for us to live, work and play.”

The program started last month and runs through the early summer. It culminates with class members making their own grants. It’s a way of the program members paying it forward, Longmire said.

“I want to have a better understanding of the process and giving in the Northeast Florida region,” Longmire said.