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Chick-fil-A Expands True Inspiration Awards, Awarding $6 Million to 56 Nonprofits in 2025

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ATLANTA, Ga. (FNN) – Chick-fil-A, Inc. has announced a milestone year for its True Inspiration Awards® grant program, awarding a record-breaking $6 million to 56 nonprofits dedicated to creating meaningful community impact. This year’s grants support organizations across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.K., aligning with Chick-fil-A’s commitment to caring for people, communities, food, and the planet.

2025 By the Numbers

  • $6 million in grants awarded, with amounts ranging from $30,000 to $350,000.
  • 56 nonprofit recipients, including the program’s first U.K.-based grant recipient.
  • Over 625,000 votes cast by Chick-fil-A One® Members through the Chick-fil-A App to help select regional recipients.
  • Since its inception in 2015, the program has awarded more than 350 grants, totaling $33.8 million and impacting over 500,000 people annually.

S. Truett Cathy Honoree: Old Skool Cafe (San Francisco, Calif.)

The largest grant of $350,000 was awarded to Old Skool Cafe (OSC), a nonprofit supper club run by at-risk youth.

About Old Skool Cafe:

  • Provides job training, employment, and leadership opportunities for youth aged 16-22.
  • Operates a 1920s-inspired global soul food supper club with live jazz music.
  • Plans to use the grant to expand trauma-informed staff training, enhance job readiness programs, and strengthen community partnerships to support at-risk youth in the Bay Area.

“The leadership development, mentorship, and hospitality job training that Old Skool Cafe provides to at-risk youth in San Francisco creates unparalleled opportunities for economic mobility,” said Susanna Choe, local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Serramonte in Daly City, Calif., who nominated OSC. “This generous grant from Chick-fil-A will help Old Skool Cafe continue to transform the lives of underserved young people for years to come.”

Expanding Impact Globally

The 2025 True Inspiration Awards also introduced a new “Subsidiary Recipients” category, which supports organizations nominated by General Managers from Chick-fil-A’s supply chain operations. This new initiative underscores Chick-fil-A’s dedication to localized impact in communities tied to its global supply chain.

One notable recipient is the U.K.-based Hospitality Action, marking the brand’s expanding philanthropic footprint ahead of its restaurant openings in the United Kingdom in 2025.

Commitment to Caring

“Chick-fil-A is honored to invest in the impactful work of these incredible organizations that are creating meaningful change in their local communities,” said Brent Fielder, Vice President of Global Impact for Chick-fil-A, Inc. “From fighting hunger and providing educational opportunities to fostering environmental stewardship, these nonprofits exemplify what it means to care for others and have a positive influence on the world.”

Key Nonprofit Categories and Recipients

Care for People:

  • Special Equestrians (Warrington, Pa.): $200,000
  • Travis Manion Foundation (Doylestown, Pa.): $60,000

Care for Communities:

  • Sheridan House Family Ministries (Davie, Fla.): $200,000
  • Train Up a Child, Inc. (St. Louis, Mo.): $60,000

Care Through Food:

  • Center of United Methodist Aid to the Community (Paterson, N.J.): $200,000
  • Merced County Food Bank (Merced, Calif.): $60,000

Care for the Planet:

  • Out Teach (Washington, D.C.): $200,000
  • Ecology Project International (Missoula, Mont.): $75,000

Global Recipients:

  • The Happy Givers (Vega Alta, Puerto Rico): $200,000
  • Hospitality Action (London, England): $125,000
Impact and Legacy

Since 2015, the True Inspiration Awards program has empowered nonprofits to drive progress in critical areas, including hunger relief, education, and youth leadership. The 2025 program’s historic global reach and funding level reflect Chick-fil-A’s deep commitment to fostering sustainable, localized change across its growing footprint.

For more information, visit Chick-fil-A.com/True-Inspiration-Awards.


J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

 

US NATIONAL NEWS

“Rep. Maxwell Frost Condemns Trump for Shutting Down White House Gun Violence Prevention Office”

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WASHINGTON (FNN) – Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) expressed outrage as President Donald Trump’s administration swiftly dismantled the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention (OGVP) within 24 hours of taking office. The OGVP, established by the Biden-Harris Administration in 2023 after significant advocacy by Frost, was a critical initiative aimed at addressing America’s gun violence crisis.

The OGVP provided federal leadership in responding to mass shootings, connecting municipalities with vital resources for victims, and implementing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. The office’s accomplishments included distributing millions in federal grants, such as $1.5 million to the City of Orlando’s Community Violence Intervention Program. Frost criticized Trump’s decision as a significant step backward in the fight to protect communities from gun violence.

In his statement, Frost emphasized the bipartisan need for gun reform:
“Donald Trump’s reckless decision to close the Office of Gun Violence Prevention is a betrayal of the American people. This office was saving lives, not playing politics. We need leaders on both sides of the aisle to prioritize the safety of our communities. The fight for common-sense gun reform is far from over.”

Impact of Ending the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention:
The closure of OGVP signals a troubling shift in federal priorities. Without a central office to coordinate responses to mass shootings and gun violence, victims and communities may face delays in accessing critical resources. Federal grants for community violence intervention programs could be slashed, stalling progress in violence prevention efforts. The decision also halts federal oversight of initiatives such as the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, leaving a gap in addressing the growing epidemic of gun violence.

What’s Next?
Congressman Maxwell Frost has vowed to lead the charge in reestablishing the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. He plans to work with advocacy groups, local governments, and bipartisan leaders to pass new legislation ensuring a federal response to gun violence remains a priority. Frost urges Americans to contact their representatives to demand action and support initiatives aimed at protecting communities from gun-related tragedies.

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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

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US NATIONAL NEWS

President Trump Declares New “Golden Age” for America with Sweeping Executive Orders

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President Donald Trump holds up the letter that former President Joe Biden left for him in the desk as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (AP)
President Donald Trump holds up the letter that former President Joe Biden left for him in the desk as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (AP)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (FNN) – On the historic day of his second inauguration, President Donald J. Trump wasted no time delivering on his promises to the American people. Declaring the beginning of a new “Golden Age,” the 47th President signed a series of sweeping executive orders aimed at transforming energy, immigration, government accountability, and national security policies.

President Trump Ushers in a New Era of American Greatness with Day One Executive Orders

Day One: A Legacy of Action
President Trump emphasized his commitment to reversing policies from the previous administration and implementing bold reforms to restore America’s global standing and economic prosperity.

Energy Independence Revived

President Trump fulfilled key campaign promises by launching a national energy emergency, lifting restrictive regulations, and reopening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for energy development. He also ended the Biden administration’s electric vehicle mandate and paused offshore wind projects, declaring these actions necessary to unlock America’s full energy potential.

“With today’s actions, we’re bringing energy costs down for hardworking families and restoring our nation’s energy independence,” President Trump announced during his speech.

Securing America’s Borders

Trump made border security a cornerstone of his campaign and wasted no time in addressing immigration policies. His executive orders reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy, resumed border wall construction, and designated international cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. Additionally, he halted refugee admissions and closed loopholes to end “birth tourism” and catch-and-release policies.

“America’s borders will no longer be wide open,” Trump asserted. “We will protect our citizens, prioritize safety, and ensure that immigration laws serve the interests of our country.”

Draining the Swamp

In an aggressive push to reform government, President Trump created the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cut waste and streamline operations. He also reinstated merit-based hiring practices and signed an order to root out corruption by making it easier to fire underperforming federal employees.

“Today, we begin the process of taking back control of our government and holding it accountable to the American people,” Trump declared.

Restoring American Values and Sovereignty

Key executive orders targeted cultural and foreign policy shifts. President Trump reinstated the death penalty for drug dealers and human traffickers, declared the United States would officially recognize only two genders, and renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”

On foreign policy, he renewed his America First trade agenda and redirected foreign aid to align with U.S. interests and values.

“Our policies will always put America first,” President Trump said, reiterating his focus on prioritizing the welfare of American citizens.

President Trump’s Executive Orders Kickstart a Bold Vision for America’s Future

The sweeping reforms enacted by President Trump on his first day in office signal a dramatic shift in national priorities. His decisive actions aim to bolster the economy, secure the border, restore traditional values, and dismantle bureaucracy.

As President Trump stated, “This is just the beginning. Together, we will bring about an era of unmatched greatness for our nation.”

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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Nerwork
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

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US NATIONAL NEWS

NASA’s Day of Remembrance Honors Fallen Heroes of Exploration

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NASA will observe its annual Day of Remembrance on Thursday, Jan. 23, honoring the members of the NASA family who lost their lives in the pursuit of exploration and discovery for benefit of humanity. The event, traditionally held every year on the fourth Thursday of January, remembers the crews of Apollo 1 and the space shuttles Challenger and Columbia.

“On NASA’s Day of Remembrance, we pause to reflect on the bravery, dedication, and selflessness of the extraordinary individuals who pushed the boundaries of exploration and discovery,” said NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free. “Their legacies remind us of the profound responsibility we have to carry their dreams forward while ensuring safety remains our guiding principle.”

Free will lead an observance at 1 p.m. EST at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, which will begin with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by observances for the Apollo 1, Challenger, and Columbia crews.

Several agency centers also will hold observances for NASA Day of Remembrance:

Johnson Space Center in Houston

NASA Johnson will hold a commemoration at 10 a.m. CST at the Astronaut Memorial Grove with remarks by Center Director Vanessa Wyche. The event will have a moment of silence, a NASA T-38 flyover, taps performed by the Texas A&M Squadron 17, and a procession placing flowers at Apollo I, Challenger, and Columbia memorial trees.

Kennedy Space Center in Florida

NASA Kennedy and the Astronauts Memorial Foundation will host a ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial at Kennedy’s Visitor Complex at 10 a.m. EST. The event will include remarks from Tal Ramon, son of Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon, space shuttle Columbia.

Kelvin Manning, deputy director at NASA Kennedy, also will provide remarks during the ceremony, which will livestream on the center’s Facebook page.

Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley

NASA Ames will hold a remembrance ceremony at 1 p.m. PST that includes remarks from Center Director Eugene Tu, a moment of silence, and bell ringing commemoration.

Glenn Research Center in Cleveland

NASA Glenn will observe Day of Remembrance at 1 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Jan. 28, with remarks from Center Director Jimmy Kenyon followed by wreath placement, moment of silence, and taps at Lewis Field​.

Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia

NASA Langley will hold a remembrance ceremony with Acting Center Director Dawn Schaible followed by placing flags at the Langley Workers Memorial.

Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama

NASA Marshall will hold a candle-lighting ceremony and wreath placement at 9:30 a.m. CST. The ceremony will include remarks from Larry Leopard, associate director, and Bill Hill, director of Marshall’s Office of Safety and Mission Assurance.

Stennis Space Flight Center in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

NASA Stennis and the NASA Shared Services Center will hold a wreath-laying ceremony at 9 a.m. CST with remarks from Center Director John Bailey and Anita Harrell, NASA Shared Services Center executive director.

The agency also is paying tribute to its fallen astronauts with special online content, updated on NASA’s Day of Remembrance, at:

https://www.nasa.gov/dor/

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