From Surviving to Thriving: How the Legacy of Giving Back is Bringing Hope to Low-Income Families in St. Louis
A Legacy of Giving Back: One Firm's Impressive Grant Funding Achievements and their Impact on the St. Louis Region.
What's up? I'm Jimmie Calmese, the founder and visionary behind Calmese Group LLC., and a true St. Louis native. Growing up on the northside city of St. Louis, I was introduced to the world of non-profit work through my grandmother, Edna Moses who worked at Grace Hill Settlement House. This early exposure sparked a passion in me to one day, start my own business and make a difference in my community. "We were either being helped, or helping somebody out. We managed with the little we had, and was always blessed with an overabundance of dignity and resourcefulness."
$50M and counting - Calmese Group's funding impact on the St. Louis Region since 2018.
As a growing adolescent, I spent countless hours volunteering with with my grandmother, learning the value of giving back and serving others. When I returned from Germany, I joined Grace Hill as well, working alongside my grandmother to build a brighter future for families in need. This experience laid the foundation for my successful career as a professional grant writer and business developer.
After securing a $50K grant for my cousin back in 1998, I was inspired to start his own business, Keyqwest. This venture eventually evolved into Calmese Group LLC, a leading business development and grant writing firm. Since our inception in 2018, Calmese Group has been responsible for bringing over $50M in grant dollars to the St. Louis region, making a tangible impact on local organizations and initiatives.
My commitment to giving back has taken me to the forefront of community development, partnering with some of St. Louis's most respected organizations, including:
St. Patrick Center
St. Louis Black Radio Hall of Fame
Paraquad
St. Louis ArtWorks
Ingredient4Change
Martha's Angels
Women In Charge
Rustic Roots Sanctuary
The Black Aging Arts Theatre
Blue Mountain
DoubleUP Nonprofit
Women's Center for Entrepreneurship (New Jersey)
Christhood International Ministries Worldwide
My story is only a testament to the power of community, family, and a commitment to creating positive change. Today, as I stand as a champion of philanthropy and a role model for future generations, my personal mission of reaching back to help those in need remains at the forefront of my purpose and passion. Currently, I am spearheading the 100 Families Forward Project with Ingredients4Change. This comprehensive initiative aimed at adopting and providing essential support to at least 100 low-income families in the St. Louis community during the winter months.
Please visit: REGISTER NOW for information on the 100 Families Forward Project