While only 18 when he died tragically in a traffic accident, Jacob J Nyenhuis was a young man of deep faith, big dreams and genuine compassion. He had already begun a real estate business and was planning to study real estate development at the University of Georgia. Jacob dreamed of one day owning a large development company, which he would call "J9 Development."
"J9" was shorthand for his name: the J from Jacob and 9 from Nyenhuis (pronounced nine-hice).
Along with his company, Jacob envisioned a charitable foundation to support work that he thought would make a difference in the lives of the poor, oppressed and suffering. He told his father that one day he would hire him to run the foundation.
Jacob died Sept. 24, 2006. Two months later, family and friends founded The J9 Foundation to carry on Jacob's vision. As Jacob had planned, his father now serves as the executive director.
Future
The J9 Foundation made its first grants in the spring of 2007 to provide scholarships and other means of support to students and those working to lift themselves out of poverty. New "J9 Entrepreneurs" and "J9 Scholars" will be added every year to create a movement of people committed to using their God-given gifts of entrepreneurship to improve their own lives and the lives of others.
Organization
The J9 Foundation is registered as a nonprofit organization in the state of Georgia and has tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
Board
The Board of Directors includes these officers and members:
