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EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

INSPIRING HOPE

Building a Brighter Future for Alachua County

Long Foundation partners with nonprofit organizations across Alachua County to expand access to education, fight hunger, improve health and wellness, support affordable housing, and create opportunities that strengthen individuals, families, and communities.

Get Involved Donate

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

INSPIRING HOPE

Building a Brighter Future for Alachua County

Long Foundation partners with nonprofit organizations across Alachua County to expand access to education, fight hunger, improve health and wellness, support affordable housing, and create opportunities that strengthen individuals, families, and communities.

Get Involved Donate

STRIKE OUT HUNGER
The Month of November is recognized
as National Hunger Month in America.

Mission of the Academy of Innovative Business Enterprise
To enable economically disadvantaged youth to prepare for success as entrepreneurs.

STRIKE OUT HUNGER
The Month of November is recognized
as National Hunger Month in America.

Mission of the Academy of Innovative Business Enterprise
To enable economically disadvantaged youth to prepare for success as entrepreneurs.

LONG FOUNDATION, INC
Empowering Communities Through Compassion

Our Programs

Our programs focus on creating opportunities that improve quality of life and empower individuals to thrive. We support nonprofit initiatives in key areas, including:

Education

Expanding access to quality learning, mentoring, tutoring, literacy, and college and career readiness programs.

Health and Wellness

Promoting physical and mental well-being through community health initiatives and supportive services.

Food Security

Helping provide nutritious meals and emergency food assistance to individuals and families experiencing hunger.

Community Development

Strengthening local organizations that create safe, healthy, and resilient communities for all.

Hope Starts Here: Supporting Those In Need

Every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive. At Long Foundation, we partner with local organizations to provide critical resources, strengthen communities, and create lasting opportunities for children, families, and individuals across Alachua County.

Together, we can build a future where hope leads to meaningful change.

Explore our funding opportunities: Discover the impact of our work, and join us in building a future where hope, opportunity, and compassion reach every corner of our community.

Together, we can create lasting change that benefits generations to come.

Support Our Mission

Hope Starts Here: Supporting Those In Need

Every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive. At Long Foundation, we partner with local organizations to provide critical resources, strengthen communities, and create lasting opportunities for children, families, and individuals across Alachua County.

Together, we can build a future where hope leads to meaningful change.

Explore our funding opportunities: Discover the impact of our work, and join us in building a future where hope, opportunity, and compassion reach every corner of our community.

Together, we can create lasting change that benefits generations to come.

Support Our Mission

WE’RE ENDING

Hunger in Our Community

No one should have to face hunger alone. Long Foundation supports organizations working to improve food security and ensure individuals and families have reliable access to nutritious meals.

Join us in strengthening our community and creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Get Involved

STRIKE OUT
Hunger Food Giveway

The Month of November is recognized as National Hunger Month in America. In 2008 to bring aware-ness to hunger in Alachua County, former Alachua County Commissioner Rodney Long organized a Strike Out Hunger Community Wide Food Drive, Food Giveaway with Farm share, and Thanksgiving Baskets Giveaway to eligible Alachua County resident.

What is the Goal of the Strike Out Hunger Food Giveaway?

To be a safety net for those in need of food, increase the availability of food to those who are nutritionally challenged, bring awareness of the ever growing issue of hunger in Alachua County, and collaborate with community partners to provide food to food insecure citizens in Alachua County.

Learn More

WE’RE ENDING

Hunger in Our Community

No one should have to face hunger alone. Long Foundation supports organizations working to improve food security and ensure individuals and families have reliable access to nutritious meals.

Join us in strengthening our community and creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Get Involved

STRIKE OUT

Hunger Food Giveway

The Month of November is recognized as National Hunger Month in America. In 2008 to bring aware-ness to hunger in Alachua County, former Alachua County Commissioner Rodney Long organized a Strike Out Hunger Community Wide Food Drive, Food Giveaway with Farm share, and Thanksgiving Baskets Giveaway to eligible Alachua County resident.

What is the Goal of the Strike Out Hunger Food Giveaway?

To be a safety net for those in need of food, increase the availability of food to those who are nutritionally challenged, bring awareness of the ever growing issue of hunger in Alachua County, and collaborate with community partners to provide food to food insecure citizens in Alachua County.

Learn More

Investing in the Future of Alachua County

Supporting educational programs that help children and youth reach their full potential.

The Long Foundation supports education for children and youth in Alachua County by expanding access to learning opportunities that foster academic achievement, personal growth, and long-term success.

Through its education initiatives, the foundation helps connect young people with the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive in school and beyond.

EMPOWERING EDUCATION

TRANSFORMING LIVES

We support nonprofit organizations that expand educational opportunities, helping children and youth in Alachua County gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed.

Invest in Education. Inspire the Future.

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. By supporting nonprofit education programs in Alachua County, we help create brighter futures for children and youth.

Join us in expanding access to quality education and empowering the next generation.

Learn more

EMPOWERING EDUCATION

TRANSFORMING LIVES

We support nonprofit organizations that expand educational opportunities, helping children and youth in Alachua County gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed.

Invest in Education. Inspire the Future.

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. By supporting nonprofit education programs in Alachua County, we help create brighter futures for children and youth.

Join us in expanding access to quality education and empowering the next generation.

Learn more

Investing in the Future of Alachua County

Supporting educational programs that help children and youth reach their full potential.

The Long Foundation supports education for children and youth in Alachua County by expanding access to learning opportunities that foster academic achievement, personal growth, and long-term success.

Through its education initiatives, the foundation helps connect young people with the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive in school and beyond.

Latest Blog

Providing Hope Through Housing: Supporting Nonprofits That Help End Homelessness

July 1, 2026

Empowering Education: Investing in the Future of Alachua County

July 1, 2026

Strike Out Hunger: Bringing Hope Through Food Giveaways

July 1, 2026

How Long Foundation Partners with Nonprofits to Support Homeless and Hungry Neighbors in Alachua County

June 30, 2026

Bringing the Numbers Home

What can WE do to address OUR poverty problem in Alachua County?

  • Overall, 1 of 3 (32%) live births was to an unwed mother
  • For blacks, 2 of 3 live births (67.4%) were to unwed mothers
  • Among white mothers, 1 of 3 live births (30.9%) was to an unwed mother
  • Among mothers of other races, 1 of every 4 live births (22.6%) was to an unwed mother
  • Of all live births to unwed mothers, 16.7 percent were to women 18 years and younger
  • Almost 90 percent (87.4%) of live births to nonwhite mothers were to black mothers
  • Of mothers aged 15-19 years, 20.3 percent had one or more previous live births
  • It is estimated that there are over 1300 homeless people in Alachua County on any given night* –Even with an unemployment rate less than 3%
  • Service industry jobs pay slightly above minimum wage.
  • Most jobs in Alachua County are service industry-related.

Explore Our Grants

Bringing the Numbers Home

What can WE do to address OUR poverty problem in Alachua County?

  • Overall, 1 of 3 (32%) live births was to an unwed mother
  • For blacks, 2 of 3 live births (67.4%) were to unwed mothers
  • Among white mothers, 1 of 3 live births (30.9%) was to an unwed mother
  • Among mothers of other races, 1 of every 4 live births (22.6%) was to an unwed mother
  • Of all live births to unwed mothers, 16.7 percent were to women 18 years and younger
  • Almost 90 percent (87.4%) of live births to nonwhite mothers were to black mothers
  • Of mothers aged 15-19 years, 20.3 percent had one or more previous live births
  • It is estimated that there are over 1300 homeless people in Alachua County on any given night* –Even with an unemployment rate less than 3%
  • Service industry jobs pay slightly above minimum wage.
  • Most jobs in Alachua County are service industry-related.

Explore Our Grants
61

# of schools in Alachua County

24,525

Students in Alachua County

2,145

Reduced-cost recipients

2,145

Reduced-cost recipients

THANKS FOR VISITING OUR WEBSITE.

A Message From The President

The Long Foundation, Inc., is a 501C3 Not For Profit established February 12, 2012 in Gainesville, Florida. Our mission is to work collaboratively with private individuals and organizations including religious and public organizations to reduce poverty including homelessness, hunger, unemployment and crime. In addition, we  work collaboratively with organizations and individuals to reduce mental illness, for delivery of senior and disabled persons services, improve affordable housing and to assist ex-felons by reducing recidivism and successful re-entry into our community.

As a former Alachua County Commissioner (2000-2011), I served as chair of the Public Safety Coordinating Council for years with a primary focus on the criminal justice system. I worked closely with former Chief Judge Martha Lott to address the Mentally ill with substance abuses incarcerated in the Alachua County Department of the Jail. Our leadership resulted in Alachua County becoming one of the first county’s to receive a three year grant to address the Mentally Ill population in local jails.


Read More

Honorable Rodney J. Long

THANKS FOR VISITING OUR WEBSITE.

A Message From The President

Honorable Rodney J. Long

The Long Foundation, Inc., is a 501C3 Not For Profit established February 12, 2012 in Gainesville, Florida. Our mission is to work collaboratively with private individuals and organizations including religious and public organizations to reduce poverty including homelessness, hunger, unemployment and crime. In addition, we  work collaboratively with organizations and individuals to reduce mental illness, for delivery of senior and disabled persons services, improve affordable housing and to assist ex-felons by reducing recidivism and successful re-entry into our community.

As a former Alachua County Commissioner (2000-2011), I served as chair of the Public Safety Coordinating Council for years with a primary focus on the criminal justice system. I worked closely with former Chief Judge Martha Lott to address the Mentally ill with substance abuses incarcerated in the Alachua County Department of the Jail. Our leadership resulted in Alachua County becoming one of the first county’s to receive a three year grant to address the Mentally Ill population in local jails.


Read More

The Long Foundation, Inc.
is an approved charitable organization for solicitation under F.S. 496.405-Registraton Number CH42892.

To make a donation:
Please make your checks payable to:
You can drop off or mail your donation to: The Long Foundation, Inc., 1712 NE Waldo Road, Gainesville, Florida 32609.

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NEWSLETTER
Get the Latest Community Updates

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to learn about the impact we’re making across Alachua County.
Receive updates on grant opportunities, community initiatives, nonprofit partnerships, success stories, and upcoming events—all delivered directly to your inbox.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

The Long Foundation, Inc.
is an approved charitable organization for solicitation under F.S. 496.405-Registraton Number CH42892.

To make a donation:
Please make your checks payable to:
You can drop off or mail your donation to: The Long Foundation, Inc., 1712 NE Waldo Road, Gainesville, Florida 32609.

Home   |   Education   |   Felony Re-Entry   |   Affordable Housing   |   Gallery   |   Food Insecurity

NEWSLETTER
Get the Latest Community Updates

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to learn about the impact we’re making across Alachua County.
Receive updates on grant opportunities, community initiatives, nonprofit partnerships, success stories, and upcoming events—all delivered directly to your inbox.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

   

Volunteer   |   Donation 

© 2026 The Long Foundation, Inc. | All rights reserved.       Privacy Policy   |  Contact Us

   

Volunteer   |   Donation 

© 2026 The Long Foundation, Inc. | All rights reserved.       Privacy Policy   |  Contact Us

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Kersandras Martin Hightower is a dedicated community leader, financial professional, and lifelong learner based in High Springs, Florida. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business with a specialization in Accounting, a master’s degree in Business Administration, and a doctoral degree in Theology—an academic path that reflects both her analytical strengths and her deep commitment to service.

Kersandras currently serves as the treasurer for The Long Foundation and for her church, Galilee Missionary Baptist, where her financial expertise supports missions that uplift the community. She is also an active member of the Martin Luther King Commission of Florida, serving as board secretary, and of the African American Accountability Alliance of Alachua County, serving as treasurer.

Her passion for service extends powerfully into local food security efforts. As the logistics coordinator for the Strike Out Hunger Food Drive, she oversees personnel assignments and ensures fair distribution of resources across Alachua County. She also helps coordinate the Hawthorne Food Drive. These initiatives are especially meaningful to her because they allow her to directly support families and strengthen her community.

Before retiring, Kersandras dedicated 27 years to the City of Gainesville. Today, she owns and operates her own bookkeeping and tax preparation business. She understands how stressful taxes can be for many people and finds genuine joy in helping clients navigate the process with confidence and clarity.

Beyond her professional and civic commitments, Kersandras treasures her personal life. She has been married for 29 years and loves spending time with her husband and family. She enjoys traveling, working on puzzles, and facilitating games at events—activities that reflect her love of connection, creativity, and fun.

Rooted in faith, service, and community, Kersandras continues to make a meaningful impact wherever she goes.

A Message From The President

Honorable Rodney J. Long

The Long Foundation, Inc., is a 501C3 Not For Profit established February 12, 2012 in Gainesville, Florida. Our mission is to work collaboratively with private individuals and organizations including religious and public organizations to reduce poverty including homelessness, hunger, unemployment and crime. In addition, we  work collaboratively with organizations and individuals to reduce mental illness, for delivery of senior and disabled persons services, improve affordable housing and to assist ex-felons by reducing recidivism and successful re-entry into our community.

As a former Alachua County Commissioner (2000-2011), I served as chair of the Public Safety Coordinating Council for years with a primary focus on the criminal justice system. I worked closely with former Chief Judge Martha Lott to address the Mentally ill with substance abuses incarcerated in the Alachua County Department of the Jail. Our leadership resulted in Alachua County becoming one of the first county’s to receive a three year grant to address the Mentally Ill population in local jails.

As a former Commissioner, I led a delegation of local Criminal Justice Practitioners from the Therapeutic Community to attend former Florida Governor’s Charlie Crist Summitt on Successful Reentry. In addition, I led a delegation to visit successful Re-Entry Programs including the Savanah Impact Program, Savanah, Georgia to look at best practices for re-entry programs. I was involved in creating the North Central Florida Re-Entry Coalition (NCFREC) and Second Chance Programs.

I was instrumental in funding support services at the Work Release Center. As a strong advocate for the homeless, I led the effort to create and implement the Alachua County 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness managed by Alachua County Housing Authority (One Stop Center for Homelessness). A successful outcome of this effort is the Grace Marketplace. In addition, I organized and held a community symposium on food insecurity that led to the creation of the Hunger Abatement Plan (HAP) to address food insecurity in Alachua County.

As President and Founder of the Martin Luther King, Jr., Commission of Florida, Inc., we collaborated with current Alachua County Judge and former Law Professor Meshon Rawls with the University of Florida Virgil Hawkins Center and the Josiah T. Walls Bar Association to implement a successful Restoration of Rights Program to assist returning citizens who have completed their prison sentences for felony offenses with restoring their civil rights.

Finally, in 2008 to bring awareness to hunger in Alachua County, a Strike Out Hunger Community Wide Food Drive, Food Giveaway with Farm share, and Thanksgiving Baskets Giveaway to eligible Alachua County residents was implemented.

After retirement from the Alachua County Commission, The Long Foundation, Inc. was created to work collaboratively with private individuals and organizations including religious and public organizations to reduce poverty including homelessness, hunger, unemployment and crime.

 

Diyonne L. McGraw

Founder & Property Developer

Diyonne L. McGraw is a respected real estate professional, property developer, and business leader with more than 20 years of experience in residential and commercial real estate. Known for her strong market knowledge, strategic leadership, and commitment to client success, she has built a career centered on helping individuals, families, and investors make confident real estate decisions.

As the Founder of MBM Properties, LLC, Diyonne leads residential and commercial development projects with a focus on growth, value creation, and community impact. She also serves as Vice President of Real Estate at Rodney Long Realty, where she works closely with buyers and sellers to navigate transactions, negotiate favorable outcomes, and identify opportunities in a competitive market.

In addition to her work in real estate and development, Diyonne is a dedicated public servant and community leader. Her service includes leadership roles in education, civic engagement, and nonprofit organizations throughout the Gainesville and Alachua County community. She is widely recognized for combining professional excellence with a deep commitment to service.

Diyonne holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Florida A&M University and a Master of Arts in Education from Nova Southeastern University. Her unique blend of business expertise, leadership, and community involvement continues to shape her work and the lives of those she serves.

Carole Long

Client Relations Specialist, Rodney Long Realty

For more than 23 years, Carole Long has been a trusted and welcoming presence at Rodney Long Realty, serving as the firm’s Client Relations Specialist. In this role, she has supported hundreds of clients with professionalism, warmth, and a steady commitment to exceptional service. Her background also includes 5 years as a mortgage broker, giving her a strong understanding of the financial side of homeownership and the guidance clients need to make confident, informed decisions.

Born and raised in Florida, Carole brings a lifelong connection to the communities she serves. Her lifelong connection to Florida helps her bring insight, clarity, and a personal touch that clients appreciate. Whether welcoming new buyers, assisting sellers, or supporting the Rodney Long Realty team, she is dedicated to making every experience smooth, respectful, and memorable.

Honorable Rodney J. Long

Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer

The Honorable Rodney J. Long is a native of Gainesville, Florida. He was educated in the Alachua County School System. He attended Santa Fe College, Howard University, The University Florida and Adullam Bible College.

In March 1988, the Honorable Rodney Long was elected Gainesville’s first single-member district commissioner. He was re-elected to a second term in March 1991. In May of 1991, he was chosen by his colleagues to serve as Gainesville’s first district mayor-commissioner.

In November 2000, Mr. Long was elected to serve on the Alachua County Commission, becoming the first African American to serve on both the City and County Commissions. While serving on the County Commission, former Commissioner Long was active in the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) until his retirement in December 2011. He was the Past President of the Florida Association of Counties having served two terms as president. In May 2011, he was invited to the Whitehouse by President Obama to discuss issues facing the nation’s counties.

With nearly twenty years of serving in elected public office, Mr. Long is very knowledgeable with comprehensive plan amendments, and land use, including, but not limited to interpreting land use codes, zoning, environmental and wetland mitigation codes, special use and special exceptions, Plan Urban Developments (PUDs), Traditional Neighborhood Developments (TNDs), Sub Division Regulations and Transportation Oriented Developments (TOD’s); and Multi- Modal Transportation. Mr. Long has extensive knowledge of redevelopment and development in Enterprise Zones (EZ), Community Redevelopment Areas (CRA) and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts.

Mr. Long is the owner-broker of Rodney Long Realty Services, LLC. Rodney Long Realty Services, LLC is a full-service real estate firm headquartered in Gainesville, Florida, specializing in residential, commercial, land development consulting and vacant land services. With nearly two decades of experience, the company provides real estate consultation, development advisory, land acquisition expertise, and community-driven real estate solutions. Beyond real estate sales and development services, Rodney Long Realty is expanding its mission to stimulate economic development and improve housing accessibility in underserved communities. The firm is launching a Small Business Incubator and advancing affordable housing projects for seniors, veterans, and moderate-income households in Alachua County. He is co-owner of Rodney Long Bail Bonds Agency, LLC, President & CEO of Long and Associates Consulting, LLC, and President CEO of The Long Foundations, Inc.

He is married to Carole Martin of Hawthorne, Fl., and they have five children, Neki, Steven, Dakari, Arnelle and Julius.  They have nine grandchildren; and two great grand-children. Under the spiritual guidance of Apostle Willie L. King, Jr., and Prophetess Linda King, Mr. Long accepted his calling as an Evangelist at Showers of Blessings Harvest Center Church in December 2011.

His guiding principle is: “Anyone can be great, because everybody can serve.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.