Related Southeast launches Related Together nonprofit to drive economic mobility in West Palm Beach’s northwest neighborhoods

Today, Related Southeast announces Related Together, a private grantmaking foundation with a mission to fund projects that foster change and economic growth in underinvested communities just north of Downtown West Palm Beach. Each year, Related Together will contribute funds to implement projects and programs focused on six pillars, including education, housing, income and employment opportunities, healthcare access, arts and culture engagement and digital accessibility. The success of each program will be defined by attracting scalable philanthropic investments and proactive grantmaking to launch new programs with the goal to reverse the cycle of poverty and support a cycle of growth.

To commemorate the launch of Related Together, Stephen Ross, Related Companies’ Founder and Chairman, announces the commitment of over $8M to establish The Stephen M. Ross Emerging Scholars Program at Palm Beach State College, which will work to grant tuition-free postsecondary degrees and credentials to local high school students, fund college preparatory advisors in high schools and create a paid peer mentorship program with Palm Beach State College students.

“Education is one of the most fundamental building blocks of all cities focused on inclusive economic growth,” said Stephen M. Ross, Founder and Chairman of Related Companies. “I am proud to kick off Related Southeast’s new philanthropic initiative with a multi-year partnership with Palm Beach State College that will invest in the next generation of talent here in West Palm.”

“The investment of Related Together is a blueprint for success that starts in our local high schools,” said Ava L. Parker, J.D., President, Palm Beach State College. “Providing college readiness and STEM-focused resources boosts students’ skills and confidence and helps prepare them for in- demand careers right here in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County. The partnership with Related Together allows us to expand services into the community and removes the top barriers to a postsecondary education for students and their families.”

Through an active partnership with residents and stakeholders, Related Together’s objective is to accelerate economic mobility and The initial phase will target the Historic Northwest, Coleman Park, and Pleasant City district, which are communities primarily occupied by Black and African American residents located near Downtown West Palm Beach.

With more than 25 years dedicated to Downtown West Palm Beach’s progressive growth, we are honored to share a generational commitment to our neighboring communities and Palm Beach State College,” says Gopal Rajegowda, Partner of Related Southeast. “As a company, philanthropy is an integral part of our values, and we look forward to creating tangible opportunities for social and economic growth while upholding the legacy of these culturally rich neighborhoods.”

In partnership with Related Companies, Related Together was built through the expertise of local leaders such as Eric Kelly, President of Quantum Foundation, who is recognized for transformative change in underinvested communities. With full support from the City of West Palm Beach, Related Together aims to complement West Palm Beach’s vision of Mayor Keith A. James to create a “Community of Opportunity for All” in West Palm Beach.

“Stephen Ross and Related have always looked for opportunities, both within and beyond their developments, to strengthen entire cities because they know that the greatest and most sustainable economic growth is inclusive,” said City of West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “The partnership they are undertaking with Palm Beach State College will have a long-lasting impact on our students, and it is only the beginning of a bold philanthropic vision that will help ensure West Palm Beach is a community of opportunity for all our residents.”

Related Together’s organizational structure is comprised of key executive representatives, including Stephen Ross, Jeff Brodsky, Ken Himmel, Bruce Warwick, a Board of Directors including Board Chair: Gopal Rajegowda, Treasurer: Katie Block, Secretary: Jordan Rathlev and supported through local partners and stakeholders, such as Quantum Foundation, and others to be announced.

For more information and how to support, please visit www.relatedtogether.org.

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About Related Southeast:
Related Southeast, the West Palm Beach-based affiliate of Related Companies, is a fully integrated real estate firm with unparalleled expertise in mixed-use development. For more than 25 years, Related has led the transformation of West Palm Beach into one of the fastest growing cities in the nation to live, work and visit. Related Southeast leads the market in Class A office with over 2.8M square feet of existing commercial holdings built and under construction including 1 Flagler. Known for luxury residential buildings across major Gateway Cities, Related is introducing a new class of rentals and condos to the market including 575 Rosemary and South Flagler House. Related Southeast also developed and owns the most celebrated destinations in the region including The Square – the most visited neighborhood in the City, fostering culture and enriching the community with lush green spaces, a diverse mix of experiential retail and culinary offerings, the largest concentration of public art installed by a private company in Palm Beach County, educational programming and modern residences; as well as Hilton West Palm Beach, RH West Palm and the historic Harriet Himmel Theater. For more information about Related Southeast, please visit www.relatedsoutheast.com.