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United Way of Central Florida has been improving lives and strengthening the communities of Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties since 1980.

UWCF enacts community change by amplifying donor dollars with local matches, convening partners to improve efficiency and brokering only those services that produce the best possible return on investment in the areas of most critical need.

Our expertise and partnerships are making immediate and lasting differences for individuals throughout our community.

  • Our Impact Initiatives

United Way of Central Florida and local experts have identified seven initiatives to address our community’s most critical needs.
Through our initiatives, UWCF and our partners are disrupting the cycle of poverty in Central Florida.

Early Childhood
Education

UWCF prepares children birth to age five to enter school ready to read.

Academic
Achievement

Providing tutoring, homework assistance and mentors to improve promotion rates, attendance, and grades in core subjects for at risk students.

Financial
Stability

We help families save money, increase family income, manage debt and improve their credit.

Health

We fund services that improve the physical and behavioral health of adults and children while also reducing unnecessary ER visits and days in the hospital.

George W. Jenkins
End Hunger

By increasing access to healthy foods, UWCF helps to eliminate hunger and food insecurities for children and families.

Community Partnership
School

The school is a community hub with a full service health clinic, financial education and academic support for students, families and neighbors.

Snapshot
of our Annual Impact

22,883

Children who utilized early childhood education services to prepare them for school

11,823

Individuals who accessed
financial education services

17,085

Individuals who received at
least one health service

66,806

Unique visitors to our food distribution sites

United in Purpose.

United Way Central Florida cannot do the work we do without the generosity of donors, volunteers and community leaders. Join our fight to create positive lasting change in our community by helping children succeed in school, promoting financial stability and improving people’s health.

UWCF is disrupting the standard nonprofit model by amplifying donor dollars with local matches, convening partners to improve efficiency and brokering only those services that produce the best possible Return on Investment (ROI) in the areas of most critical need.

No one can do their best work at work or school if they are hungry, sick or in pain. We must take action.

The Leadership Giving Association (LGA) was formed in 1987 by volunteers to encourage and honor the generosity of individuals and families who invest $1,000 or more annually.

Through the visionary leadership and personal involvement of its founding fathers, Guy Bostick, RL “Buddy” Fletcher, George W. Jenkins and Paul Scott Linder, the LGA has become the foundation of philanthropy in our community flourishing to more than 2,000 members to date.

United Way Central Florida brings together community leaders through a range of philanthropic, volunteer and networking opportunities. While giving alone is its own reward, a gift of $1,000 or more brings along additional benefits such as dedicated support staff, regular updates on how your gift is being used recognition for your gift, invitations to special LGA events, society membership opportunities and the option to combine gifts of spouses giving through separate workplace campaigns.

Learn More About Leadership Giving
  • Recent News and Updates

United Way of Central Florida Celebrates Community Impact, Honors Local Leaders at 2026 Annual Celebration

May 15, 2026/by Ginny Aycock

UWCF Approves Over $5.1 Million in Community Investment for 2025-26 Across Polk, Hardee, and Highlands Counties

United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) announces the approval of…
January 5, 2026/by Ginny Aycock

Volunteer Florida Foundation Awards $150,000 Grant for Hurricane Milton Long Term Recovery Efforts in Polk County

GiveWell Community Foundation (GWCF) and United Way of Central…
October 10, 2025/by Ginny Aycock

Celebrating Community at the 2025 Highlands County Campaign Kick-Off

September 12, 2025/by Ginny Aycock

United Way of Central Florida Launches 2025-2026 Campaign with Energy and Impact

August 20, 2025/by Ginny Aycock

GiveWell Community Foundation and United Way of Central Florida launch United Community Indicators Dashboard

GiveWell Community Foundation (GWCF) and United Way of Central…
July 30, 2025/by Ginny Aycock
 
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Our Mission

To inspire our community to give, advocate and volunteer by identifying needs and mobilizing vetted resources to create positive, local change.

Our Vision

To unite our community and empower everyone to achieve their full potential.

Contact Us

BY MAIL
PO Box 1357,
Highland City, FL 33846

BY PHONE
863.648.1500

VISIT US
5605 US Highway 98 S.
Lakeland, FL 33812

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