GiveWell Community Foundation and United Way of Central Florida respond to communities affected by recent hurricanes
LAKELAND, FL (October 30, 2024) – GiveWell Community Foundation (GWCF) and United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) announce $80,000 in grants to provide hurricane relief to local nonprofit organizations. After surveying the most pressing post-hurricane needs, 11 organizations were selected to receive funding that will support immediate recovery and rebuilding efforts throughout the community:
- Anchor House Ministries
- Bartow Church Service Center
- Central Florida Health Care
- Combee Connection Ministries
- Dream Center of Lakeland
- Hardee Help Center
- Help of Fort Meade
- kidsPACK
- Mulberry Community Service
- One More Child
- The Freedom Tour
“Because of the impact of recent hurricanes, many in our community are facing immediate challenges now, and most likely long-term challenges later,” said Callie Neslund, GiveWell Community Foundation’s President and CEO. “Through the United Community Relief Fund, we are able to support local nonprofits that are the heart of recovery efforts, helping those in need.”
UWCF and GWCF will continue working closely with local nonprofits and community partners to identify critical needs. Additional grants from the United Community Relief Fund will be announced once those needs have been identified.
“We have witnessed the impact of hurricane Milton on our local communities, and we are grateful for those that have dedicated funds to the UCRF. These funds will empower our partners to serve and rebuild,” said Christina Criser Jackson, United Way of Central Florida’s President and CEO.
The United Community Relief Fund was established in 2020 through a collaboration by GWCF and UWCF in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the fund has been activated during times of major community crisis to support nonprofit organizations that are most affected. Visit unitedcommunityrelief.org to donate.
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About GiveWell Community Foundation
GiveWell Community Foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits to build stronger communities in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties through charitable funds and competitive grant cycles. GWCF builds and manages permanent endowments, connects donors to nonprofit needs, and provides leadership on critical community issues. Since its founding in 1997, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $400 million in grants. Today, GWCF is home to more than 400 charitable funds and the Impact Polk and Empower Polk grant cycles. To learn more, visit givecf.org or call 863-683-3131.
About United Way of Central Florida
United Way of Central Florida works to improve lives and strengthen our community by identifying gaps in services and providing solutions. UWCF works with qualified partners to improve the health, education, and financial stability of people in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. United Way works to amplify donor dollars with local matches, convene partners to improve efficiencies and broker services that produce the best return on investment in the areas of most critical need. United Way believes no one can do their best if they are hungry, sick or in pain. To learn more, visit uwcf.org or call 863-648-1500.
