United Way of Central Florida Announces New George Jenkins Foundation Youth Opportunity Grant
United Way of Central Florida is pleased to announce the George Jenkins Foundation Youth Opportunity Grant to support educational programming benefiting Polk County Public Schools students. This initiative seeks to create equitable opportunities for youth by addressing the root causes of child maltreatment and promoting positive outcomes for students in communities facing high-risk social determinants of health.
This grant opportunity is especially critical as many Title I schools in Polk County serve students who are disproportionately affected by food insecurity, lack of access to mental and behavioral health services, and limited educational resources. These conditions contribute to chronic absenteeism, academic underperformance, and behavioral challenges, which can place students at higher risk for long-term negative outcomes. By supporting high-impact educational programming, this grant aims to intervene early, reduce disparities, and foster environments where students can thrive.
The George Jenkins Foundation Youth Opportunity Grant will supply organizations with up to $20,000 to implement innovative and inclusive educational programs that increase public access and engagement for students in Title I schools within Polk County, FL. This is a unique and meaningful opportunity for organizations to directly affect student success while partnering with schools and community stakeholders.
Programs may be conducted on or off campus and must demonstrate alignment with the following guidelines:
- Preference will be given to programs serving Kindergarten through 8th grade students within Title I schools.
- Priority will be given to proposals that demonstrate measurable impact in areas such as reduced absenteeism and truancy, improved student behavior, decreased suspensions, enhanced self-regulation, use of de-escalation strategies, and improved academic outcomes.
- A letter of support from the participating school(s) is required.
- All grant funds must be fully expended by May 28, 2026, the end of the 2025–2026 Polk County Public Schools academic year.
Application Deadline: Close of Business on Friday, May 16, 2025
Notification of Awards: Monday, July 7, 2025, via email
This funding opportunity is made possible through the generosity of the George Jenkins Foundation and supports United Way of Central Florida’s mission to inspire our community to give, advocate, and volunteer by identifying needs and mobilizing vetted resources to create positive, local change.
To apply, please visit https://forms.office.com/r/huQZ8UqutG.
Questions? Please email Rod Crowley, Rod.Crowley@uwcf.org.