GiveWell Community Foundation and United Way of Central Florida respond to Polk, Hardee, Highlands communities affected by Hurricane Ian
LAKELAND, FL (November 7, 2022) – GiveWell Community Foundation (GWCF) and United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) announce $205,600 in grants to provide Hurricane Ian relief throughout Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. After surveying the most pressing needs in the hurricane’s aftermath, twenty local nonprofit organizations were selected to receive funding that will support recovery and rebuilding efforts throughout the community.
“Hurricane Ian has displaced residents, damaged homes and facilities, and depleted food pantries,” said John Attaway, GiveWell Community Foundation’s President and CEO. “However, I’ve been so encouraged by the relief efforts underway and the amount of support our community has received through the United Community Relief Fund.”
To date, more than $270,000 in donations has been collected for Hurricane Ian relief. Additional grants from the United Community Relief Fund will be announced in the coming weeks.
“Thank you to Fidelity, GEICO, Humana Foundation, and so many individuals who supported our community through their donations to the United Community Relief Fund,” 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. The fund has remained active and ready since then to support those most affected by a major community crisis. Visit unitedcommunityrelief.org to donate.
About GiveWell Community Foundation
The mission of the GiveWell Community Foundation (GWCF) is to champion charitable giving to improve the quality of life in the areas we serve, both now and for future generations. We accomplish this by working with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits to build stronger communities in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties through charitable funds and competitive grant cycles. Since its founding in 1997, the community foundation has awarded more than $300 million in grants. Today, GWCF is home to more than 380 charitable funds and the Impact Polk and Empower Polk grant cycles. To learn more about GWCF, 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.
