Give Well Community Foundation
/OVERVIEW: This is a combined community funder that supports the Florida Counties of Polk, Hardee, and Highlands. One foundation program accepts unsolicited grant requests for Polk County programs related to education, arts and culture, community, environment, health and human services, and animal welfare.
IP TAKE: Groups in Hardee and Highland Counties cannot directly apply for grants with this funder, unlike ones from Polk County. But it is still a good idea for grant seekers to get on GWCF’s radar to be considered for donor support. Most of the funds here do not accept requests, as distributions are made based on donor preference with final approval by the GWCF board of directors.
This is not an accessible funder as it’s dependent on DAFs and board approval, which is extensive for such a small community foundation, making grantmaking more bureaucratic here. Funding is predominately project-based. To get on GWCF’s radar, call the foundation to see if there’s a fund that would be applicable to your project, since GWCF’s website is sparse regarding information about how to get a grant. You’re going to have to go through more hoops here, as a result, likely having to network with the board.
PROFILE: The Give Well Community Foundation (GWCF) is based in Lakeland, Florida, and also has an office in Winter Haven, Florida. It seeks to “champion charitable giving to improve the quality of life in the areas [it serves], both now and for future generations.” It supports the Florida counties of Polk, Hardee, and Highlands, and has more than 280 charitable funds under management. The foundation dates back to 1997, originally as an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay. The current name was settled upon in 2013 when the Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland joined forces with the Community Foundation of Greater Winter Haven.
Most GWCF giving goes through donor-advised funds and collaborative grantmaking funds. Most of the funds here do not accept requests, as distributions are made based on donor preference with final approval by the GWCF board of directors.
Impact Polk, however, is a competitive grantmaking fund that serves Polk County exclusively and accepts unsolicited applications. Previous annual deadlines for these Polk County grants have fallen in November, with final award notices sent out between March and June of the following year.
Impact Polk’s funding priorities include Health and human services, education, arts and culture, community, environment, and animal welfare. Grants often support basic needs services, like food and housing, as well as early learning, closing the student achievement gap, career opportunities, and adult literacy. This fund also makes grants to local arts groups that focus on diversity and collaboration, as well as historical preservation, protection of outdoor spaces in the county, and the well-being of animals.
Important Grant Details:
Grants range up to $20,000 and mostly fund projects and programs. General operating costs, research, and events are not typically funded.
The foundation has assets of over $178 million and made at least $22 million in grants in a recent year. Since 1997, the funder has given out well over $140 million. Current financial data is here.
Direct general questions to info@GiveCF.org or (863) 683-3131. The address is 1501 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland, Florida, 33803. Check its news page to keep up with happenings and upcoming events.
PEOPLE:
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