Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $10+ million
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Not publicly available
- Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
- Geographic Focus: Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties in Central Florida
Contact Details
- Website: https://www.uwcf.org
- Phone: 863.648.1500
- Email: info@uwcf.org
- Address: 5605 US Highway 98 S, Lakeland, FL 33812
Overview
United Way of Central Florida is a community impact organization serving Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties in Central Florida. Founded with a mission to inspire community giving, advocacy, and volunteerism, the organization has grown from raising less than $1 million in 1980 to over $14 million in 2022. With total revenue of $15.4 million in 2024, they focus on identifying community needs and mobilizing vetted resources to create positive local change. The organization has evolved from traditional agency funding to a more strategic approach of collaborative community problem-solving, with over $10 million in grants distributed to governments, organizations, and individuals according to their Form 990 filings.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
While specific grant programs are not publicly detailed, United Way of Central Florida allocates funds through their Community Investment Team process, which reviews and funds partner programs based on effectiveness and community impact.
Priority Areas
- Early Childhood Education
- Academic Achievement
- Financial Stability
- Health and Community Wellness
- Ending Hunger
- Basic Needs Support
- Emergency Assistance
What They Don't Fund
Not publicly specified
Governance and Leadership
President & CEO: Christina Criser Jackson ($168,899 annual compensation)
Board: 29 independent board members with 100% independent composition
Community Investment Team: Volunteers who attend presentations from partner programs, study their effectiveness, and allocate funds to community initiatives.
The organization emphasizes strong governance with policies for conflict of interest, whistleblower protection, and document retention. Their Leadership Giving Association, founded in 1987, has grown to over 2,000 members and includes founding members such as George W. Jenkins (Publix founder) and other prominent community leaders.
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
This funder does not have a public application process. Based on available information, United Way of Central Florida appears to work with pre-selected partner agencies through their Community Investment Team review process. Organizations seeking funding would need to establish a relationship with United Way and potentially be invited to present to the Community Investment Team.
Getting on Their Radar
Based on their operating model, organizations may be able to connect with United Way of Central Florida through:
- Participating in their Day of Caring events
- Engaging with their volunteer programs like ReadingPals
- Aligning programs with their seven key initiative areas
- Building relationships with board members and the Community Investment Team volunteers
Decision Timeline
Not publicly available
Success Rates
Not publicly available
Reapplication Policy
Not publicly specified
Application Success Factors
Based on United Way of Central Florida's strategic focus and Community Investment Team review process:
- Programs must demonstrate measurable effectiveness and community impact
- Strong alignment with one or more of their seven key initiatives
- Focus on serving residents of Polk, Hardee, or Highlands counties
- Evidence-based approach to addressing community needs
- Collaborative approach that addresses multiple interconnected needs (they note "The typical family in crisis requires an average of twelve services to meet their financial, health and academic needs")
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- United Way of Central Florida operates primarily through pre-selected partnerships rather than open grant applications
- Their Community Investment Team of volunteers plays a crucial role in funding decisions
- Focus has shifted from traditional agency funding to collaborative community problem-solving
- Strong emphasis on programs that address multiple, interconnected community needs
- Geographic focus is strictly limited to three Central Florida counties
- Organizations should align with their seven key initiatives for best positioning
- Building relationships through volunteerism and community engagement may be essential for funding consideration
References
- United Way of Central Florida Official Website: https://www.uwcf.org (Accessed January 2025)
- GuideStar Profile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/59-2116280 (Accessed January 2025)
- Charity Navigator Profile: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/592116280 (Accessed January 2025)
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/592116280 (Accessed January 2025)
- CauseIQ Organization Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/united-way-of-central-florida,592116280/ (Accessed January 2025)
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