By May 21, Walt Disney World Resort distributed $1.5 million to 59 organizations throughout Central Florida who closely aligned to its goal of improving children’s lives focusing on one or more of the following areas: creativity & innovation, compassionate neighbor, and caring for ourselves, our community, our world.
Creativity & Innovation ($620,000):
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida $100,000
Orange County Public Schools $57,500
School District of Osceola County $57,500
Lake County Schools $35,000
Polk County Public Schools $35,000
Seminole County Public Schools $35,000
Early Learning Coalition of Orange County $20,000
Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County $20,000
Early Learning Coalition of Lake County $20,000
Early Learning Coalition of Polk County $20,000
Early Learning Coalition of Seminole County $20,000
Bay Street Players (Lake) $10,000
Explorations V Children’s Museum (Polk) $20,000
Orlando Rep $20,000
Osceola Center for the Arts $10,000
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida $40,000
A Gift For Teaching/A Gift for Music $100,000
Compassionate Neighbors: ($350,000):
Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida $75,000
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida $50,000
Hope Foundation (Seminole) $10,000
New Beginnings (Lake) $10,000
Camp Boggy Creek $15,000
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central Florida $14,000
New Hope for Kids $20,000
Harbor House $15,000
Hope CommUnity Center $40,000
IDignity $16,000
Rescue Outreach Mission $10,000
Helping Others Make the Effort $25,000
Howard Phillips Center for Children and Families $10,000
Children’s Advocacy Center of Osceola County $10,000
Children’s Advocacy Center of Lake County $10,000
Children’s Home Society of Polk County $10,000
Kids House of Seminole $10,000
Caring for Ourselves, Our Community, Our World ($30,000):
City of Orlando $17,500
- Mayor’s Matching Grants and annual youth conservation camp
City of Kissimmee
- Annual youth conservation camp $12,500
Organizations (24) selected through application-based grants ($500,000):
Adult Literacy League, Inc. $13,500
Read to Me! is designed to help pre-school children develop pre-reading skills. Children are provided with books and literacy materials to build skills, enhance each child’s creativity, and engage parents in the learning journey.
Apopka Family Learning Center $10,000
The Kids in Motion academic enrichment program empowers youth to discover their potential. Students work on academics, explore their creativity through theater, and develop leadership skills.
BETA Center, Inc. $21,000
In the Teen Parent Program, teen moms learn and practice the parenting, bonding and care skills they need to have healthy, guiding relationships with their children.
Boys & Girls Club of Lakeland & Mulberry $51,690
During the summer months, youth will explore their natural environment, the world, space, conservation, and many other themes. Through these constructive activities, youth avoid learning loss during their summer break.
Central Florida Police Athletic League $15,000
The Youth on Point Program engages students in educational and recreational activities, talent shows, and service learning. Through community collaborations, youth learn about the many possibilities for a future career.
Children’s Home Society $30,000
STEP is an intensive after school/summer program at Evans Community School. Through mentoring, character building, and academic support, participants are tracked for 4 years and can become high-performing students.
Covenant House Florida $17,108
The Bright Beginnings Program provides a stimulating curriculum for homeless children that will foster stronger family dynamics, help children attain developmental milestones, build their social skills, and reach their full potential.
Enzian Theatre, Inc. $20,000
KidFest is designed to offer a summer film experience to children, teaching cinematic technique so they may produce an independent film. Students premiere their production at the theater in front of family and friends.
Girls, Inc. of Lakeland $15,000
Through the Strong, Smart and Bold Program, emphasis is placed on academic achievement, character development, health and fitness, computer technology, culture and heritage, and being kind and caring to others.
Greater Reading or Writing Skills (GROWS) Literacy Council $10,000
Young children who have limited English fluency participate in this pre-school readiness program that prepares them for kindergarten in order to excel in school. Parents are involved to ensure that the family is learning together.
Hebni Nutrition Consultants, Inc. $15,000
Through KYDS Take Charge, children practice good nutrition, exercise, and healthy cooking. Children will participate in hands-on cooking demonstrations, tennis lessons, and family nutrition workshops.
Life Concepts, dba Quest, Inc. $55,000
The Shaping Kids’ Future Media Arts Program will introduce children with special needs to the world of media arts. Youth will learn interactive design, and see the many possibilities for a future career in the arts.
Lighthouse of Central Florida $22,000
The Early Intervention Services Program provides services to children with a visual impairment. A mentor is paired with the family to ensure the child learns the basic needs for daily living in order to reach their full potential.
Orange County Library System $32,209
The Dream Big! and Imagine That! programs engage children and teens in reading and learning during the summer. Youth participate in technology and digital media design sessions, and develop activity calendars to track their progress.
Orlando Ballet $22,000
Through Scholarship Training for the Enrichment of Primary Students (STEPS), dance instruction, transportation and dance attire is provided to students who might not otherwise experience the joy of ballet.
Orlando Day Nursery Association $14,487
In the Learning to Care Program, children will use science activities, gardening, and literature to help instill a love of the earth and a desire to improve their neighborhoods through conservation, recycling, and helping others.
Orlando Museum of Art $13,126
The Family Art Outreach Program engages children/families from the Coalition for the Homeless, and Women’s Residential & Counseling Center. It provides a creative outlet for self-expression, and fosters an appreciation for art.
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra $14,380
Symphonic Stories! opens the door to artistic discovery, providing children with an opportunity to create and perform their own symphonic story. Youth learn the value of working on a team and create a work of art to share.
Osceola County Historical Society $22,000
Summer educational camps for children will strengthen creativity skills, foster new relationships, and develop an appreciation for their community. Activities include gardening and learning the history of the land through nature.
Restore Hope Orlando $15,000
The Summer Camp Enrichment Program targets children who live in distressed communities. Youth will strengthen academic skills, learn about health and nutrition, garden, and play sports.
Safehouse of Seminole $15,000
The Safekid Program offers hope and caring for young victims of domestic violence. Children are engaged in games and role play to direct them toward building healthy relationships and violence-free futures.
Steinway Society of Central Florida $15,000
The Family Piano Lesson Program is offered to children and parents who might not otherwise be exposed to piano. Youth develop an interest in music, participate in recitals, and receive a refurbished piano upon course completion.
Young Fathers of Central Florida $29,500
The Teen Fatherhood Academy is a character development and training program for teen fathers. The program will focus on personal responsibility, job readiness, education planning, healthy choices, and character development.
Zebra Foundation for Youth $12,000
Support services are offered to foster hope and dignity, and self-respect to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth so they may grow up in a safe and encouraging environment.
A total of $1,500,000 in grants towards our goal of building strong futures for the children of Central Florida
