About Us
About GiveWell Community Foundation
GiveWell Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity serving Polk, Hardee, and Highlands County, Florida. The Community Foundation holds more than 280 charitable funds established by individuals, families, organizations, and private foundations and serves a wide variety of charitable services.
For the past 20 years, the GiveWell Community Foundation and its fundholders have been investing in the future of our communities through impactful, philanthropic giving.
Our Mission
To champion charitable giving to improve the quality of life in the areas we serve, both now and for future generations.
Latest News
Posted 2 months, 24 days ago •
Grant application for Impact Polk 2019 open through September 10th
Impact Polk is an annual competitive grant program of the GiveWell Community Foundation with the goal of addressing community needs throughout Polk County. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity serving Polk County may apply for an Impact Polk grant. Impact Polk 2019 grant applications are now being accepted. All applications are due by September 10, 2018. … Read On
Posted 3 months, 20 days ago •
Welcome New Board Members
LAKELAND, Fla. (July 24, 2018) – Terry Simmers, President/CEO of the GiveWell Community Foundation announces that five new board members have joined the community foundation’s board of directors: Wesley Barnett, Jean Bostick, Kimberly Elmhorst, Tom Oldt, and Renee Pobjecky. A native of Lakeland, Wesley Barnett is a managing partner with Treetop Software. After graduating from … Read On
Community Events
For the Love of Learning 2019
The Learning Resource Center’s spectacular annual fundraiser and benefit will be held on February 16, 2019 to raise scholarships and program aid for deserving students in the community.
Wine Festival of Central Florida
Set in the heart of downtown Lakeland, on the picturesque Frances Langford Promenade, the Wine Festival of Central Florida features a superb selection of fine wines, gourmet samplings from local chefs and restaurants, micro brewed beers, liquor tastings and live entertainment for you to enjoy.
Featured Funds
Peace River Center
Every year, Peace River Center (PRC) provides over 11,000 of our neighbors (most of whom reside in Polk County) with mental health, substance abuse, primary care, 24 hour crisis response, rape crisis, and domestic violence services. The fund within GiveWell Community Foundation provides PRC with a safety net for operating so we can, in turn, … Read On
Local College Access Network Fund
In 2018, GiveWell Community Foundation received funding from the College Access & Success Initiative to engage and sustain college access coalitions to enhance Polk County’s college-going culture and support statewide efforts for increased post-secondary attainment rates. The College Access & Success Initiative is a program of the Florida Philanthropic Network, made possible through funding from … Read On
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army’s The George W. Jenkins Community of Hope offers families an opportunity to stabilize their living situation and gain independence, while the Hazel Haley HALO Center provides preschool, childcare, and after-school tutoring for the homeless children that are a part of these families. Other families and individuals in crisis can receive assistance with … Read On
Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center
About Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center Since 1960, Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center has proudly served the citizens of Polk County and the surrounding areas. Our fund helps us in our commitment to help more people communicate better by subsidizing patient care. Of the 25,000 patients served this past year, over 11,000 were … Read On
Three Parks Trail
The Three Parks Trail is a 3.6-mile long loop around the Cleveland Heights Golf Course, Peterson Park, Lake John, and Woodlake Park. It began as an idea several years ago for a recreational bicycle and pedestrian pathway. Over the years, the City gradually built the various segments of the trail with City funds and Federal … Read On