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, 26 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, 22 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
Harrison Center for the Arts Parents Association
The Harrison fund is instrumental in helping us provide a rigorous arts education to the students of Polk County. It allows us to assist under-served students with specific academic needs as well as allowing us to offer scholarships for students pursuing a post-secondary education. Website: www.harrisonarts.com/parents-association
Achievement Academy
The Achievement Academy maintains two funds at the GiveWell Community Foundation to help maintain and enhance the programs and services we offer to children from birth through age six who live with various developmental delays and disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and speech delays. Our mission is to assist children with special needs reach their … Read On
CATT and Rath Center
The Coalition on Aging Transitions and Technology (CATT)-Rath Senior Connextions and Education Center’s mission is to provide seniors with education, leadership, advocacy, resources and services enabling them to age with independence and dignity. Our fund helps us maintain Senior Scholar’s, which is the educational program that promotes life-long learning with varied topics taught by experts. … Read On
Florida Water Color Society, Inc.
Florida Watercolor Society, Inc., the state’s primary educational resource in the creation of water media based artwork, is focused on using our fund to assist those seeking to further their artistic development in the use of water media. Website: www.floridawatercolor.org
Cornerstone Hospice Foundation
Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care is a community-based, not-for profit provider of end-of-life and palliative care support services for people with life-limiting illness. The Mission of Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care is to make quality Hospice care available to all persons, their families, and those affected by serious illness, death and dying in our community; to … Read On