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 1 month, 6 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 2 months, 2 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
Peter Pan
Escape to Neverland as Florida Dance Theatre, Polk County’s professional dance company & The Imperial Symphony Orchestra brings Peter Pan to the City of Lakeland.
PIVOT
Florida Polytechnic University’s premier philanthropic event supporting student scholarships and the University’s mission.
Featured Funds
Sunflower Preschool Playground
The purpose of the Sunflower Preschool Playground Maintenance Fund is help maintain the park, which is devoted solely to families with toddlers ages 3 to 5. The equipment is designed specifically for toddlers to provide a sense of comfort and spatial stability, especially for children with disabilities such as autism. Website: www.lakelandgov.net/parkrec/barnett-family-park
Flight to Honor Polk Fund
Mission of Flight to Honor is to fly World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans to Washington DC to visit Monuments honoring their service to our nation. The purpose of Flight to Honor is to: Transport veterans to Washington safely and respectfully Provide an opportunity for the community to demonstrate their appreciation for their service … Read On
Common Ground Park
The fund supports the maintenance and upkeep of Common Ground Park. Common Ground is Polk County’s first “inclusive play experience,” a term used to describe non-traditional play areas. Children of varying abilities and disabilities are able to play together side-by-side. Website: www.lakelandgov.net/parkrec/common-ground-inclusive-playground
Boys & Girls Clubs of Lakeland & Mulberry
The purpose of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lakeland & Mulberry’s fund is to help provide programming that supports our core beliefs of providing: a safe place to learn and grow; ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals; life-enhancing programs and character development experiences; hope and opportunity. Website: www.bgclakeland.com
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