GiveWell Community Foundation marked its 25th anniversary this year, and there have been so many things to celebrate! We’ve reflected on the community leaders who had the vision to create the Foundation, celebrated the accomplishments during those 25 years, and looked forward to a hopeful future of continuing to positively impact our community.
This fiscal year, we continued seeing high numbers in grantmaking to nonprofits. Included in that were grants from the United Community Relief Fund to provide hurricane relief to organizations in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties that were affected by Hurricane Ian. This fund is one of two major collaborations between GiveWell Community Foundation and the United Way of Central Florida. The other is the United Community Needs Assessment (UCNA).
The final report for the UCNA was completed this year, and we’ve been sharing the results of the assessment with our donors, nonprofit agencies, community leaders, government officials, and the public. We have been encouraged by the level of engagement as we develop plans to use the findings of the assessment to help address our community’s most pressing needs.
Some of the other highlights in this annual report include 1,382 grants totaling $40.6 million, 82% of which went to nonprofits in our community, and $31 million in total donations to the Community Foundation. Our generous fundholders and partners throughout our community make it all possible.
GiveWell Community Foundation’s board of directors and staff are grateful to partner with you as we continue to improve the quality of life in the areas we serve.
From the beginning of our story in 1997, to the next chapters ahead, we thank you for your continued support of GiveWell Community Foundation!
Callie Neslund
President/CEO