Empower Hardee, Highlands & Polk is an invitation-only, annual competitive grant program of GiveWell Community Foundation with the goal of empowering local nonprofit organizations to become more efficient and sustainable. The GWCF grants committee reviews and advises on awards with final approval by the GWCF board of directors.

Empower Hardee, Highlands & Polk began as Empower Polk in 2018 with a focus on infrastructure support, helping nonprofits get the additional training, tools, or technology they need to execute their mission. Empower Hardee, Highlands & Polk may change areas of focus year to year.

Funding for Empower Hardee, Highlands & Polk comes from contributions made to the GWCF Grant Committee Unrestricted Fund. Anyone can contribute to this fund, and 100% of all contributions go directly towards Empower Hardee, Highlands & Polk grants. GWCF donor-advised fundholders may request a grant from their fund to Empower Hardee, Highlands & Polk. Online donations can be made using the link below.

This annual grant cycle is available by invitation only to select nonprofit organizations that serve the tri-county area. Please check back for updates on this grant cycle.

The grant cycle for Empower Hardee, Highlands & Polk 2025 is as follows:

• March 3, 2025  Grant cycle opens for invited organizations
• March 24, 2025  Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m.
• May 2025  Grant awards will be announced