Grants
Grantmaking is at the heart of the Community Foundation’s work.
Grants from the Community Foundation
Many grants are made from funds that do not accept requests. These funds are established and advised by individual donors, and the distributions are determined by the donor for specific philanthropic purposes. Grant distributions are made on the suggestion of the donor or fund advisor, with final approval given by the Community Foundation’s board of directors.
Million in Total Grants Since Inception
Grant Opportunities
GiveWell Community Foundation annually conducts three competitive grant cycles. These are the only grants for which applications are accepted. These grantmaking opportunities vary from year to year. Since resources are limited, organizations are encouraged to seek only the dollars necessary.

Empower Hardee, Highlands & Polk is an annual competitive grant program with the goal of helping nonprofits improve internal capacity and efficiency. This grant cycle is currently only available by invitation only to select nonprofit organizations that serve the tri-county area.

Impact Polk is an annual competitive grant program with the goal of addressing community needs throughout Polk County. Public nonprofit organizations serving Polk County and recognized by the IRS as described in the IRS Code Section 501(c)(3) as eligible for tax-exempt status may apply.

The purpose of the Community Clinic Grant Program is to identify and treat potentially chronic conditions to prevent them from worsening. The Community Clinic Grant Program is made possible through the Yardley, England, Trimmer, and Orlich Charities Fund at the Central Florida Foundation and administered through GiveWell Community Foundation.
2023-24 Grants Overview
Impactful grantmaking is at the heart of the Community Foundation’s work. During the 2023-24 fiscal year, our fundholders awarded 1,684 grants, more than any year before. Our primary focus is on our service area of Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties; however, GWCF fundholders have the ability to advise their funds to support organizations and causes they care about well beyond our service area.
Total Grants
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Grants Awarded Locally

Have a Question?
Call us at 863-683-3131.

Johnna Martinez
Grants Manager
863-683-3131
jmartinez@givecf.org