Funds will be used for Hurricane Milton long-term recovery efforts in Polk County

LAKELAND, FL (October 8, 2025) – GiveWell Community Foundation (GWCF) and United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) are pleased to announce that the Volunteer Florida Foundation has awarded a $150,000 grant for Hurricane Milton response and recovery efforts. Since October 2024 when the hurricane impacted the central Florida area, GWCF and UWCF have been spearheading efforts to assist residents most affected by the storm. The Volunteer Florida Foundation grant will provide critical funding for the Polk Milton Recovery Committee, which includes representatives from the two organizations, other nonprofits, and local, state, and federal agencies.

“We are grateful to the Volunteer Florida Foundation for supporting our efforts to continue helping families still facing long-term challenges after Hurricane Milton,” said Callie Neslund, GiveWell Community Foundation’s President and CEO. “The Polk Milton Recovery Committee is committed to providing recovery assistance to those dealing with lasting impacts from the storm.”

Two of the organizations that have been working with dozens of Polk County families are Rebuilding Together Greater Florida and Inspiritus. Rebuilding Together Greater Florida helps homeowners affected by hurricanes with free home repairs and renovations. Inspiritus’ focus is providing long-term recovery assistance for families and individuals with unmet needs following a natural disaster, including managing home repairs and construction.

“One year after Hurricane Milton, too many Polk families are still struggling in unsafe or unstable housing,” said Christina Criser Jackson, President & CEO of United Way of Central Florida. “Thanks to Volunteer Florida’s support, the Polk Milton Recovery Committee can continue vital efforts—repairing homes, stabilizing families, and ensuring our most vulnerable neighbors are not left behind long after the storm.”

Polk County residents interested in learning more about applying for assistance may use the following links:
Rebuilding Together Greater Florida https://rtgfl.org/get-help/
Inspiritus  https://www.tinyurl.com/inspiritusdisasterinfo

GiveWell Community Foundation Logo
About GiveWell Community Foundation GiveWell Community Foundation (GWCF) works with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits to build a stronger community throughout Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties and beyond through charitable funds and competitive grant cycles. Since its founding in 1997, GWCF has awarded more than $450 million in grants. Today, GWCF is home to more than 400 charitable funds and the Impact Polk and Empower grant cycles. To learn more about GWCF, visit givecf.org or call 863-683-3131.
United Way of Central Florida logo
About United Way of Central Florida United Way of Central Florida mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. We bring people, resources, and ideas together to identify service gaps and co-create solutions that strengthen Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. Through partnerships with qualified organizations, we advance Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency. To learn more, visit uwcf.org or call 863.648.1500.
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