2020-2021 Annual Report
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Dear fundholders and community partners,
Communities around the globe continue facing unprecedented challenges caused by COVID-19, and our community is no different. However, this difficult time has also presented opportunities for us to come together as a community and to bond closer to our nonprofits, donors, and community partners. Through it all, your community foundation has continued to focus on its mission, as so many of you have stepped up to support your neighbors in need.
We began our COVID relief efforts last year by partnering with United Way of Central Florida to establish the United Community Relief Fund. This fund raised and granted over $630,000 for COVID-19 relief throughout Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. And, as community needs increased, so did your generous support. In the face of an unpredictable economy, fundholder giving and granting rose to record levels. This fiscal year, we received $35.9 million in total gifts and awarded $25.9 million in grants – 89% of which were awarded in our tri-county service area.
This annual report covers some of our accomplishments over the previous fiscal year. These accomplishments were possible because of our fundholders and partners throughout our community. On behalf of the GiveWell Community Foundation Board of Directors and staff, we are very honored to be your philanthropic stewards and partners in building a better community. Thank you for your continued support of GiveWell Community Foundation.
John Attaway
President/CEO
Fiscal Year Highlights
Total Granted
Total Grants
New Funds
New Gifts
Total Assets
Grantmaking
Total Granted
Total Grants
%
Awarded in Service Area
Photos from Impact Polk 2021 check presentations
Grants by Cause
Empower Polk
2021 Grant Cycle Highlights:
- $108,587 total awarded
- 35 grantees
- Grants ranged from $1,000 to $5,000
Impact Polk
2021 Grant Cycle Highlights:
- $756,609.70 total awarded
- 88 grantees
- Grants ranged from $1,000 to $20,000
Community Clinic Grant
Over the past 15 years, the Yardley, England, Trimmer, and Orlich Charities Fund at Central Florida Foundation has granted more than $150,000 to provide medical care for the residents of Winter Haven who need it most. This year, the Fund awarded a grant of $10,191.98. GWCF accepted grant applications from several nonprofit clinics serving Winter Haven. Full funding was awarded to Angels Care Center of Eloise and their “Dental, Orthopedic, Vision for Everyone” (D.O.V.E.) program.
United Community Relief Fund
Total Donations
Total Grants
Residents Impacted
The United Community Relief Fund (UCRF) was established by GWCF and United Way of Central Florida in March 2019 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding priorities included PPE and sanitation supplies, food distribution, housing and financial assistance, and childcare for essential workers. These COVID-19 relief grants have been made possible by the more than 300 individual donors who have contributed to the United Community Relief Fund.
In April 2019, an initial round of grants distributed $310,000 to 34 nonprofits. Two additional rounds of grants were distributed over this fiscal year. In September 2020, 33 grants were awarded totaling $300,740.19, and in June 2021, an additional $25,000 was awarded. To learn more, view the UCRF infographic and visit unitedcommunityrelief.org.
The UCRF information listed above is as of June 30, 2021.
Funds at GWCF
As of June 30, 2021
Total Funds
New Funds
Funds by Type
- Donor Advised Funds are established by donors who retain the right to recommend grants to nonprofits.
- Agency Funds are created by nonprofits to protect and invest their assets for the future of their work and mission.
- Designated Funds are established to benefit a particular organization or project.
- Community Funds allow municipalities, local service clubs, and community groups to improve quality of life of our area.
- Legacy Funds allow donors to leave a legacy of giving by incorporating charitable giving into their estate plans.
- Memorial Funds honor a loved one by supporting causes or nonprofits which would have pleased that person.
- Field of Interest Funds create a resource to target an area of interest to the donor, such as education or arts and culture.
- Unrestricted Funds enable GWCF to address current community needs and allows the public to participate by pooling donations.
New Balanced Investment Pool Option
Assets of the Community Foundation have historically been invested in three primary pools: Cash, Long-term, and Conservative. GWCF recently announced a fourth investment option for fundholders. The new Balanced Pool falls between the Long-Term and Conservative pools, offering fundholders 50% in equities and 50% in fixed income and striking a balance between being positioned for moderate growth while not being exposed to substantial value-eroding risk.
Funds at GWCF are part of a large institutional investment pool managed by CAPTRUST, which allows broad diversification and cost-effective management. GWCF’s Investment Committee provides oversight, guidance, and direction regarding the investment of the Community Foundation’s assets.
2020-2021 Board of Directors
Jack Hollis
Board Chair
Jay Gray
Vice Chair
Wesley Barnett
Treasurer
Anne Furr
Secretary
Jeffrey Cox, Sr.
Immediate Past Chair
Jim Chaffin
Investment Committee Chair
Roger Ingley
Audit Committee Chair
Barney Barnett
At Large
Jeff Chamberlain
Bruce Davis
Bill Dorman
Kimberly Elmhorst
Ginny Harris, CPA
Doug McPherson
Tom Oldt
Renee Pobjecky
Tim Putnam
Jason Rodda
Linda Rich
Sandra Sheets
Jillian Spangler
Richard Stephens
Mark Turner
Katherine Sultenfuss Schichtel
Ex Officio
Incoming Board Board Members for 2021-2022
Ann Barnhart
Christina Criser Jackson
Katrina Lundsford
George Tinsley, Sr.
Strategic Planning
In October 2020, the GWCF Board of Directors met for a video/in-person hybrid meeting to conduct a strategic planning session co-led by incoming Board Chair, Jack Hollis, and Leila Blacking, Sr. Strategy Team Leader at Publix Super Markets, Inc.
The board members produced an action plan for the next 24-36 months and developed a strategic vision to grow our community’s philanthropy through increased donor education, intentional fund growth and distribution, raising awareness of community needs, and connecting donor and nonprofit needs.
GWCF Staff
John Attaway
President/CEO
Lori Martini
VP, Chief Philanthropic Officer
Angela Baragona, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Brittany Graham
Receptionist
Sara Hallett
Philanthropic Services Coordinator
Johnna Martinez
Grants Manager
Christy Vreeland
Office Manager
Dave Walter
Communications Manager
About GiveWell Community Foundation (GWCF)
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. GWCF is home to more than 300 charitable funds and the Impact Polk and Empower Polk grant cycles.
Our Mission
To champion charitable giving to improve the quality of life in the areas we serve, both now and for future generations.
Contact Us
Lakeland
1501 South Florida Avenue
Lakeland, FL 33803
Mon. – Fri: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Winter Haven
Winter Haven, FL, 33880
By Appointment Only