Visionary thinkers come together to discuss the challenges facing Central Florida, the path to real change and philanthropic solutions for donors and nonprofits. The conversation inspires them to launch Central Florida Foundation, known then as the Community Foundation of Central Florida, the region’s community foundation in 1994.
The administration of Winter Park Community Trust and its 68 funds is transferred to Central Florida Foundation, becoming the basis to support the Winter Park Community Grants.
After a nonprofit healthcare system is purchased by a for-profit organization, the charitable funds are transferred to the Foundation to continue the donor's charitable intent and legacy. The established endowed fund, the HCF Foundation Fund, has continued making impactful charitable investments in children facing grief or life-threatening conditions with over $5.3M in grants.
After a devastating hurricane season, Central Florida Foundation developed a more coordinated approach to disaster relief funding across the region called the Funders' Collaborative. With the Foundation spearheading the effort, funders came together to streamline the application process, assess nonprofit needs more quickly, and coordinate funding for a swifter, more effective response. This model has since been used many times and is best practice for resilient communities.
Local resident Sydney Green had a simple yet ambitious idea: to create a giving circle where women could learn together and shape the future of their community through philanthropy. With this driving idea, 100 Women Strong at Central Florida Foundation was founded by a small group of women in 2006. Two decades later, and the group has invested over $100M into our community to support women and children.
Central Florida Foundation administered an investment from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to help the City of Orlando launch Parramore Kidz Zone (now called Orlando Kidz Zones). The initiative brought together education, health, and community resources to help Parramore’s children succeed from cradle to career, marking an important early example of CFF helping connect national philanthropy with locally driven solutions.
Central Florida Foundation launched Nonprofit Search, an online resource designed to make information about local nonprofits more accessible to donors and the community. For 17 years, the platform helped people learn about Central Florida organizations and make more informed charitable giving decisions before retiring in 2026.
Central Florida Foundation established a partnership with the University of Central Florida’s nonprofit management program, giving students hands-on experience evaluating nonprofits and making community investment recommendations. The partnership continues today, helping prepare future nonprofit leaders while bringing fresh perspectives to CFF’s grantmaking.
Central Florida Foundation worked alongside local governments, community organizations, and philanthropists to strengthen the region’s response to homelessness. Through the Homeless Impact Fund, CFF helped coordinate charitable investment and community action, contributing to a more collaborative and strategic approach to addressing homelessness across Central Florida.
Following the Pulse tragedy on June 12, Central Florida Foundation stepped forward to coordinate philanthropic resources focused on the community’s long-term recovery. Through the Better Together Fund, CFF supported survivors, families, and the broader community in four key areas, helping ensure resources remained available as needs continued to evolve beyond the immediate aftermath. Photo Credit: Judy Watson Tracy
Central Florida Foundation launched Rally, an accelerator designed to help promising social ventures become sustainable businesses capable of addressing real challenges facing Central Florida. Rally expanded the ways CFF invests in community solutions by supporting entrepreneurs as they test, strengthen, and scale new approaches.
Central Florida Foundation introduced the Thrive Framework, a localized version of a global approach to understanding complex, interconnected challenges. Adopted by organizations and leaders across the region, Thrive created a shared language and a more coordinated way for philanthropy, nonprofits, government, and other sectors to work together toward a thriving Central Florida.
Central Florida Foundation helped establish the Parramore Asset Stabilization Fund (PASF) to purchase and improve scattered-site rental properties in Orlando’s historic Parramore neighborhood. The effort brought philanthropic resources to a growing housing challenge, helping improve living conditions while preserving long-term affordability for neighborhood residents.
Central Florida Foundation launched TableTalk, bringing more than 3,000 people together in its inaugural year for conversations about what was working in their communities, the challenges they faced, and their ideas for the future. Over the years, TableTalk engaged thousands of Central Floridians, fostering connection and creating space for new ideas and community-driven solutions to emerge. Today, CFF continues to share the TableTalk framework with groups interested in hosting conversations of their own.
Central Florida Foundation's Professional Advisory Council is formed. The CFF PA Council is a diverse committee of local professional advisors who have aligned values and a shared passion for our community.
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Central Florida Foundation launched the Thrive Roadmap, an ambitious effort to bring existing community plans, priorities, and expertise into greater alignment around a shared vision for a thriving Central Florida. Organized through the Thrive Framework, more than 200 community volunteers across 15 workgroups are developing blueprints designed to help leaders across sectors better coordinate efforts and move in the same direction. The completed Roadmap is expected to be shared with the community in 2027.
Whether you’re ready to give or simply exploring your options, our team is here to help. Reach out to start a conversation.
