Professional Advisors
Central Florida Foundation News
Central Florida Foundation Announces Social Enterprise Accelerator to Drive Creation of New Businesses that Solve Community Issues
First-of-its kind program will connect emerging leaders to mentors, investors, resources
June 21 2017
ORLANDO, Fla. – (June 21, 2017) –Central Florida Foundation today launched the Social Enterprise Accelerator – connecting entrepreneurs with resources, funding and mentors to help them build their ideas into self-sustainable ventures that solve pressing community issues. The first program of its kind in Central Florida, this initiative will help...
Our Social Enterprise Connect Event was a Success!
May 31 2017 • Rachel Calderon
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We had an exciting and engaging Social Enterprise Connect Event on May 24th. This event focused on social enterprise and how this growing trend in our community is changing the way nonprofit organizations and traditional endeavors do business. We would like to extend a special thank you to Orlando, Inc....
Advocate Helps Foster Youth Succeed in High School and Beyond
May 26 2017 • Rachel Calderon
For most teenagers, high school is a fun, exciting chapter of their lives. They go to prom, attend sporting events, tour colleges with family members, and prepare for the next steps after graduation. But, for youth in foster care, attending college and working toward a career can seem like a...
100 Women Strong Member Spotlight: Lauren Chianese
May 10 2017
We recently had the opportunity to get to know one of 100 Women Strong’s members, Lauren Chianese. Learn more about her from our conversation below. Lauren was born in Pittsburgh, PA but grew up in Altamonte Springs, FL. She attended college at University of Florida, joined Teach For America in...
Philanthropreneurship: The Strategic Mindset of Entrepreneurial Philanthropy
“It is more difficult to give money away intelligently than to earn it in the first place.” –Andrew Carnegie
May 08 2017 • Avani Desai
As the term itself suggests, a philanthropreneur is an entrepreneurial philanthropist: a person who fuses the active philanthropist role with business practices and resources that can be leveraged to achieve scalable, sustainable social change. Philanthropreneurs take philanthropy to a new level by pairing generosity with smart proactive actions. They’ve made...
It was a great Appreciation Event!
April 07 2017
This week we had the opportunity to get together with our nonprofit fund holders to enjoy sweets and treats and say thank you for partnering with us to sustain their organization for the years to come. We were excited to give everyone a copy of our NEW nonprofit endowment toolkit,...
Our Central Florida Homeless Issue - What Should You Do?
April 06 2017 • Meghan Warrick
In our last post about homelessness, we discussed a housing-first approach that our community has adopted to end homelessness in Central Florida. This month, Meghan Warrick, our executive vice president and chief financial officer is sharing a more personal perspective on homelessness and how as individuals we can help… Often...
100 Women Strong Member Spotlight: Jeanmarie Loria
March 28 2017
We recently had the opportunity to get to know one of 100 Women Strong’s members, Jeanmarie Loria. Learn more about her in our conversation below. While Jeanmarie might not be an Orlando native (you can definitely tell that she is a true New Yorker when you hear her speak) she...
Our Central Florida Homeless Issue
How Can You Help with a New Solution?
March 07 2017 • Rachel Calderon
This editorial was featured in the March 2017 issue of The Park Press. Central Florida is one of the most popular destinations in the world. We have beautiful weather, pristine beaches, welcoming communities, unique local businesses, sports venues, cultural attractions, endless entertainment and so much more. However, in the midst...
The Importance of Early Intervention Services
February 27 2017 • Avani Desai
“The good-news stories in medicine are early detection, early intervention.” - Dan Marino Research on child development has discovered that the rate of human learning and mental growth is most rapid during the preschool years. The timing of early intervention - entailing services for infants, toddlers, and small children with...
100 Women Strong Member Spotlight: Cheryl Courier
February 27 2017
We recently had the opportunity to get to know one of 100 Women Strong’s members, Cheryl Courier. Learn more about her in our conversation below. Cheryl was born and raised in Durban, South Africa and immigrated to the United States with her husband in 1987. She became a United States...
Planning Now to Help Students Create a Life They Are Proud to Live
February 14 2017
Edna S. Hargrett was the beloved director of the well-known Jones High School Choir. She taught school for 44 years with 33 of those years spent at Jones High School helping countless students achieve performance excellence. She made participation in the choir feel like being a part of a big, close-knit family with big open arms. Thankfully, her passion for helping students reach success lives on even after her passing.
Larry's Story: One Man's Journey Home in Central Florida
January 26 2017
If you have ever lived or worked in Downtown Orlando for any length of time, you have probably seen him. At the corner of Colonial Drive and Westmoreland Drive you could find him at self-appointed post, clad in white sheets and barefoot (as he preferred). As a well known fixture in the area, some have even called him the “John the Baptist of Westmoreland.”
100 Women Strong Member Spotlight: Rina Patel
January 23 2017
We recently had the opportunity to get to know one of 100 Women Strong’s newest members, Rina Patel. Learn more about her in our conversation below. Rina Patel works in Global IT Service Management and Operations for ACI Worldwide and is the founder of Cents of Relief, Inc. Rina and...
Central Florida Estate Planning Attorney Gives the Community Options to Leave a Legacy
January 10 2017 • Rachel Calderon
Richard T. Hurt, more commonly known as “Rick,” is one of the most respected voices for estate planning in Central Florida. In his over 35 years of practice, he has earned the respect of his clients helping them with their estate planning needs. His devotion to his clients shows through...
Giving Circles by Women: The Nation’s Increasing Number of Philanthroactivists
December 19 2016 • Avani Desai
Hundreds of years old in theory, the concept of the “giving circle” has reignited across the nation, growing more diverse, aware, popular, and effective with each passing year. Initially begun by and composed of women, the movement of the giving circle is based on the notion of participatory philanthropy, where...
100 Women Strong Member Spotlight: Stacey Panepinto
December 19 2016
We recently had the opportunity to get to know one of 100 Women Strong’s newest members, Stacey Panepinto. Learn more about her in our conversation below. Tell us about your background, family, job experiences and other charitable work. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, but have called Orlando my...
Winter Park Community Foundation announces up to $47,900 in grants to area nonprofits
December 12 2016
ORLANDO, Fla.—December 13, 2016—Winter Park Community Foundation, an affiliate of Central Florida Foundation, today announces the grants from its annual grant round. The projects and nonprofits to receive grants include: Up to $16,900 to The Center for Contemporary Dance to complete the nonprofit’s first financial audit, facility improvements and to...
We had a great time!
November 22 2016
We had so much fun at our recent Connect Event. Connect Events are simple, relaxed and informal gatherings where we connect our fund holders to issues that matter in our community. This event focused on early childhood development and how our children determine the quality of our community. We were...
Young Philanthropists: How Teaching Philanthropy Shapes the Future of Giving
November 18 2016 • Avani Desai
“What this world needs is a new kind of army—the army of the kind.” –Cleveland Amory When people think of “philanthropy,” they think of the rich setting up charities, large non-profit organizations such as UNICEF or Doctors Without Borders, and six-figure donations made by powerful families. These surely all fit...
Central Florida Foundation Announces Next Grants to Support Community Healing After Pulse Tragedy
Better Together Fund Focuses on Long-Term Community Healing
November 10 2016
After the Pulse tragedy, Orlando’s healing process continues. In support of helping to heal the local community, Central Florida Foundation recently issued the next grants from its Better Together Fund to support two initiatives.
Philanthropic Spirit: The Giving that Gives Back
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." -Aesop
October 10 2016 • Avani Desai
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that giving is good for you. In case it does, however, we’ve got a few reasons to explain it—and a few ways to illuminate how this gift applies to you, too. Philanthropists throughout the world—regardless of status or wealth—report feelings of euphoria and well-being...
Meet Rick Baldwin
Local Businessman Gives Back to the Community that has been so good to him
October 04 2016
Rick Baldwin will tell you that he’s not a “philanthropy guy.” While he might not have adopted a title, he has a huge heart for the community that has been so good to him. Born and raised in Florida, he has strong roots planted here. His first job out of...
Reframing the Conversation
Women Shattering the Ceiling in Philanthropy
September 13 2016 • Avani Desai
As I’m writing these very words, a spectacular, massive cultural shift is underway. The growth of women’s wealth, power and influence is redefining philanthropy with a more pragmatic, involved and collaborative approach. According to a Growing Under the Radar report, at least 43% of American millionaires are women, the quantity...
Central Florida Foundation Announces up to $168,630 in grants to area nonprofits
September 09 2016
ORLANDO, Fla. - September 8, 2016 - Central Florida Foundation, today announces the grants from our annual Community Investment Grant Round. The eight projects and nonprofits to receive grants include: Up to $7,400 to The Arbor Schools of Central Florida to purchase iPad minis and software and apps to enhance...
Our First Connect Event was a Hit!
September 01 2016
We had a great time yesterday at our very first Connect Event. Connect Events are simple, relaxed and informal gatherings where we connect our individual and family fund holders to issues that matter in our community. Our first event was all about animals - pets, bears and more - and...
Autumn Ames and Family Give Back in a New Way
How one young family uses Central Florida Foundation to invest in their community
August 16 2016
“We like the community focus of knowing we are a part of something bigger.” Autumn and her husband knew setting up an advised fund at the Foundation instead of a charitable gift account at a traditional financial institution was the direction they wanted to go.
Central Florida Foundation Issues First Grant to Support Healing for Pulse Survivors
Better Together Fund Targets Nonprofits for Relief
August 05 2016
Central Florida Foundation recently issued the first grant from its Better Together Fund of up to $122,000 to Heart of Florida United Way.
Why Does Philanthropy Matter in a Crisis?
July 15 2016 • Rachel Calderon
It takes more than just money to build stronger communities. It takes community leaders and those who envision a stronger community to join in with helping hands.
A Message from Our President/CEO Mark Brewer - Central Florida Foundation Forms Better Together Fund
June 17 2016
As you may be aware, the City of Orlando partnered with the Central Florida Foundation to manage the distribution of donations to the OneOrlando Fund. The OneOrlando Fund was designed to benefit nonprofits that directly assist survivors through counseling and other essential services. Today, the Foundation and the City of...
How One Board Sustained a Mission and Created a Legacy: The Story of Hospice of Central Florida
May 24 2016 • Rachel Calderon
“You can accomplish so much more by working with the Central Florida Foundation,” said Arkin. “You have access to resources like Nonprofit Search, there is professional investment oversight and it’s certainly something that should be given careful consideration because it’s very financially efficient to do.”
Plan ahead to support the community you love
March 15 2016 • Rachel Calderon
At the end of 2015, the IRA charitable rollover was signed into permanent law. This is a big step in philanthropy and makes it easier for people like you to invest in your community. It’s a win-win decision for local philanthropist and planned giving advocate Elizabeth Brothers. “The IRA rollover...
Winter Park Community Foundation announces $51,500 in grants to area nonprofits
February 18 2016
ORLANDO, Fla. — February 17, 2016 — Winter Park Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Central Florida Foundation today announced the award winners from its grant round. Development of a marketing plan, social media advertising and website design at Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Garden; rebranding and website development at...
100 Women Strong announces grants for 2016
January 27 2016
ORLANDO, Fla. — JANUARY 27, 2016 — 100 Women Strong, a giving circle at Central Florida Foundation today announced its 2016 grant awards. The Education+ Pilot Program at Foundation for Foster Children and the support of data collection required to become eligible for federal funding at Impower are the two...
Stronger End of Year Giving
December 03 2015
As the end of the year approaches, you may be looking for ways to save on taxes and end the year well. Here is a checklist for some tax-wise year-end charitable gifts that can provide you with tax savings and possible income benefits: Make a gift of appreciated assets. Gifts...
Errors to Avoid in Estate Planning
November 27 2015
Everyone looks forward to the new year and its promise of new opportunities. Did you know the old year might also yield rewarding opportunities? As you look ahead, consider some year-end decisions that can make a big difference now and in the future. There are a number of pitfalls to...
5 Ways You Can Invest In Your Community with CFF
November 20 2015
As we approach Thanksgiving this week, we hope you are getting ready to enjoy the holiday. Before you’re off to enjoy food, family and friends, we want to share with you the 5 ways you can invest in your community. You can be assured that we will take care of...
Simple Steps to Save You Money
November 13 2015
As the year comes to a close, so does your ability to lower your taxes. A little planning now can save you time and money later. There are many ways you can still save on taxes this year. See our end of year checklist to see how you can plan...
A Day for the History Books
Mr. Kenneth F. Murrah, Esq. To Be Named Outstanding Philanthropist at National Philanthropy Day
November 06 2015
Friday, November 13, marks the 30th anniversary of National Philanthropy Day. At Central Florida Foundation, we are honored to present the first Kenneth F. Murrah Esq. Award for Outstanding Philanthropist. Although Mr. Murrah passed away in December 2014, his legacy will continue in Central Florida forever. In light of this...
Planned Giving Goes Hand in Hand with the Holiday Season
November 06 2015 • Mark Brewer
This article was recently published in the November/December 2015 issue of Orlando Arts Magazine. It’s that time of year again. The holidays remind us of the joy of giving, and December 31st looms as the end of the tax year. Everywhere I go people are talking about “planned giving.” So...
Grant helps youth aging out of foster care take next steps to adulthood
October 03 2015
Many young adults are fortunate. They have at least one trusted adult who would help them financially if needed, visit them in the hospital if they were injured or ill or give them a safe place to stay. They’ve had parents or relatives who taught them how to balance a...
Central Florida Foundation Names Sandi Vidal Vice President of Community Strategies and Initiatives
September 25 2015
September 25, 2015 – Orlando, Fla. - The Central Florida Foundation announced today that Sandi Vidal has been named vice president of community strategies and initiatives. In her role as part of the executive team, Vidal is responsible for implementing the vision and mission of the Central Florida Foundation through...
Meet Esperanza Perez
September 12 2015 • Rachel Calderon
In 2014, Esperanza Perez was awarded a scholarship from the Beatrice B. Ettinger Scholarship Fund at Central Florida Foundation. She graduated from the University of Central Florida Burnett Honors College this past May with a degree in Accounting and Finance. She is currently an intern at KPMG. The Beatrice B....
Young Professionals Look To The Central Florida Foundation For Giving Wisdom
August 15 2015
Avani Desai didn’t grow up in a philanthropic household. Her parents were immigrants from India and had to focus on providing for their own family and didn’t have the means to give. When they did give, it went back to their home country. Giving wasn’t part of their lifestyle at...
A Central Florida Foundation Grant Gives Students Tools to Achieve Educational Success
July 25 2015
Children with motor disabilities resulting from cerebral palsy and other conditions are getting a boost in reaching their educational goals, thanks to a $12,000 grant awarded by the Central Florida Foundation to the Conductive Education Center of Orlando (CECO). CECO used the grant to purchase 10 laptops and five desktop...
It Was a Great Morning!
July 16 2015 • Rachel Calderon
We had so much fun yesterday morning with our Nonprofit Endowment Fund Holders at our open house! Thank you to everyone that attended for taking the time from your busy schedule to share the morning with us. Our entire team was there to catch up with everyone and answer questions....
A Place for People Who Want to Invest in Their Community
July 10 2015 • Rachel Calderon
Have you ever wondered, “What does Central Florida Foundation do?” You probably know us from a specific experience you had connected to a grant, a meeting, a client, a board you serve on, word of mouth, or even your own fund. If you were asked what do we actually do,...
5 Things You Didn't Know About Central Florida Foundation
July 07 2015 • Rachel Calderon
This week we are sharing five things that you might not know about Central Florida Foundation (CFF). We are the trusted philanthropic home for our community, and we work everyday to help people who want to invest in their community. See what else you can learn about us below: You...
Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando Receives Grant for Organization-Changing Phone System and Customer Care Center
June 19 2015
Through more than 400 funds the Central Florida Foundation distributes grants that provide essential funding in areas like education, arts and culture, environment and animals, health and human services and religion. The Foundation uses its deep community knowledge to connect caring people with organizations and causes that they are passionate...
Meet Jennifer Roth Miller
June 12 2015
Earlier this spring, Jennifer Roth Miller took the Philanthropy, Fundraising, and Social Entrepreneurship master level class in the School of Public Administration at the University of Central Florida. She was able to learn about and practice grant-making first hand, including making a presentation to our board of directors. Recently we...
Creating a Legacy to Transform the Central Florida Community
June 01 2015
(Pictured: Frank Hubbard) Evans Hubbard learned about philanthropy from a young age as the son of Frank and Ruth Hubbard, who were very active in the Central Florida community since 1949. That is why to this day, it’s important to him to keep his family’s legacy ongoing through future generations....
New Year New Home Gathering
May 15 2015
We recently celebrating moving into our new home with our fund holders, board members and community partners, and we are so excited about what happened that we want to share it with you. Connecting Your Passion to Impact Our past board chairman Marty Rubin kicked things off by recognizing our...
Questions?
May 01 2015
This is the last post in our series this week about understanding how Central Floria is working to help solve the issue of homelessness in our community. We will share more details as the process evolves. Be sure to stay connected to Central Florida Foundation (CFF), Central Florida Commission on...
Where Does Your Nonprofit Fit In?
April 30 2015
Now that we are nearing the end of the blog series for this week, you might be wondering where your nonprofit fits in with these changes. Here are a few guidelines: Your organization’s Nonprofit Search portrait will be an important resource. Maintain a Reviewed portrait so that your organization’s work...
Winds Are Changing
April 29 2015
Today’s post in the series is about how the environment is changing in regards to solving homelessness in Central Florida. So much great work happens in our community every day that we learn through conversations, Nonprofit Search, social media, events and more. What if we could take it a step...
Who's Who?
April 28 2015
Continuing from yesterday’s post about the goals of our community around solving homelessness, today’s post is about the roles of Central Florida Foundation, Central Florida Commission on Homelessness and Corporation for Supportive Housing. The issue of homelessness is not just the responsibility of one organization or one sector, but it’s...
Paint the Big Picture
April 27 2015
This week we are sharing with you a series of five short blog posts to help you better understand how our community is working to solve the issue of homelessness. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for links to the series and feel free to leave comments and share the...
Our Knowledge Is Your Giving Wisdom
April 17 2015
Nonprofit Search is the place for discovering Central Florida nonprofits. You can search for nonprofits you know and love, or learn about the work of an organization that’s new to you. It’s a tool for everyone to use to better understand and invest in the nonprofits serving our region and...
Central Florida Perspective: Elizabeth Brothers
April 03 2015
Elizabeth Brothers is one of the earliest voices on philanthropy in the Central Florida community. Her passion started at an early age and she remembers her parents being involved with their church and her father was part of the veteran’s organization that collected used toys and made them like new....
Meet Lucas Hernandez
January 06 2015
Last year Lucas Hernandez took the “Impact Investing” class at Rollins College and was able to learn about and practice grant-making first hand, including making a presentation to our board of directors. (Read more about our Winter Park Community Foundation affiliate’s partnership with Rollins here). Recently we had the opportunity...
Winter Park Community Foundation Awards Grants to Area Organizations
December 02 2014
ORLANDO, Fla. — DECEMBER 2, 2014 — The Winter Park Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Central Florida Foundation today announces the award winners from its grant round this year held in collaboration with Rollins College students enrolled in the undergraduate course called “Impact Investing” designed to allow students to...
Central Florida Foundation Launches Central Florida Focus: Homeless Impact Fund
November 11 2014
ORLANDO, Fla. — November 11, 2014 — Central Florida Foundation, in partnership with the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness, today announces the establishment of the Central Florida Focus: Homeless Impact Fund. This new fund creates a platform for investment in evidenced-based strategies to change the course of homelessness in Central...
Endowment at Work for the Arts Community
November 03 2014
This is the third in a trilogy of articles on the impact of endowment on the arts community in Central Florida that was published in the November/December Orlando Arts Magazine. The first provided a primer on endowments, while the second made the case for endowments to provide stability and sustainability...
Foundation Celebrates 20 Years of Philanthropy
October 06 2014
By Rachel Calderon On October 2, 2014 Central Florida Foundation (CFF) celebrated its 20th anniversary. It was a day staff members had been busy preparing for and making sure every last detail was thought out so that we could properly honor all of the individuals, families and corporations that call...
Endowment: The Missing Link in Sustainable Art
September 01 2014
This is the second in a series of three articles about the impact of endowment on the arts community in Central Florida that was published in the September/October 2014 edition of the Orlando Arts Magazine. By Mark Brewer In the last article, I provided a primer for endowments: what they...
Making Money is Part of New Social Mission for Entrepreneurs
August 07 2014
In recent months, some of the most successful business gurus in Central Florida have teamed up on a project that won’t earn them a dime. In fact, it’s costing them money. But members of the new Entrepreneurs In Action initiative are getting a different kind of payoff. They’re mentoring local...
Central Florida Foundation Launches Social Enterprise Initiative with Local Entrepreneurs
July 21 2014
ORLANDO, Fla. — July 21, 2014 — Harbor House of Central Florida will be able to take its online domestic violence training program to the next level, thanks to Central Florida Foundation’s new Entrepreneurs in Action (EIA) initiative. Through the EIA’s first assistance process, a group of Central Florida entrepreneurs...
Mark Brewer discusses the research findings on the values and priorities of Central Floridians
July 15 2014
In Central Florida, we love our low taxes and especially our shopping malls. We think crime is our biggest single problem, followed closely by all that irritating traffic we sit in. We’re happy with our health-care system, and we think someone should do something about the poor and homeless —...
Endowment Primer: What, When and Why?
July 01 2014
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This is the first in a series of three articles about the impact of endowment on the arts community in Central Florida that was published in the July/August 2014 edition of the Orlando Arts Magazine. By Mark Brewer Arts organizations, by their nature, grow into institutions if they survive over...
Annual survey provides valuable information for donors, nonprofits
June 25 2014
Central Florida Foundation partnered once again with Cross, Fernandez & Riley — one of Central Florida’s largest locally-owned public accounting firms — to analyze the results of the firm’s 5th Annual Central Florida Public Charities Survey. Designed to help nonprofits make strategic decisions about their organizations and missions, the survey...
Celebrating 20 Years of Philanthropy in Central Florida
June 06 2014
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Central Florida Foundation. It’s an exciting milestone and one that’s only been possible through the generosity of individuals, families and corporations who have played such a key role in building community by building philanthropy. Their efforts have enabled us to become the...
Trends in Philanthropy
There’s more than one way to change the world
March 04 2014
By Mark Brewer, Foundation President/CEO More than 100 independent sector executives and board members attended the recent Trends in Philanthropy event at the Orlando Museum of Art to explore two of the more burning questions on the minds of nonprofit leaders. They are both rooted in the simplicity of the...
“Overhead”
December 20 2013
By Mark Brewer, Foundation President/CEO Central Florida Foundation applauds the effort by GuideStar, Charity Navigator, and the BBB Wise Giving Alliance to educate donors about the myth of overhead costs as an indicator of a nonprofit’s performance. In The Chronicle of Philanthropy article, GuideStar President, Jacob Harold, points to the...
Regional Priorities Call for Leadership from the Independent Sector
December 20 2013
By Mark Brewer, Foundation President/CEO As the business community continues to look at future priorities for Central Florida, the Board of the Central Florida Partnership has called on leaders in the Independent Sector to take the lead in redefining the future of myregion.org, a line of business of the Partnership....
Are there too many nonprofits in Central Florida?
How can I be sure the nonprofits I give to are doing a good job?
December 20 2013
By Mark Brewer, Foundation President/CEO In my work with individual donors, philanthropists, and institutional grantmakers around the Central Florida region, I get this question fairly regularly – “Aren’t there too many nonprofits in Central Florida?” There is a general belief that “too many nonprofits are doing the same thing” –...
It's live! Join us in the launch of the Central Florida Social Enterprise Accelerator.