The Thrive Venture Philanthropy Cohort is a three-month, collaborative experience for community-minded individuals who want their giving to meet the moment. After listening to nonprofits and fundholders, this year’s cohort will focus on philanthropy during crisis and how we strengthen nonprofit and community resilience when funding disruptions occur.
Participants will explore their personal values, learn about the challenges nonprofits are facing, and co-invest in a pooled grant that supports root-cause resilience-focused solutions. The cohort uses a venture philanthropy approach, which applies strategic, innovative, and capacity-building investments to help nonprofits test ideas, scale impact, or fill critical gaps during moments of disruption.
Central Florida Foundation will match this Cohort’s grant, up to $50,000.
This experience is more than a grant. It is a community of learners and leaders who want to give with clarity, purpose, and impact when Central Florida needs it most.
To enroll or learn more information, complete the form below or reach out to Steven J. Jerina at sjerina@cffound.org or 407-872-3050.
Our inaugural cohort was generously supported by Gilbert Miller. Read more about Gilbert in the 2025 Cohort Report above.
Cohort Participants: Participants were an incredible and diverse group of philanthropists, all at different stages of their giving journeys.
2025 Participants (L-R)
To be honest I thought philanthropy belongs solely to the very rich people...but everybody was so supportive. I would encourage any “newcomers” to come and explore with the cohort.
- Yue Kuang Ku, "Ku" | '25 Cohort
[The Cohort] gave me new perspective on the meaning and goals of giving, but also gave me ideas to implement in our grant process.
- Sarah Asma, Big Nova Foundation | '25 Cohort
The Cohort welcomes philanthropists at all stages of their giving journey. Because it’s intentionally small, the experience is tailored to the unique composition of each group. A diverse mix of backgrounds, perspectives, and philanthropic experience is ideal, allowing participants to learn from one another and grow together.
This is a three month Cohort, beginning in January 2026, with approximately two in-person meetings a month, with some additional at-home work to do. Therefore, participants can expect to commit roughly 5-6 hours a month to Cohort activities. March will only have one virtual meeting.
Participants will leave the Cohort having completed the Foundation’s relationship-based, data-backed grant process; this knowledge can be applied to both professionals and individuals in their giving outside of the Cohort. Additionally, the Cohort focuses on values work and aligning personal values with philanthropic giving, creating a more meaningful and impactful giving experience. Cohort participants will also be acknowledged for their contributions to the resulting grant at the end of the experience, and receive updates on the grant as it progresses.
Fill out the form below and a team member will connect with you soon.
Steven J. Jerina
Vice President of Philanthropic Strategies and Partnerships
sjerina@cffound.org
800 North Magnolia Avenue, Suite 1700
Orlando, FL 32803
p. 407.872.3050
© 2025 Central Florida Foundation