ELEVATOR PITCH
Central Florida Foundation is a launchpad for high-impact philanthropy, fueling ideas, investment, innovation, and collaboration that power relevant, sustainable social change. As the region’s community foundation, CFF manages funds on behalf of many individuals, families, and nonprofits committed to making a real difference.
OUR STORY
In 1994, ten visionary thinkers gathered around a table to discuss a simple question: how can we really change Central Florida for the better? The answer was to join forces not just with their dollars, but with the full power of their vision, passion, and community connection. Only then, could they drive deep and lasting social change. This partnership evolved into the Central Florida Foundation.
To date, Central Florida Foundation holds 70 million in assets committed to strategic philanthropy. By building a permanent source of charitable capital, CFF can continue investing in what makes Central Florida stronger and better—forever.
COLLABORATION
Bring all the essential partners to the table—researchers, policymakers, business leaders, supporters, and other stakeholders.
IDEAS
Generate ideas to address the root cause of the challenge, rather than simply fixing the symptoms.
INVESTMENT
Connect strategy to philanthropy, coordinating community-wide investment in truly transformative solutions.
INNOVATION
Pilot big-picture, systemic solutions with the potential to change things for good.
The year has brought exciting developments for the initiatives at CFF.
Rally: The Social Enterprise Accelerator has led three cohorts to refine and strengthen social ventures that bring solutions to pressing community issues while earning revenue. Orlando is well on its way to becoming a hub for social enterprise. It’s evident that ideas to change the world start here.
The Homeless Impact Fund has worked collectively with public and private partners to build a system to reduce homelessness in Central Florida. Thanks to philanthropic investments of more than $7 million from the community, over 339 of the most vulnerable citizens have found housing, healthcare, and mental health services, along with more than 70 families that have received employment assistance to help sustain their housing. With all of this monumental progress, there is still much to do to continue towards the goal of making homelessness rare, brief, and one-time.
The Better Together Fund has worked to build a stronger, more inclusive Central Florida after the Pulse tragedy. From helping to stabilize families and individuals directly affected by the tragedy, to providing cultural competency training for mental health counselors, to working with school districts to create more accepting classroom environments, it feels that things are moving in a positive direction.
100 Women Strong has used research and local experts to design a pilot program with the University of Central Florida and Early Learning Coalition of Orange County. The program implemented a parenting model in childcare centers in Pine Hills, with the goal of increasing attachment between caregivers and children ages 0-5 in order to bolster children’s sense of security to prepare them for Kindergarten and beyond. The pilot has proved successful and is being implemented in additional childcare centers in the area.
Central Florida Foundation has also combined forces with Heart of Florida United Way and valuable community partners on UpliftED, which connects students, from young to adult, to the resources they need to get where they want to go. CFF believes that education, in all its forms, opens doors and opportunities that wouldn’t exist otherwise. By helping more Central Floridians develop skills, CFF is developing a workforce that will support the local economy from right here at home.
