Universal Orlando Foundation Donates $1.3 Million to Local Nonprofits at Third Annual Celebration of Giving Event
Community Relations

Since its formation in 1998, the Universal Orlando Foundation has awarded nearly $35 million in grants to organizations and programs in Central Florida that take a proactive approach to address community needs in the areas of education, children and families, and basic needs. In 2024 alone, the Foundation has donated a record-setting $3 million to date.

$1.3 million of that total was awarded to 31 organizations across Orange, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, Polk and Seminole counties at this year’s Celebration of Giving event. For the past three years, the Universal Orlando Foundation has hosted its Celebration of Giving to recognize its nonprofit partners and the incredible work they do for the Central Florida community.

The event serves as an opportunity for the Foundation to present additional grants to a wide variety of local nonprofits so they can continue to make a meaningful difference in our community. Celebration of Giving is also a moment to celebrate the devoted work of Universal Orlando team member volunteers and their positive impact.

“The Universal Orlando Foundation and Universal Orlando are focused on giving back to our community through grants and volunteerism all year long,” said John Sprouls, Executive Vice President and Chief Administration Officer for Universal Destinations & Experiences, and President of the Universal Orlando Foundation. “The work of our nonprofit partners is crucial to our shared community, and we are proud to stand alongside them.”

Recipients of $100,000 program-focused grants at this year’s Celebration of Giving include:

  • A Gift For Teaching: In support of its Full STEAM Ahead: Powering Student Success program, which will add a STEM supply section to the Free Teacher Supply Store and Pencil Boy Express – the Mobile Free Store, expanding after-school programming, and infusing five high-need, Title 1 Orange County Public Schools with direct deliveries of core school supplies.
  • Brevard Homeless Coalition: For its Mobile Hope Brevard, which provides basic necessities including food and showers, on-the-spot medical referrals and case management for individuals experiencing homelessness.
  • Canine Companions: In support of the Pilot Veteran PTSD Service Dog Program, which will equip a professional service dog trainer with the education and tools needed to train service dogs in the necessary skills to serve veterans with PTSD.
  • Harbor House of Central Florida, Inc.: For its One Space Family Justice Center, which will provide wraparound services to domestic violence survivors and direct client services.
  • Lighthouse Central Florida: For its Experiential Learning and Community Inclusion for Blind or Visually Impaired Youth program. Funds from the grant will be used to purchase two 15-passenger vans – one of which will be equipped for wheelchair accessibility – to provide transportation into the community and provide new experiences for visually impaired children and youth ages 5 to 21.
  • Orlando After School All Stars: In support of its Chef Academy Program, which provides the tools for youth to develop nutrition knowledge and cooking skills to help them create simple meals while learning new skills that can translate to fulfilling careers.
  • Special Olympics Florida: In support of the Family Engagement Program, which is dedicated to recognizing, supporting and empowering the families of athletes in Central Florida through education, training and recognition.

At the event, the Universal Orlando Foundation also announced the continued investment in the Bites, Camera, Action! program in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

Additional grant recipients at the Celebration of Giving event include:

The Universal Orlando Foundation’s investment in diverse community organizations and programs is one way that Universal Orlando makes a positive and lasting impact on the community where our guests and team members live, work and play. To learn more about the Foundation, visit UniversalOrlandoFoundation.org.