- July 12, 2025
Efforts to enhance education, financial stability and health for local residents will get an $800,000 boost in July from the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties with grants to 25 nonprofit organizations.
The awards, part of the CF/UWVFC’s Community Impact grantmaking initiative, were approved May 19 by its Board of Directors. The one-year funding for will begin July 1.
Programs to be funded were selected through an open application process led by the all- volunteer Community Impact Cabinet. CIC volunteers evaluated proposals submitted last fall by the organizations and made recommendations to the board in April. Eight of the chosen programs and six of the organizations are receiving Community Impact funding for the first time.
"The CF/UWVFC and Board of Directors are incredibly grateful to the Community Impact Cabinet volunteers for their countless volunteer hours and commitment to a fair and equitable process for all applicants,” said Courtney Edgcomb, president and CEO of the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties. “We are thrilled to expand our support to more local nonprofit organizations and to create meaningful change with them over the next year."
The Flagler County Education Foundation, one of the recipients, received a a $42,000 grant for its Career Coaching to Diploma Plus program.
"Through the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia Flagler Counties and Flagler County Education Foundation, the Career Coaching to Diploma Plus program has connected all Flagler students and families with real-world industry experiences and local career pathways," said Teresa Rizzo, executive director of the Ed Foundation. "By partnering with businesses and hosting career fairs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities, the program helps students explore various professions and develop post-graduation plans. This initiative empowers families to engage in their child’s future, fostering a stronger school-to-career pipeline across Flagler County."
To qualify for funding, a program was required to address one of eight priorities established by the CF/UWVFC. Funded education programs will prepare children to enter kindergarten ready to succeed or help youth make successful transitions into, through and out of K-12 systems.
“We’re honored to support so many incredible nonprofits and excited to see the ripple effect of impact grow — especially with the newly funded partners expanding the reach of those who need it most,” said Stephanie C. Parks, chair of the Community Impact Cabinet and assistant director of FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools. “Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected future, where every collaboration amplifies the ability to uplift, empower, and transform lives."
The Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties raises funds through an annual campaign and other sources to provide financial and capacity-building support to nonprofits, disaster assistance and programs with community benefits such as the 211 First Call for Help and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). In addition, the organization provides traditional Community Foundation tools that connect donors with philanthropic advisement for the greatest impact.
Additional grant recipients were:
