Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS) and CF/UWVFC team members celebrate a Community Impact Grant supporting family services at Campbell Middle School in Daytona Beach. Pictured left to right: Gelisa Mapp, Kimberly Barrett, Chris Stone and Linda Huger of CHS Community Partnership Schools; and Amanda Lasecki, Stephanie C. Parks, Denise O’Toole Kelly, and Cary Quinones of CF/UWVFC.
As federal funding cuts squeeze nonprofits nationwide, CF/UWVFC’s Community Impact Cabinet directs record grant dollars to the region’s most pressing needs
With federal funding cuts creating gaps across Volusia and Flagler Counties, local nonprofits submitted more applications and larger funding requests than ever this cycle. The Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties (CF/UWVFC) responded by investing $710,000 in 23 nonprofits through its 2026–2028 Community Impact Grant cycle.
The dollars come from local donors. The recommendations come from local volunteers on the Community Impact Cabinet (CIC) — subject-area experts and community leaders who vet applications, shape funding decisions and track outcomes. Every grant targets one of four focus areas: Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security and Community Resiliency.
“Every dollar we invest is intentionally aligned with outcomes and missions that matter, connecting funding directly to the community-defined needs of Volusia and Flagler County residents,” said Stephanie C. Parks, Chair, Community Impact Cabinet.
Top-scoring grants by focus area:
- Financial Security — Neighborhood Center of West Volusia, SHIFT Program (Stabilizing Households through Integrated Financial and Housing Transitions)
- Youth Opportunity — Flagler County Education Foundation, Career Coaching Accelerating to Diploma Plus
- Healthy Community — Healthy Start Coalition of Flagler & Volusia Counties, Operating Support
- Community Resiliency — Family Life Center, United for Survivors of Abuse
“These are not just grants — they are commitments made by this community, to this community,” said Courtney Edgcomb, President and CEO, CF/UWVFC. “We are proud to stand behind every one of the 23 nonprofits recommended this cycle.”
Click here to learn more about CF/UWVFC’s Community Impact Grants.
