Givewell Community Foundation Inc
GiveWell Community Foundation Inc is a public charity based in Lakeland, Florida, serving Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties in Central Florida. It holds more than 400 charitable funds established by individuals, families, businesses, organizations, and nonprofits, and supports charitable giving through grants and services for donors and nonprofits.
Givewell Community Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Givewell Community Foundation Inc gave $63.7M across 295 grants in 2025 (avg $216K), mostly in Florida. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $63,683,472
- -12.4% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 295
- +0.7% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $215,876
- -13.0% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $24,499
- Total assets
- $669,862,803
- +7.9% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- Florida (90% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Givewell Community Foundation Inc
- Invitation Only
-
Applications are accepted only for the foundation’s annual competitive grant opportunities. For the Mabel Schaefer cycle, submit a Letter of Inquiry; selected organizations are invited to apply in full. The Community Clinic program is listed for eligible clinic and related health-service nonprofits, while Empower is invitation-only.
- Contact
Mailing address: 1501 S Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33803
Phone: (863) 683-3131
Website: https://givecf.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
5 open opportunities from Givewell Community Foundation Inc
Community Clinic Grant Program
Givewell Community Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Empower Hardee, Highlands & Polk
Givewell Community Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Impact Polk
Givewell Community Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Givewell Community Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Barnett Bonnet Springs Designated E ($7.9M). Together the top 10 received $39.4M.
Organizations only. It also paid 3 grants to individuals ($1,319,685), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
959 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 638 grants of 959 (67%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation serves Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties in Central Florida. Its website notes that fundholders may also advise their funds to support organizations and causes beyond that service area. In filing year 2025, 90% of grant dollars went to Florida recipients; the next-largest state shares were Nebraska and Kansas at 2% each.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 295 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Givewell Community Foundation Inc gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $20.8M (2021) to $72.7M (2024). In 2025 it made 295 grants totaling $63.7M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Barnett Bonnet Springs Designated E Lakeland, FL | General Contribution | $7,895,940 |
| Bonnet Springs Park Lakeland, FL | City & Community Dev | $7,764,880 |
| Florida Southern College Lakeland, FL | Arts & Culture | $6,935,082 |
| Parker Street Ministries Housing Fu Lakeland, FL | General Contribution | $4,100,000 |
| Lakeland Regional Health Foundation Lakeland, FL | HEALTH | $3,026,205 |
| Carol Jenkins Barnett Community End Lakeland, FL | General Contribution | $2,262,788 |
| YMCA of West Central Florida Lakeland, FL | Human Services | $2,212,310 |
| Now & Forever Fund (GWCF) Lakeland, FL | General Contribution | $1,935,895 |
| GCU Fund - Pass Thru Gifts Lakeland, FL | General Contribution | $1,679,962 |
| Florida Achievement Support Trust a Coral Gables, FL | Education - College | $1,550,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $669,862,803 | $63,733,787 | $65,970,905 | $63,683,472 | 295 | $22,372,446 |
| 2024 | $620,895,896 | $189,521,247 | $74,699,303 | $72,731,278 | 293 | $29,583,071 |
| 2023 | $445,107,820 | $43,152,741 | $57,755,202 | $55,504,010 | 254 | $11,909,668 |
| 2022 | $419,262,531 | $231,457,010 | $34,740,274 | $32,945,274 | 34 | $8,531,481 |
| 2021 | $253,097,691 | $49,364,236 | $27,486,013 | $20,818,129 | 83 | $10,667,588 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to champion charitable giving to improve quality of life in the areas it serves, now and for future generations. Its stated areas of community grantmaking include arts, youth, education, health, and social services.
Recipients in the 2025 filing illustrate the range of organizations supported. Bonnet Springs Park says its mission is to enrich the community through nature, culture, recreation, and education. Florida Southern College describes its work as educational, with a liberal arts core and signature programs. The YMCA of West Central Florida says it builds healthy spirit, mind, and body through programs based on Christian principles. Academy Prep Center of Lakeland says it supports students qualifying for need-based scholarships through a rigorous middle-school program and ongoing graduate support.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 295 grants totaling $63,683,472. Awards ranged from $5,030 to $7,895,940, with a median of $24,499.
Largest reported awards included $7,895,940 to Barnett Bonnet Springs Designated E for a general contribution; $7,764,880 to Bonnet Springs Park for city and community development; $6,935,082 to Florida Southern College for arts and culture; $4,100,000 to Parker Street Ministries Housing Fund for a general contribution; and $3,026,205 to Lakeland Regional Health Foundation for health. Other large recipients included the YMCA of West Central Florida ($2,212,310), Florida Achievement Support Trust ($1,550,000), All Saints Episcopal Church ($1,251,512), and United Way of Central Florida ($1,213,420).
The foundation says many grants are made from donor-established funds that do not accept requests; distributions are suggested by donors or fund advisors and receive final board approval. Its website identifies annual competitive opportunities, including Impact Polk for eligible public nonprofits serving Polk County. The Community Clinic Grant Program, which aims to identify and treat potentially chronic conditions before they worsen, is listed as currently open to nonprofits operating community clinics or providing related health services. The 2026 Mabel Schaefer Grant Cycle is also listed as currently open; it begins with a Letter of Inquiry, and selected organizations are invited to submit a full application. Empower Hardee, Highlands & Polk is an annual capacity-building program, currently invitation-only for select nonprofits serving the tri-county area.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Catherine Neslund as President/CE, Lori Martini as Vice-President, and Dorena Geary as CFO. Directors listed are Barney Barnett, Wesley Barnett, Ann Barnhart, Bo Boyte, Jacqueline Byrd, Christina Criser-Jackson, and Bruce Davis.
Givewell Community Foundation Inc is led by Catherine Neslund, President on every filing since 2023; 3 of 26 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Catherine Neslund
President
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$56K (2023) → $197K (2025)
Kimberly Elmhorst
Chairman
Director → Board Vice C, 2022
Board Vice C → Chairman, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ann Barnhart
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Barney Barnett
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bo Boyte
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bruce Davis
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jack Hollis
Director
Board Chair → Immediate Pa, 2022
Immediate Pa → Director, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jillian Spangler
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Katrina Lunsford
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sandy Sheets
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jack Harrell III
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Christina Criser-Jackson
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Garrett Roberts
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Shannon Sapp
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jacqueline Byrd
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jerry Mixon
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kristen Labbe
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lori Martini
Vice President
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$106K (2021) → $117K (2025)
Dorena Geary
CFO
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$105K (2025)
Doug McPherson
Treasurer
Director → Investment C, 2022
Investment C → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jason Rodda
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jay Gray
Past Chairman
Board Vice C → Board Chair, 2022
Board Chair → Past Chairman, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Katherine Sultenfuss Schichtel
Executive Officio C
Director → Counsel, 2023
Counsel → Executive Officio C, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tom Oldt
Investment C
Director → Investment C, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Wesley Barnett
Vice Chairman
Treasurer → Vice Chairman, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James Previte
Audit Committee
Director → Audit Committee, 2025
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (13)
- Former: Anne Furr (2021–2024) — Secretary
- Former: George Tinsley Sr. (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: John Attaway (2021–2024) — Counsel
- Former: Mark Turner (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Roger Ingley (2021–2024) — Audit Committee C
- Former: Thomas Trevino (2024) — Director
- Former: Bill Dorman (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Christina Criser Jackson (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Ginny Harris (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Jeff Chamberlin (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Linda Rich (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Jeffrey Cox Sr. (2021) — Immediate Pa
- Former: Jim Chaffin (2021) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $197K, to Catherine Neslund (President/Ce). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Givewell Community Foundation Inc
How much does Givewell Community Foundation Inc give each year?
Givewell Community Foundation Inc gave $63.7M across 295 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $72.7M across 293 grants.
What is Givewell Community Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Givewell Community Foundation Inc's median grant in 2025 was $24,499, and its average grant was $215,876, across 295 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does Givewell Community Foundation Inc give grants?
Givewell Community Foundation Inc gives mostly in Florida: 90% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Lakeland, FL (102 grants), Winter Haven, FL (31 grants), Tampa, FL (16 grants) and Bartow, FL (11 grants).
Does Givewell Community Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Occasionally: 9% of Givewell Community Foundation Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (25 of 294) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Human Services" (73 grants), "Religion" (58 grants) and "Education K-12" (54 grants).
Who are Givewell Community Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Givewell Community Foundation Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Barnett Bonnet Springs Designated E ($7,895,940), Bonnet Springs Park ($7,764,880) and Florida Southern College ($6,935,082), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. It also paid 3 grants to individuals ($1,319,685), which are not listed by name. Together they received 35% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Givewell Community Foundation Inc?
Givewell Community Foundation Inc reported $669.9M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $63.7M.
What does Givewell Community Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s mission is to champion charitable giving to improve quality of life in the areas it serves, now and for future generations. Its stated areas of community grantmaking include arts, youth, education, health, and social services. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Givewell Community Foundation Inc?
Applications are accepted only for the foundation’s annual competitive grant opportunities. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Givewell Community Foundation Inc's EIN?
Givewell Community Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 59-3649871. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(4)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS January 30, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS December 20, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS November 17, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Givewell Community Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Givewell Community Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/givewell-community-foundation-inc-morg_7cef63ab590843cead65c0c4ecfaef95
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_593649871_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Givewell Community Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/givewell-community-foundation-inc-morg_7cef63ab590843cead65c0c4ecfaef95},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Givewell Community Foundation Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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