United Way of Central Florida Inc
United Way of Central Florida Inc is a public charity based in Highland City, Florida. It supports local programs and services addressing community needs in Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties, and reports that it has served those communities since 1980.
Key facts about United Way of Central Florida Inc
In short: United Way of Central Florida Inc gave $8.1M across 65 grants in 2025 (avg $125K), mostly in Florida. 23% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 59-2116280
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $8,112,841
- Grants made (2025)
- 65
- Average grant
- $124,813
- Median grant
- $63,869
- New grantees (estimate)
- 23% first-time grantees (15 of 65, 2025)
- Total assets
- $40,627,241
- Primary geography
- Florida (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Deadline
- May 16, 2026, for the George Jenkins Foundation Youth Opportunity Grant.
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$40.6M
-8.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$8.1M
+0.7% YoY
Grant Count
65
+1.6% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$125K
-0.9% YoY
Is United Way of Central Florida Inc open to new grantees?
23%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 15 of 65 grantees (23%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $127K; repeat grants $124K. How we count
Medians: $52K first-time, $66K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
UWCF’s mission is “to inspire our community to give, advocate and volunteer by identifying needs and mobilizing vetted resources to create positive, local change.” Its seven initiatives are early childhood education, academic achievement, financial stability, health, end hunger, community partnership school, and basic needs.
The organization says it invests in local nonprofit programs that measurably improve critical community needs. Examples of grantees include Polk County School Readiness Coalition, whose mission is to lead community efforts supporting children’s success; Central Florida Health Care, whose mission is to provide quality, affordable primary and preventive health care; and Achievement Academy, whose mission is to support children with special needs or developmental delays through early intervention, education, therapies and family support.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, UWCF reported 65 grants totaling $8,112,841. Grant amounts ranged from $5,000 to $824,345, with a median grant of $63,869. All reported grant dollars went to recipients in Florida. Listed purposes include general support, program costs, disaster or emergency relief, and program operating costs.
Review Cycle
May 16, 2026, for the George Jenkins Foundation Youth Opportunity Grant.
Ready to take the next step with United Way of Central Florida Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
UWCF works with organizations serving Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties. Its 2025 reported grants all went to Florida recipients. The George Jenkins Foundation Youth Opportunity Grant is specifically for programs serving Polk County Public Schools students.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 65 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $5.4M (2022) to $18.7M (2021). In 2025 it made 65 grants totaling $8.1M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Polk County School Readiness Coalition Inc ($824K). Together the top 10 received $4.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
522 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 295 grants of 522 (57%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Polk County School Readiness Coalition Inc Lakeland, FL | Donor Designated for General Support, Donor Designated for Program Costs, Donor Designated for Disaster/ Emergency Relief, Program Operating Cost | $824,345 |
| Peace River Center for Personal Development Inc Bartow, FL | Donor Designated for General Support, Donor Designated for Program Costs, Donor Designated for Disaster/ Emergency Relief, Program Operating Cost | $689,990 |
| Boys & Girls Club Of Polk County Lakeland, FL | Donor Designated for General Support, Donor Designated for Program Costs, Donor Designated for Disaster/ Emergency Relief, Program Operating Cost | $634,862 |
| Salvation Army Serving Western Polk (Lakeland) Lakeland, FL | Donor Designated for General Support, Donor Designated for Program Costs, Donor Designated for Disaster/ Emergency Relief, Program Operating Cost | $366,187 |
| Florida Children's Museum Inc Lakeland, FL | Donor Designated for General Support, Donor Designated for Program Costs | $360,874 |
| Central Florida Health Care Inc Winter Haven, FL | Donor Designated for Disaster/ Emergency Relief, Donor Designated for Program Costs | $318,937 |
| Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center Inc Lakeland, FL | Donor Designated for General Support, Donor Designated for Program Costs, Donor Designated for Disaster/ Emergency Relief, Program Operating Cost | $299,897 |
| Talbot House Ministries Of Lakeland Inc Lakeland, FL | Donor Designated for General Support, Donor Designated for Program Costs, Donor Designated for Disaster/ Emergency Relief, Program Operating Cost | $293,287 |
| The Wilson House Inc Lakeland, FL | Program Operating Support | $275,578 |
| Achievement Academy Inc Lakeland, FL | Donor Designated for General Support, Donor Designated for Program Costs, Donor Designated for Disaster/ Emergency Relief, Program Operating Cost | $230,184 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $40,627,241 | $14,443,018 | $14,656,619 | $8,112,841 |
| 2024 | $44,346,370 | $15,403,660 | $14,419,171 | $8,058,710 |
| 2023 | $21,900,180 | $16,353,601 | $14,340,572 | $8,642,433 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $40,627,241 | $44,346,370 | $21,900,180 |
| Revenue | $14,443,018 | $15,403,660 | $16,353,601 |
| Expenses | $14,656,619 | $14,419,171 | $14,340,572 |
| Net Investment Income | $520,565 | $430,415 | $128,484 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS February 19, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS December 21, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS December 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS January 16, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS April 18, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS January 28, 2026)
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Brian Haas as Chair, Fred Heid as Vice Chair, Emily Spath as Secretary, and Jonathan Crain as Chair Elect. Joe Tedder began serving as Treasurer in January 2025; Chris Chaffin served as Treasurer through December 2024. Directors listed include Ali Wright, Ana Wood-Rogers, Andy Oguntola and Bill Braswell.
United Way of Central Florida Inc is led by Christina Criser Jackson, CEO on every filing since 2020; 5 of 40 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Christina Criser Jackson
CEO
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$124K (2020) → $186K (2025)
Brian Haas
Chair
Vice Chair → Chair Elect, 2024
Chair Elect → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Brittany Honeycutt Sale
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dana Hurley
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dusty Johnson
Director
Highlands County Chair → Director, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ian Floyd
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tip Fowler
Director
Resource Development Chair → Director, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kim Long
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Andy Oguntola
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nick Plott
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rick Garcia
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ali Wright
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lauren Giordano
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Naomi Boyer
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brian Donnelly
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Callie Neslund
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Don Elwell
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Erica Lupercio
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Vent Crawford
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ana Wood-Rogers
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bill Braswell
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brian Norris
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jenny Baker
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Larry Mitchell
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lauren Feaster
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Omar Arroyo
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Paul Noris
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sam Killebrew
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tom Garthwaite
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Katherine Fitzwater
Vice President Marketing & Communications
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$34K (2020) → $102K (2025)
Ileana Kniss
Chief Development & Marketing Officer
On filings since 2024
37.5 hrs/week
$61K (2024) → $132K (2025)
John Rounds
CFO
CFO Partial Year → CFO, 2025
On filings since 2024
37.5 hrs/week
$28K (2024) → $145K (2025)
Rodney Crowley
COO
On filings since 2024
37.5 hrs/week
$143K (2024) → $156K (2025)
Joe Tedder
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael Tamney
Immediate Past Chair
Chair Elect & Community Impact Chair → Chair, 2024
Chair → Immediate Past Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chris Chaffin
Treasurer
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Emily Spath
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jonathan Crain
Chair Elect
Director → Vice Chair, 2024
Vice Chair → Chair Elect, 2025
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Fred Heid
Vice Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Natalie Dyal
CFO
New on the 2025 filing
37.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (47)
- Former: Ashley Robin Bell Barnett (2020–2024) — Immediate Past Chair
- Former: Emily Rogers (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Greg Littleton (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Jill Martin (2020–2024) — CFO Partial Year
- Former: Mark Codd (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Merissa Green (2020–2024) — Secretary
- Former: Troy Smith (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Angel Davis (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Scott Sjoblom (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Brandon Giles (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Deely Hunt (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Ana Wood (2024) — Director
- Former: Cyndi Durham (2024) — Director
- Former: Ann Claussen (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Mark Miller (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Rod Crowley (2020–2023) — COO
- Former: John Attaway Jr. (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Kimberly Yang Elmhorst (2021–2023) — Secretary
- Former: Anastasia Walsh (2022–2023) — Vice President Resource Development
- Former: Sheriff Vent Crawford (2022–2023) — Director
- Former: Frederick Heid (2023) — Director
- Former: Ansley Woods (2020–2022) — Vice President Resource Development-Partial Year
- Former: Gow Fields (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Joe Wolf (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Lyle Bowlin (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Tim Campbell (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Alice Koehler (2022) — Director
- Former: Jessica Turner Carlson (2022) — Director
- Former: Major Ian Floyd (2022) — Resource Development Chair
- Former: Bill Mutz (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Don Selvage (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: George Tinsley Sr. (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Greta Dupuy (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Jessica Turner (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Robert Fredere Jr. (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Robert Pericht (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Ronnie Hedrick II (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Sheryl Brown (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Alyssia Totten (2021) — Director
- Former: Cliff Dollison (2021) — Director
- Former: Tracy Porter (2021) — Director
- Former: Angela Falconetti (2020) — Director
- Former: Becky Troutman (2020) — Director
- Former: Kim Elmhorst (2020) — Director
- Former: Mike Herr (2020) — Director
- Former: Penny Borgia (2020) — COO
- Former: Tyson King (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "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 $186K, to Christina Criser Jackson (CEO). 5 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: P O Box 1357, Highland City, FL 33846-1357
Phone: (863) 648-1500
Website: https://uwcf.org
Frequently asked questions about United Way of Central Florida Inc
How much does United Way of Central Florida Inc give each year?
United Way of Central Florida Inc gave $8.1M across 65 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $8.1M across 64 grants.
What is United Way of Central Florida Inc's typical grant size?
United Way of Central Florida Inc's median grant in 2025 was $63,869, and its average grant was $124,813, across 65 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from United Way of Central Florida Inc that year got $127K on average.
Where does United Way of Central Florida Inc give grants?
United Way of Central Florida Inc gives mostly in Florida: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Lakeland, FL (25 grants), Winter Haven, FL (8 grants), Bartow, FL (6 grants) and Tampa, FL (6 grants).
Does United Way of Central Florida Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 92% of United Way of Central Florida Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (60 of 65) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Donor Designated for Disaster/ Emergency Relief" (3 grants).
Who are United Way of Central Florida Inc's largest grantees?
United Way of Central Florida Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Polk County School Readiness Coalition Inc ($824,345), Peace River Center for Personal Development Inc ($689,990) and Boys & Girls Club Of Polk County ($634,862), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 26% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is United Way of Central Florida Inc?
United Way of Central Florida Inc reported $40.6M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $14.4M.
What does United Way of Central Florida Inc fund?
UWCF’s mission is “to inspire our community to give, advocate and volunteer by identifying needs and mobilizing vetted resources to create positive, local change.” See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from United Way of Central Florida Inc?
United Way of Central Florida Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check uwcf.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is United Way of Central Florida Inc's EIN?
United Way of Central Florida Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 59-2116280. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching United Way of Central Florida Inc by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in United Way of Central Florida Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Givewell Community Foundation Inc
Lakeland, FL
GiveWell Community Foundation supports community needs through grants in arts, youth, education, health, social services, nonprofit capacity building, and community-clinic services, primarily in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties in Central Florida. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,030 to $7,895,940, with a median of $24,499; Impact Polk offers grants up to $20,000. It accepts unsolicited requests only through designated competitive grant programs, and some opportunities are invitation-only.
Assets
$669.9M
Grants
295
Total Given
$63.7M
Publix Super Markets Charities Inc
Lakeland, FL
Publix Super Markets Charities supports nonprofits addressing hunger, homelessness and housing, youth, education, and community needs in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky. Its 2024 median grant was $2,500, though awards ranged widely; it accepts online requests from eligible organizations, with application periods varying by program.
Assets
$233.8M
Grants
3,269
Total Given
$52.5M
Duke Energy Foundation
Charlotte, NC
The Duke Energy Foundation funds workforce development, local economic development and recovery, disaster resilience, conservation, and economic opportunity in communities across North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. It reports more than $30 million in annual charitable grants; awards vary widely, with a 2024 median of $25,000, and applications of $20,000 or less are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants should contact their local Foundation representative before applying.
Assets
$1.9M
Grants
41
Total Given
$25.6M
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports nonprofits in health, education, arts, disaster relief, reforestation, hunger relief, and community equity, with an emphasis on organizations actively supported by Enterprise employees and their families. Its reported grants range widely: 2024 giving averaged about $7,700 across 9,499 grants, while the foundation also offers awards of up to $40,000; it supports communities where Enterprise operates worldwide. Unsolicited requests are accepted at any time, but eligible applications must be submitted by an Enterprise team member or their spouse or domestic partner on behalf of a nonprofit they actively support.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
George Jenkins Foundation Inc
Lakeland, FL
The George Jenkins Foundation funds education, youth opportunity, food assistance, health care, and community programs, primarily in Florida. Its 2025 grants ranged from $9,300 to $1,066,200, with a median of $121,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests and gives only to preselected organizations.
Assets
$11.8M
Grants
32
Total Given
$6.6M
Harrell Family Charities Inc
Lakeland, FL
Harrell Family Charities funded education, community services, health, and religious activities, with 98% of its 2021 grant dollars going to Florida organizations. Grants ranged from $2,500 to $3,025,000, with a median of $25,000; it funded only preselected organizations and did not accept unsolicited requests. Its 2021 filing was marked as its final return.
Assets
—
Grants
27
Total Given
$11.3M
Community Foundation of Tampa Bay Inc
Tampa, FL
The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay funds nonprofits addressing economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, health, education, and community vitality in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties. Its annual competitive grants are typically $10,000–$50,000; it also accepts year-round requests for urgent, unforeseen needs of up to $250,000. Apply through the relevant grant opportunity; the profile does not state whether general unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$1.0B
Grants
698
Total Given
$54.3M
The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida Inc
Jacksonville, FL
The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida supports nonprofits and civic work in Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, Clay, and Putnam counties, with interests including neighborhoods, education, aging adults, arts, women and girls, young children, and early literacy. Its 2024 grants had a median of $5,000, though amounts varied widely; most donor-advised grants are not open to applications, but eligible nonprofits can apply through competitive programs when application windows are open.
Assets
$708.7M
Grants
2,470
Total Given
$78.0M
Gulf Coast Community Foundation Inc
Venice, FL
Gulf Coast Community Foundation funds arts and culture, civic and economic development, education, the environment, health and human services, and disaster response, with a focus on its Florida service area. Community grants provide up to $25,000 per organization per fiscal year; larger catalytic grants are available, and 2025 grants had a median of $16,251. It accepts unsolicited requests through scheduled Community Grant cycles; catalytic grants start with a letter of inquiry, and initiative grants are by invitation only.
Assets
$533.7M
Grants
651
Total Given
$45.0M
Early Learning Coalition of Broward County Inc
Fort Lauderdale, FL
The Early Learning Coalition of Broward funds child care reimbursement and early-learning providers, including programs supporting child care and preschool, primarily in Broward County, Florida. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,127 to $3,994,863, with a median of $158,921. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$15.9M
Grants
636
Total Given
$152.2M
Leslie L Alexander Foundation Inc
Delray Beach, FL
The Leslie L Alexander Foundation supports animal rescue, education, children’s services, and other charitable work. In 2024, grants ranged from $600 to $1 million, with a median of $35,000; giving was concentrated in Florida and Texas, with awards also made elsewhere. It gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$291.4M
Grants
622
Total Given
$28.4M
More Funders in Florida
United Way of Central Florida Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?