Impact Polk Grants

The Impact Polk Grants, administered by the GiveWell Community Foundation, aim to address diverse community needs in Polk County, Florida. This annual competitive grant program supports initiatives in six key areas: economic opportunities, education, food security, housing, quality of life, and transportation. By focusing on enhancing residents' quality of life, the program targets systemic barriers and fosters equitable access to essential services, thereby promoting community resilience and growth.

About Impact Polk
Impact Polk is an annual competitive, donor-directed grant program of the GiveWell Community Foundation with the goal of addressing community needs throughout Polk County. Impact Polk grants often support a broad range of needs, such as arts and culture, education, health, and human services.
Program Details
The United Community Needs Assessment (UCNA) for Polk County, Florida, conducted by GiveWell Community Foundation and United Way of Central Florida, identified six (6) key areas as significant barriers to improving the quality of life for residents. This year, we are focusing Impact Polk on the following six domains:

• Economic & Employment Opportunities
• Helping citizens achieve financial independence such as:

Developing job accelerator programs and innovation centers to create high-wage jobs and businesses, especially in distressed communities.Creating skilled workforce training to attract businesses and promote economic growth.Creating training centers/programs with necessary resources and equipment.Implementing financial literacy programs for all ages.
Education: Early Childhood, K-12, and Post-Secondary
Enhancing early-childhood education opportunities; improving math and reading proficiency for greater high school graduation and college enrollments; and encouraging degree and/or certifications to prepare students for entry-level positions in different industries such as:
Supporting low-income families with early childhood care and after-school programs that promote literacy, nutrition, and physical activity, so parents can work and become financially independent.Developing reading and math education programs, textbooks, scholarships, and special education resources, as well as summer programs to bridge gaps in learning.Providing literacy interventions, including tutoring and mentoring programs.Addressing absenteeism with effective parent and student engagement to get kids to school.Expanding post-secondary options through scholarships, career & technical education (CTE), and apprenticeship programs.Improving internet access for students to complete schoolwork, create a resume, or conduct job searches.
Food Security
Providing basic nutrition opportunities to support long-term health in adults and children such as:
Providing accessible and affordable food production and distribution, including flexible pantry hours and mobile delivery.Providing navigators for affordable food sources and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment and food hubs in collaboration with schools, community colleges, and local food businesses.Identify food deserts for targeted assistance.
Housing/Shelter Opportunities
Providing quality, affordable housing and self-sufficiency opportunities such as:
Providing rental assistance services, from emergency housing to long-term independent living.Providing security deposit assistance, hotel vouchers, and support for vulnerable populations such as families, veterans, youth aging out of foster care, and individuals facing eviction or fleeing domestic violence.
Quality of Life
Enhancing the lives of Polk County residents through arts & culture, animal welfare, and open green spaces such as:
Developing community health and wellness initiatives.Strengthening local arts and culture programs.Promoting the stewardship of outdoor spaces.Improving animal welfare services with affordable care.
Transportation/Infrastructure
Navigating transportation barriers for ease of access to jobs, education, healthcare, etc.; and addressing internet access issues such as:
Developing reliable transportation services, such as public transit collaborations and/or voucher programs.Providing safer transportation options, such as sidewalks, signage, etc.Developing transportation safety awareness campaigns.Providing reliable, affordable internet access.
These targeted areas aim to address systemic issues and uplift the overall quality of life in Polk County by creating equitable access to essential services and opportunities.

Eligibility

Your Impact Polk project must provide services within Polk County. One hundred percent of program participants must reside in, or receive services in, Polk County Zip Codes.Applicant MUST be a 501(c)(3) public charity or recognized by the IRS as described in the IRS Code Section 501(c)(3) as eligible for tax-exempt status. Project must meet organization’s mission.

Ineligibility

We will not fund expanded services that do not meet the mission.The GiveWell Community Foundation will NOT consider an Impact Polk application for:Organizations that are not considered exempt or exemption has been revoked under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;Organizations that are not based in or serving communities in Polk County;Grants to individuals (rent, utilities, etc.) or private foundations;Capital campaigns or capital projects (land, buildings, etc.);General operating, administration*;Fundraising costs;Political campaigns or direct lobbying efforts;Medical or scientific research;Events of any kind;Debt reduction or bridge funding;Advertising space of any kind;Marketing unless directly related to project (registration, brochures, announcements, or playbills);Membership dues, fees, conference registration, or affiliation campaigns;Conferences, symposia or related travel;Religious or sectarian projects that are not offered to the general public;Services commonly regarded as the responsibility of the government (street repair, fire or police protection);Public or private school services required by state law, such as regular classroom instruction or athletic activities;Banquets, galas, walks, runs, etc