MAKING AN IMPACT - PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

UNITED WAY OF WEST FLORIDA PROVIDES MINI-GRANT AWARDS TO EMPOWER LOCAL NONPROFITS

The United Way of West Florida is proud to announce the approval of Mini-Grant awards for 12 deserving local nonprofits, each receiving up to $5,000, for a total amount of $49,172.00. These one-time grants have been approved by the United Way of West Florida Board of Directors through the Community Investment process, demonstrating a commitment to fortifying the regional nonprofit landscape.

“The Mini-Grant programs marks an exciting new chapter for United Way of West Florida,” remarked President/CEO Laura Gilliam. “This funding opportunity is a testament to our dedication to supporting Escambia and Santa Rosa County nonprofits in their quest to bolster their organizations and better serve our communities.”

Gilliam emphasized, “We’re particularly keen on reaching grassroots agencies. Those working tirelessly in marginalized communities, often in hard-to-reach areas with limited resources, hold immense potential to effect positive change. These grants aim to empower such organizations, enabling them to expand their impact and reach.”

The grants serve as a vehicle for these agencies to build capacity, offering a streamlined approach that bypasses the traditional community investment process. By providing this financial boost, United Way of West Florida aims to foster growth and innovation among nonprofits, ultimately leading to enhanced support for those in need.

The Mini-Grants are a result of the organization’s newly adopted strategic plan, specifically related to highlighting United Way of West Florida’s commitment to nurturing and strengthening the nonprofit ecosystem, all the while ensuring that these organizations have the resources needed to flourish and continue making a profound difference in the community.

2023 Recipients

Set Free Refuge $5,000

Capacity Building

Serves Escambia and Santa Rosa counties

Sisters of Hope $5,000

Capacity Building

Serves Escambia and Santa Rosa counties

Equity Project Alliance $5,000

Training

Serves Escambia and Santa Rosa counties

Northwest Florida Community Outreach $5,000

One-Time Program/Project Funding

Serves Escambia County

Sisters Anointed to Lead Together $5,000

One-Time Program/Project Funding

Serves Escambia County

Junior League of Pensacol a $4,972

Capacity Building

Serves Escambia and Santa Rosa counties

The Global Corner $4,500

Capacity Building

Serves Escambia and Santa Rosa counties

Sportsmen Givin' Back $4,000

One-Time Program/Project Funding

Serves Escambia and Santa Rosa counties

GFWC Santa Rosa Women's Club $1,000

Accounting Services

Serves Escambia and Santa Rosa counties

Family Promise of Escambia County $5,000

Organization operating expense, except salaries

Serves Escambia and Santa Rosa counties

Therapeutic Riding Unlimited $4,700

One-Time Program/Project Funding

Serves Escambia and Santa Rosa counties

LEARN MORE

For more information about the Mini-Grant recipients and the United Way of West Florida’s initiatives, please visit www.uwwf.org/mini-grants or contact Mary Zaledonis, Director of Community Impact at mary.zaledonis@uwwf.org.

NEW INFORMATION

Meet your new Florida Veterans Support Line Crew

We are super excited to have Bryant and Tamara join the Florida Veterans Support Line team!

Both team members bring a passion for helping out their fellow veterans!

Please join us in welcoming them to the UWWF and FLVET team!

A New Year, a New Team for Development

Our new Development team members are here! We are excited to have them on board. Learn more about them here.

Nikki Fisher, Individual Donor Relationship Manager
Kathy Andrade, Development Manager

Help ReVITAlize our community!

Provide free tax preparation assistance to hardworking families and individuals and keep dollars in their pockets and our community!

No prior experience is necessary to become a volunteer, free training will be provided, and you will be guided through the experience!

Get started at uwwf.org/vita.

VITA appointments will be starting in early February, visit uwwf.org/taxhelp to learn more.

Up Coming RSVP Events!

Are you 55 or better and looking to volunteer?

Our RSVP program is recruiting volunteers. To learn more, attend an upcoming orientation this new year!

Visit uwwf.org/rsvp-events to check it out!

UWWF is hiring!

Join the United Way of West Florida team and help fight for a healthier, stronger community!

Development Manager
Veteran Support Line Care Coordinator
211 Information and Referral/ Crisis Call Specialist
211 Clinical Consultant

For more information, please visit our website at:

www.uwwf.org/career-opportunities

VOLUNTEER SPOT LIGHT

Meet Marissa, VITA Volunteer

Marissa is an accounting student at the University of West Florida. For some time now, Marissa has known about tax preparation, how to file, and what advice could be shared with individuals in need of assistance. What interested Marissa most about volunteering with VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) was the opportunity to share her knowledge.

"VITA helps low-income taxpayers file their taxes for free. Not only that, but we also gave them advice if needed. It was such a great feeling to help people with their taxes and explain to them what they didn’t understand. VITA is an amazing program, and I can’t wait to volunteer with them again."

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Point in Time Count (PIT) and Survey 2024

The Point in Time Count (PIT) and Survey is an annual event providing a snapshot of homelessness in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

The data collected during this event is critically important and helps secure funding for vital resources, informs policy at federal and local levels, and guides how our community allocates resources. It is a vital step in preventing and reducing homelessness.

Volunteers will be asked to use their mobile phone or tablet during PIT. Volunteer shifts are 2-4 hours long. All Volunteers are required to attend a 1-hour training session before January 22, 2024. Click here to learn more.

Operation Warm Comes to Century, Florida

United Way of West Florida is proud to be partnering with Anderson Subaru and Operation Warm to distribute winter coats at the Pensacola State College Century campus.

We are recruiting volunteers and distributing coats for families that have registered to receive one or more. Click here to learn more- Coat Distribution in Century with Anderson Subaru and Operation Warm | United Way of West Florida (galaxydigital.com)

December Birthday Board Members

From all of us at UWWF, Happy Birthday to Brian, Dan, Denise, Donna, and Naisy!

We had a great time at Goat Lips Chew and Brewhouse. This year for their birthday, they collected donations for United Way of West Florida.

If you want to join in celebrating, visit uwwf.org/birthday100!

Community Employment Opportunities

Are you or someone you know looking for employment or pondering a career change?

Visit our job opportunities page for information about open positions at nonprofit organizations in our community.

NEED HELP? CONNECT TODAY.

211 Northwest Florida is an information and referral service that provides one-stop connections to community resources and services.

Dial 211 to get connected

The Florida Veterans Support Line provides veterans and their loved ones the opportunity to speak with fellow veterans.

Call 1-844-MYFLVET

(693-5838)

988 is a suicide and crisis lifeline. This helpline provides 24-hour-a-day, confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress.

Call 988 to get help today

THANK YOU SPONSORS!

United Way of West Florida | uwwf.org