George Jenkins Foundation Youth Opportunity Grant

United Way of Central Florida is pleased to announce the George Jenkins Foundation Youth Opportunity Grant to support educational programming benefiting Polk County Public Schools students. Donor Name: George Jenkins Foundation State: Florida County: Polk County (FL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/16/2025 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This initiative seeks to create equitable opportunities for youth by addressing the root causes of child maltreatment and promoting positive outcomes for students in communities facing high-risk social determinants of health. This grant opportunity is especially critical as many Title I schools in Polk County serve students who are disproportionately affected by food insecurity, lack of access to mental and behavioral health services, and limited educational resources. These conditions contribute to chronic absenteeism, academic underperformance, and behavioral challenges, which can place students at higher risk for long-term negative outcomes. By supporting high-impact educational programming, this grant aims to intervene early, reduce disparities, and foster environments where students can thrive. Funding Information The George Jenkins Foundation Youth Opportunity Grant will supply organizations with up to $20,000 to implement innovative and inclusive educational programs that increase public access and engagement for students in Title I schools within Polk County, FL. Criteria Programs may be conducted on or off campus and must demonstrate alignment with the following guidelines: Must be conducted for students at a Title I school within Polk County. Preference will be given to programs serving Kindergarten through 8th grade students within Title I schools. Priority will be given to proposals that demonstrate measurable impact in areas such as reduced absenteeism and truancy, improved student behavior, decreased suspensions, enhanced self-regulation, use of de-escalation strategies, and improved academic outcomes. A letter of support from the participating school(s) is required. For more information, visit UWCF.