Orlando Ballet and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra are the recipients of this year’s Dr. Phillips Leadership Awards, the top prize in the charitable foundation’s annual Impact Awards.
In all, Dr. Phillips Charities will award $325,000 to 17 nonprofit organizations in Orange and Osceola counties. Fifteen social-services groups will receive $5,000 grants. The ballet and orchestra each receive $125,000.
The awards were announced Wednesday morning.
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Orlando Ballet are being recognized for their “sustained contributions to Central Florida’s cultural life and their efforts to expand opportunities for people to experience and participate in the arts,” the announcement said.
Video provided by Dr. Phillips Charities shows leaders of both organizations being surprised by the news. “This is incredible,” exclaimed Bradley Renner, executive director of Orlando Ballet.
The two organizations have a long history with Dr. Phillips Charities, the foundation pointed out. Dr. Phillips Charities has supported the arts through its annual free Holiday Pops concert featuring the Orlando Philharmonic and its partnership with Orlando Ballet that brings “The Nutcracker” to local families.
“The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is humbled and honored to be a co-recipient of this year’s Dr. Phillips Leadership Award alongside our cherished partners at Orlando Ballet,” said OPO executive director Karina Bharne. “The legacy of Dr. Phillips has had a profound impact across Central Florida, and the family’s motto of ‘helping others help themselves’ is one we are proud to carry forward through our work.”
“Receiving the Dr. Phillips Leadership Award is a tremendous honor for Orlando Ballet and a meaningful affirmation of the impact the arts play in enriching and strengthening Central Florida,” Renner said. “This support allows us to connect more people to the joy and artistry of dance through inspiring performances, create pathways to exceptional training and scholarship opportunities, and deepen our impact by ensuring that individuals and families across our community can experience and engage with dance.”
Bharne and Renner will participate in a moderated conversation during the Oct. 15 awards ceremony at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. That conversation will center on nonprofit leadership, creating lasting community impact and what Central Florida needs next in the nonprofit sphere.
The latest awards add to the more than $270 million in grants, pledges and investments made by Dr. Phillips Charities through the years. The funds come from the foundation’s investment and real estate income.
This year’s 15 $5,000 award winners are organizations that work in healthcare, education and other social needs.
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They are: A Place for Grace Ministries, Blues Truth, the Camaraderie Foundation, DM&A’s me & my commUnity, Freedom Ride, Healthy Start Coalition of Osceola County, the IS Hankins – FA Johnson Education Foundation, Loving Hearts & Praying Hands, One Heart for Women & Children, Orange County Police Athletic League, Place of Restoration Resource Center, Rebuild Yourself, Runway to Hope, the Steps Foundation and The Penitent Thief.
“We are fortunate to see the work these organizations are doing across Central Florida,” said Ken Robinson, president and CEO of Dr. Phillips Charities, in the announcement of the award recipients. “They are helping children, families and individuals in so many different ways, and each organization brings something important to the people it serves. We are grateful to be able to recognize that work and provide support to help them continue moving forward.”
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This story was originally published September 23, 2026 at 10:05 AM.