Central Floridians have many choices when seeking nonprofit organizations to support from food banks to youth involvement groups to humanitarian efforts.
While the list of worthwhile groups that could use an assist especially during the giving season of the holidays is large, here are some the Orlando Sentinel has supported and written about in the past that would be worth consideration in the spirit of giving.
Listed below are the names of the Central Florida-serving groups, their mission statements and websites. Supporters of quality journalism could also consider donating to the Orlando Sentinel Community News Fund through the Florida Press Foundation at OrlandoSentinel.com/donate
A Gift for Teaching, Inc.: Since 1998, proudly served public schools in Orange and Osceola counties as the primary source for free school supplies to teachers for students who need them most. agiftforteaching.org
Adult Literacy League, Inc.: We empower Central Floridians to be thriving members of our community through literacy and education. adultliteracyleague.org
Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida, Inc.: Our mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring adults. bgccf.org
Catholic Charities of Central Florida: A Ministry of the Diocese of Orlando embracing those in need with hope, transforming their lives through faith, compassion and service. cflcc.org
Children’s Home Society of Florida: Since our founding in 1902, we’ve created a legacy built on creating safety, security, hope and opportunities for children and families. chsfl.org
Christian HELP Foundation Inc.: Our mission of preventing homelessness for Central Florida residents is in effect all year long, but we only get once a year to go above and beyond for 500+ families and some 1,000+ children by ensuring they have gifts to open on Christmas morning. christianhelp.org
Christian Service Center for the Homeless: To prevent homelessness, combat poverty, cultivate self-sufficiency, restore hope and glorify God through the faithful provision of services that directly address physical, emotional and spiritual needs for families and individuals who are struggling in Central Florida. christianservicecenter.org
Coalition For The Homeless of Central Florida, Inc.: Providing crucial programs and services to an average of 500 homeless men, women and children each day. centralfloridahomeless.org
Community Coordinated Care For Children, Inc.: We are an agency committed to strengthening our communities and families with our founding core values. Although much has evolved since our beginning in 1969, what has never changed is our belief that every child deserves the right to a bright and successful future. 4cflorida.org
Covenant House Florida, Inc.: Offering 24/7 shelter, food and a full continuum of services to young individuals ages 18–24 facing homelessness. covenanthousefl.org
Easterseals Florida: Every day, since 1948 Easterseals Florida has provided exceptional services, ensuring that people of all ages and disabilities can reach their full potential. florida.easterseals.com
Early Learning Coalition of Lake County: Established in 1999 when the State of Florida passed legislation to create local school readiness coalitions for the purpose of enhancing children’s chances of achieving future educational success and becoming productive members of society. elclc.org
Educational Foundation of Lake County, Inc.: Each year, the Education Foundation funds projects that directly support students, teachers and classrooms in the Lake County School District. edfoundationlake.com
Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home: The largest campus area outside the Village of Boys Town, Nebraska, Boys Town Central Florida opened in 1986 in Oviedo. The site also works with the state of Florida to combat child abuse and neglect through one short-term Intervention and Assessment center. Nearly 1,200 children were served and impacted by Boys Town Central Florida services in 2024. boystown.org/central-florida
Foundation for Osceola Education, Inc.: Founded in 1985, the Education Foundation began with a bold and inspiring vision: What started as a simple yet powerful goal has grown into a dynamic organization dedicated to supporting students, teachers and schools across the district. foundationosceola.org
Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools, Inc.: Our mission is to inspire success and thriving for all students in Seminole County Public Schools through community partnership that leverages relationships and financial resources. foundationscps.org
Harbor House of Central Florida, Inc.: We provide safe shelter, a 24-hour confidential crisis hotline, counseling, emotional support, and legal advocacy for survivors of domestic abuse and their children. harborhousefl.com
House Next Door, Inc.: One of the primary goals of The House Next Door is to build a positive rapport with the family. Our family education and support programs require parental involvement. The family must also commit to being open and honest in sessions, and strive to follow the recommendations of the program counselors. thehnd.com
Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando, Inc.: JFS Orlando has been providing services stabilizing individuals and families throughout the Central Florida community since 1978. jfsorlando.org
Lake Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center, Inc.: Based on a successful national model, our CAC is a collaborative effort of local government and community agencies dedicated to the investigation, treatment and prosecution of child abuse. cac4kids.org
Lifestream Behavioral Center, Inc.: LifeStream is a behavioral health and social services organization that provides high-quality treatment, education, care management, rehabilitation, child welfare, primary care and homeless services to children, adolescents and adults. lsbc.net
Lighthouse Central Florida: We believe a person of any age can and should seek to fulfill their highest ambitions, well beyond perceived restrictions of blindness and vision loss. lighthousecfl.org
The Mustard Seed of Central Florida, Inc.: The mission of The Mustard Seed Furniture and Clothing Bank is to help rebuild the lives of families and individuals who have suffered disaster or personal tragedy by providing household furnishings and clothing while being environmentally responsible to our community. mustardseedfla.org
New Vision for Independence, Inc.: Our mission is to eliminate barriers to independence for people with vision loss through rehabilitation, community education, advocacy and support services. newvisionfl.org
Orlando Day Nursery Association, Inc.: Providing an affordable, safe and loving learning environment where quality curriculum meets innovative learning experiences through a variety of methods. For over 100 years, Orlando Day Nursery has been a place where children and their families grow and learn together with the support of our community. orlandoday.org
Orlando Health Foundation: Committed to partnering with caring individuals, foundations and organizations to raise crucial funds for Orlando Health. orlandohealthfoundation.com
Osceola County Council on Aging, Inc.: Created in 1971, the Osceola Council on Aging is the largest social services organization in Osceola County, providing a wide array of services and programs to meet the needs of our community. Though the name implies services for just the elderly, our scope of services extend to families as well, helping during crisis to enable generations of residents to cope with challenges. osceolagenerations.org
Rescue Outreach Mission of Sanford, Inc.: Serving the men, women and families who are experiencing homelessness in Seminole County and throughout Central Florida by providing a safe shelter and resources to find a safe path to permanent housing. romcfl.org
Salvation Army: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Lake: leesburg.salvationarmyflorida.org | Orange/Osceola: orlando.salvationarmyflorida.org | Seminole: sanford.salvationarmyflorida.org
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Inc.: A private, nonprofit organization that collects, stores and distributes food to a network of more than 870 feeding partners across seven counties: Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia. feedhopenow.org
Seminole County Victims Rights Coalition, Inc: SafeHouse of Seminole has been a beacon of hope and change for survivors of domestic violence since 1995. Through counseling, advocacy, and emergency shelter, we empower survivors on their journey to healing. Our mission is clear: to ensure every relationship is violence-free. safehouseofseminole.org
Seniors First, Inc.: Founded in 1966, Seniors First serves as a lifeline for vulnerable adults aged 60 and above, as well as those of all ages living with disabilities. Our journey began with advocacy, later adding the crucial Meals on Wheels program in 1973. Over the years, our services expanded to include the Neighborhood Lunch Program, symbolizing our commitment to fostering community connections. Beyond our vital nutrition initiatives, Seniors First passionately extends its support through in-home care, medical equipment, our Community Food Pantry, public Guardianship Program, and more. seniorsfirstinc.org
Share the Care, Inc.: Providing support for family caregivers for over 30 years. Services include licensed adult day health centers, in-home respite, overnight respite, caregiver counseling, case management and more. helpforcaregivers.org
The Sharing Center: The most comprehensive social services hub in Seminole County. It is The Sharing Center’s mission to help families and individuals experiencing poverty receive compassionate care. Our team works to provide emergency financial assistance, groceries, clothes, showers, and other essential resources. We address immediate needs, as well as provide extended support through programs that lead individuals and families toward a better future and long-term stability. thesharingcenter.org
Society of Saint Andrew, Inc.: Brings people together to harvest and share healthy food, reduce food waste, and build caring communities by offering nourishment to hungry neighbors. endhunger.org
Special Hearts Farm: Located in Winter Garden, it serves individuals with disabilities and unique abilities by providing adult day training, supported employment, and possible entrepreneur business opportunities related to farming and gardening experiences. specialheartsfarm.com
United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida Inc.: UCP of Central Florida is a place where barriers are broken and miracles happen. We are creating a community where everyone touched by a disability can excel, without limitations. ucpcfl.org
Winter Park Day Nursery, Inc.: Providing a safe and caring educational environment that supports each child’s development and well-being through growth and discovery. winterparkdaynursery.org