Picture this: Ten hardworking Central Florida nonprofits walk into Addition Financial Arena, and they all walk out with serious funding to fuel their missions.
No, it’s not the setup to a joke—it’s exactly what happened Wednesday at the fifth annual Community Giving Celebration.
The Addition Financial Foundation handed out $175,000 in unrestricted grants (that’s the good kind—no strings attached) to organizations making real differences across the region. From empowering young people to strengthening families and expanding educational access, these nonprofits are tackling the stuff that actually matters.
Here’s something cool about how this works: Every organization in the Community Giving Class was nominated by an Addition Financial team member. These are people who’ve seen firsthand the impact these groups have on the communities the credit union serves. It’s grassroots recognition at its finest.
Meet the 2026 Community Giving Class
The Foundation spread the wealth among ten deserving organizations:
- Central Florida Community Arts – $20,000
- Children’s Safety Village – $20,000
- Embrace Health – $20,000
- Empowered Girls, Inc. – $15,000
- First Tee Central Florida – $15,000
- Foundation for Foster Children – $15,000
- Gentian Creek Preserve – $15,000
- Prospera – $15,000
- Save a Life Pet Rescue – $15,000
- Tech Sassy Girlz – $15,000
It’s Not Just About the Money
“The Community Giving Celebration gives us an opportunity to shine a light on nonprofit organizations that are addressing important needs and creating meaningful change across our community,” said Cristina Lehman, Executive Director of the Addition Financial Foundation. But here’s where it gets even better: “Our commitment extends well beyond this event.”
Translation? These nonprofits aren’t just getting a check and a handshake. Throughout the year, they’ll have access to volunteers from Addition Financial’s team, free use of the credit union’s community room, and workshops on everything from media relations to fundraising and grant writing. It’s the kind of comprehensive support that can transform a good organization into a great one.
The breakfast and awards ceremony at UCF brought together a who’s-who of local leaders from nonprofits, government, education, and business—all united in celebrating community impact.
Bonus Recognition
Two additional $5,000 awards were handed out during the celebration. The Greatest Investment Girls Empowerment Program, an alumnus of a previous Giving Class, received one. Save a Life Pet Rescue scored twice—once as a Community Giving Class member and again through a special award voted on by Addition Financial team members who contribute to the Foundation.
The Addition Financial Foundation, which launched in 2021 as the philanthropic arm of the Lake Mary-based credit union, continues to prove that supporting your community isn’t just good karma—it’s good business. And for the ten organizations in this year’s class, it’s a game-changer.