Our Mission
The Universal Orlando Foundation is committed to making a difference in Central Florida. We believe in the power of education and in the magic of the arts. We believe in our community and the strength shown in partnership. We believe in doing the right thing and are dedicated to supporting local organizations that strive to make our area a better place to live.
Since 1998, the Foundation has awarded and pledged nearly $35 million to organizations and programs that take a proactive approach to community needs in the areas of education, children and families, and basic needs.
We Give: Grant Making
Giving Guidelines
For years, Universal Orlando Foundation has been proud to play a supportive role in the journey toward a brighter future. We have made investments in dozens of nonprofit organizations focused on creating opportunity for our region.
Central Florida is fortunate to have many organizations that make a difference in our communities, and we regret that we cannot support them all. Our community partners are proactively identified by the Foundation team with recommendations from passionate Universal Orlando Team Members. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited sponsorship requests or grant proposals.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for consideration, an organization must:
- Be tax-exempt as defined in Section 501 (C) (3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service Code or a public school/school district
- Be located in and serve the Central Florida area (Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Polk, Brevard, or Lake County)
- Serve the community without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, or mental/physical disability
- Not duplicate or significantly overlap the work of public agencies on the federal, state, or local level
- Be U.S. Patriot Act compliant
- Have at least a one-year operating history
We Partner: Grant Partnerships and Signature Programs
Grant Partnerships
The Universal Orlando Foundation makes a positive impact through innovation and partnership. We recognize the power of longstanding relationships. When the community works together, we can provide safe spaces for our local families, educational access for our youth and a promising future for us all.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida - Universal Orlando Foundation
City Year
A Gift for Teaching
Signature Programs
As a grant making organization, Universal Orlando Foundation issues funds to service organizations that provide direct assistance to our community. The biggest thrills happen when we can partner with nonprofit organizations and Universal Orlando Resort to create our Signature Programs. The combination of these unique resources has a positive impact on fostering our future leaders and supporting our neighbors in need.
The Art of Tomorrow
The Art of Tomorrow program is a collaborative endeavor between Orange County Public Schools and Universal Orlando. It provides teachers and 8th grade students with a hands-on and curriculum-based opportunity to explore the many careers that exist in the Arts and Entertainment industry. Since 2012, hundreds of students from local Title I schools have joined Universal Team Members in the exploration of careers in the arts.
The Art of Tomorrow Scholars, funded by the Universal Orlando Foundation, is an extension of the Art of Tomorrow collaboration. This grant funding assists Valencia College and Orange County Public Schools with administering the Scholars program that provides educational experiences and orientation for 9th through 12th graders.
Bites, Camera, Action
Children’s Home Society/ Eccleston Elementary Community Partnership School
We Focus: Issue Focused Fund Grants
Throughout the year, the Universal Orlando Foundation invites organizations to apply for a grant from one of our Issue Focused funds. From providing life’s essentials for those in need, to inspiring young creative minds, to making memories for families experiencing medical challenges, each fund is dedicated to supporting impactful programming in its area of focus.
We are proud to share that these funds are comprised of contributions made by Universal Orlando Team Members, pledged during the company’s annual CommUnity Outreach Workplace Giving Campaign. Together, we are making a difference.
Examples of Recent Grants
Universal Orlando Foundation
Arts & Culture Fund
Focuses on organizations that provide arts and cultural programs throughout the community.
Universal Orlando Foundation
Basic Needs Fund
Focuses on organizations that provide basic services such as food, clothing, and shelter.
Universal Orlando Foundation
Compassion Fund
Focuses on organizations that provide services for children with critical illnesses or disabilities.
Universal Orlando Foundation
Education Fund
Focuses on organizations that are making a difference in educating youth in our community.
INTERESTED IN UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT CORPORATE GIVING?
A copy of the official registration and financial information for Universal Orlando Foundation, a Florida nonprofit corporation (registration No. 16695), may be obtained from The Division Of Consumer Services by calling toll-free 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) within the state or visiting its website. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State.
For information on Universal Orlando Resort corporate giving, please click the link below to be redirected.