Community Foundation of North Central Florida Awards $6M in Grants, Adds New Directors

The foundation reports strong growth in 2025, supporting local education and mental health initiatives.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:07pm

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The Community Foundation of North Central Florida awarded $6 million in grants in 2025, supporting organizations across a wide range of focus areas and marking one of the most impactful years in the Foundation's history. The largest share of grant funding supported local education and mental health initiatives, totaling more than $2 million. The Foundation also added three new members to its Board of Directors, further strengthening its leadership with deep local ties and professional expertise. The year also marked significant financial growth for the Foundation, with assets under management surpassing $47 million at the close of 2025, representing a 52% increase year-over-year.

Why it matters

The Community Foundation's investments and leadership play a critical role in supporting important community initiatives and organizations in North Central Florida. Its growth and expanded reach allow the Foundation to respond more effectively to evolving needs and continue investing in the future of the region.

The details

The $6 million in grants supported a wide range of focus areas, with the largest share going towards local education and mental health initiatives. One of the organizations supported through education funding was the CHILD Center, which provides early learning and family support services in Alachua County. The new board members, Joseph Lowry, Jr., Cole Barnett, and Ryan McGriff, bring longstanding community connections and professional expertise to the Foundation's leadership.

  • The Community Foundation awarded $6 million in grants in 2025.
  • Assets under the Foundation's management surpassed $47 million at the close of 2025, representing a 52% increase year-over-year.

The players

Community Foundation of North Central Florida

A local philanthropic organization that awards grants and manages assets to support a wide range of community initiatives in North Central Florida.

CHILD Center

An organization that provides early learning and family support services in Alachua County.

Joseph Lowry, Jr.

The managing partner of Lowry Financial Advisors and a new member of the Community Foundation's Board of Directors.

Cole Barnett

An attorney with Salter Feiber, P.A. and a new member of the Community Foundation's Board of Directors.

Ryan McGriff

The president of the Gainesville-based Emmer Group and a new member of the Community Foundation's Board of Directors, following in the footsteps of his late grandfathers, Perry C. McGriff and Phil Emmer, both longtime supporters and former board members.

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What they’re saying

“The Community Foundation's investment allows us to strengthen programs directly impacting children and families at a pivotal stage. Support like this helps ensure more children enter school ready to learn and succeed.”

— Dorothy Thomas, Board President of the CHILD Center

“Growing up in Gainesville, I saw firsthand the impact the Community Foundation has had on our community. Following in the footsteps of my grandfathers is something I take seriously, and I'm honored to help carry that legacy forward through service on the board.”

— Ryan McGriff, President of the Emmer Group

The takeaway

The Community Foundation of North Central Florida's strong growth and expanded reach allow it to continue supporting critical community initiatives and organizations, demonstrating the power of local philanthropy to drive positive change in the region.