FORT WALTON BEACH — Florida Power & Light (FPL) recently awarded $50,000 in grant funding to local nonprofits that make a difference in our area.
On Dec. 2, FPL announced that several nonprofits were awarded grant funding from the NextEra Energy Foundation, the charitable arm of FPL’s parent company. The grants were the second of three rounds in the FLP Northwest region this year, focusing on education, food insecurity, senior citizen support and child advocacy.
“It’s a privilege to stand alongside such dedicated individuals who are making a real difference every day,” said J.T. Young, FPL vice president and general manager of the Northwest region, in a news release.
The grant recipients include nonprofits in Okaloosa, Walton and Bay counties, such as:
- Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC): Provides free theatre field trips to students in Okaloosa and Walton counties, aiming to expose them to fine arts despite reduced school arts programs. Over 1,600 students attended last year — $3,500.
- A Bed 4 Me Foundation: Since 2018, the Foundation has provided beds and bedding to over 2,800 disadvantaged children in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Grant funds will buy a twin-sized bed, sheets, pillowcases, comforters and pillows for 41 children—$2,500.
- Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation: Launching “Building Math Skills” program for struggling 5th graders, focusing on hands-on construction-based activities to teach math literacy. Pilot program at Elliott Point Elementary — $10,000.
- Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation:Supports the ArtsReach program in Okaloosa and Walton counties, which provides diverse, inclusive and accessible art education and therapeutic sessions to underserved communities, including veterans, children and adults with disabilities — $5,000.
- Able Trust Florida Endowment for Vocational Rehabilitation: Supports High School High Tech Programs in Escambia, Okaloosa and Bay counties, helping students with disabilities pursue postsecondary education and employment — $5,000.
- St. Andrews Christian Care Center Inc.: Largest food bank in Bay County, distributing over one million pounds of food to 53,000 people and clothing to over 36,000 people annually. Funds will purchase food and clothing for those in need this holiday season — $5,000.
Another $19,000 was awarded to several nonprofits in Escambia County.
