Key Takeaways
- Orlando Magic Youth Foundation distributes $1.6 million in grants to 18 nonprofits serving at-risk youth across four Central Florida counties
- Marks 18th consecutive year of distributing at least $1 million, bringing total community investment to over $31 million since inception
- Introduces first-ever professional development program for grantee organizations, including sustainability training from Indiana University
- Grant recipients serve programs spanning early childhood education, literacy, mental health, homelessness, and workforce development
- Winter grant cycle and $200,000 in microgrants still to be distributed throughout the 2025-26 season
Strategic Community Investment Reaches Multi-Decade Milestone
The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation announced its largest single-season community investment to date, committing $1.6 million in grants across Central Florida youth-serving organizations. The foundation distributed its first wave of funding through surprise visits to 18 nonprofit organizations between August 18-22, targeting at-risk youth programs in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties.
This distribution represents the 18th consecutive year the Magic organization has committed at least $1 million to community programs, establishing one of the most consistent corporate giving records in professional sports. Since the foundation’s establishment 36 years ago, total community investment has exceeded $31 million.
“Helping others reach their full potential has been a multigenerational priority for our family and the Magic organization,” said Dan DeVos, chairman of the Orlando Magic and OMYF. The DeVos family’s approach centers on leveraging “time, talent, or treasure” to support organizations making sustained impact in children’s lives across the region.
Professional Development Component Addresses Nonprofit Capacity Building
For the first time in its history, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation will provide professional development opportunities to all grant recipients, representing a strategic shift toward capacity building rather than solely funding programs. Each organization will receive access to two distinct training programs designed to strengthen organizational sustainability and communication effectiveness.
The professional development offerings include a two-day course titled “Developing Annual Sustainability,” delivered by Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, and “Drop the Mic,” an executive public speaking training program. These initiatives target core organizational challenges including leadership development, fundraising effectiveness, and strategic communication skills.
The capacity-building approach reflects broader trends in corporate philanthropy, where foundations increasingly focus on strengthening recipient organizations’ long-term viability rather than providing only program-specific funding. This model aims to amplify impact by equipping nonprofits with tools to serve more children and families sustainably.
Grant Recipients Span Critical Youth Development Areas
The 18 summer grant recipients received funding ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, with awards targeting four primary focus areas: education, housing and homelessness, arts programming, and health and wellness initiatives. The largest single grant of $100,000 went to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida for its School Partnerships program, which serves 76 local schools.
Education-focused recipients include multiple early learning initiatives addressing kindergarten readiness gaps. The Early Learning Coalition of Orange County received $50,000 for its “Talk to Learn” literacy program serving preschool-aged children in high-need communities. Similarly, the Education Foundation of Osceola County secured $50,000 for its Bookmark Buddies mentoring program, pairing 165 third-grade students reading below grade level with trained community volunteers.
Mental health and crisis intervention programs represent another significant funding category. SMA Healthcare Foundation received $25,000 for its BEACH House crisis shelter serving youth aged 10-17 displaying symptoms of mental illness. New Image Youth Center secured $25,000 for its mobile outreach program delivering therapeutic services directly to underserved Orlando neighborhoods through a fully equipped activity bus.
Workforce development and career readiness programs also received substantial support. Children’s Home Society of Florida obtained $50,000 for its “Shooting for Success” program addressing college and career readiness gaps for over 600 economically disadvantaged students at Evans and Jones High Schools.
Multi-Phase Distribution Strategy Extends Impact Timeline
The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation structures its annual giving through five distinct distribution mechanisms, spreading impact across the full season rather than concentrating funding in a single cycle. Beyond the summer grants announced in August, the foundation will distribute additional funding through a winter grant cycle announced in February 2026, alongside targeted microgrants, the Linda Landman Gonzalez Leadership Grant, and the new professional development component.
The microgrant program specifically targets smaller, emerging nonprofits with $200,000 in total funding designed to help these organizations grow their capacity and reach. This approach addresses a common gap in philanthropic funding, where established organizations often receive priority over newer initiatives with limited operational history but significant community need.
Grant recipients serve communities across seven Central Florida counties, including Orange, Seminole, Brevard, Lake, Polk, Volusia, and Osceola. This geographic scope reflects the Magic’s broader community engagement strategy, extending beyond the immediate Orlando metropolitan area to address youth development needs across the region.
Looking Ahead: Sustained Investment Model
The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation’s approach represents a comprehensive community investment model that extends beyond traditional sports franchise charitable giving. The organization’s annual contribution exceeds $2 million when including sponsorships, donated tickets, and autographed merchandise alongside direct grants.
The foundation’s signature fundraising events, including the Orlando Wine Festival & Auction scheduled for February 27 – March 1, 2026, generate community dollars through donations and auctions. This diversified funding approach reduces dependence on team revenues while building broader community stakeholder engagement.
The winter grant cycle announcement in February will provide additional insight into the foundation’s strategic priorities and community impact measurement. With 18 consecutive years of million-dollar-plus community investment, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation has established itself as a significant player in Central Florida’s youth development ecosystem, demonstrating how professional sports organizations can leverage their platform for sustained community benefit.
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via: NBA
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