Jeff Hayward

On February 5, Heart of Florida United Way unveiled its first-ever documentary film, “Know Your Place,” in tandem with Black History Month.

Discover inspiring changemakers in this recap of the 6th Annual Change Maker Impact Awards, where we joined together to honor individuals and groups making a difference in our Central Florida community. Read about their accomplishments and be inspired to make a change too!

In 2024, we are celebrating our 85th anniversary, commemorating more than eight decades of unwavering dedication to the Central Florida community.  Over the last 85 years, we have supported our community as our country has weathered wars, recessions, and a once-in-a-century pandemic. Close to home, we have helped our Central Florida neighbors navigate the aftermath […]

We are proud to announce the honorees for the 6th annual Change Maker Impact Awards, an event that recognizes individuals and groups who are making significant contributions to the Central Florida community. The event will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 6:00 p.m. at Orlando Museum of Art. and tickets are available here. This […]

In its fifth consecutive year, the Heart of Florida United Way’s Thanksgiving Project continues to make a significant impact in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This annual initiative, dedicated to supporting ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families, has grown exponentially, reflecting a community united in the spirit of giving and compassion. This year, HFUW […]

Heart of Florida United Way has exciting news to share! We’re proud to announce that we have once again earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator with a perfect 100% rating in three key areas: Accountability and Finance, Culture and Community, and Leadership and Adaptability.  Let’s break down why we are so proud about this:  Accountability […]

Your business can partner with Heart of Florida United Way to create a corporate social responsibility plan that will bolster your business strategy AND benefit Central Florida.  Are you ready to get to work?  Significant change can be made when public and private organizations work together. Laws can be changed. Awareness can be raised. Lives […]

Are your business leaders looking for new ways to increase employee retention?  Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) can help solve this challenge by connecting your employees to our Impact Groups – inclusive groups that welcome individuals with shared interests and experiences to network and engage with community programs and initiatives.   In this Orlando Business […]

What are your organization’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals?  When businesses partner with nonprofits, it’s not only a win for our community, but for their business’s strategy, brand reputation, culture, and so much more.   Heart of Florida United Way’s President and CEO Jeff Hayward takes a deeper dive into this topic in an Orlando Business […]

On Friday, August 4, 2023, Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) announced a $1,000,000 investment in the New Image Youth Center (NIYC), an organization that provides after-school and summer programs for Parramore’s children and teens. The funds were specifically invested for the purchase of a new building.  NIYC, celebrating its 19th anniversary this year, provides […]

The number of Central Florida households unable to afford basic needs increased during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting a total of 386,077 households throughout Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties.   Outlined in the new ALICE in the Crosscurrents: COVID and Financial Hardship in Florida report from Heart of Florida United Way and […]

Big news! Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) is proud to announce our $250,000 investment in Grace Medical Home, which is an organization that provides high-quality, coordinated medical care to our neighbors who cannot afford healthcare.  Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for mental health crisis support has increased and Grace Medical Home consequently experienced […]