The Community Foundation is building a stronger community…one passion at a time.
We provide a variety of channels to actively connect donors with nonprofits fulfilling their missions.
Through our Nonprofit Resource Center and programs, the Estate Planning Council of Marion County and the NonProfit Business Council, we provide collaboration among leadership sectors to impact social and cultural change in our community.
The Community Foundation works pro-actively with public/private partners to identify issues that impact Ocala/Marion County and convenes leadership to explore solutions.
The Foundation works closely with financial advisors to serve as a resource for their planned giving clients.
The entire community benefits when donors invest in programs that fuel their passions.
The size of your gift doesn’t dictate the amount of impact you can make in our community. We take the administrative hassles away from your giving and from your family. Let us help you create change today.
From assisting your clients with funds and tax deduction benefits to helping create a lasting legacy for a client with a specific desire for impact, we partner with you to take your client relationships to another level.
We are the go-to resource for the nonprofit community for everything from agency fund management to a nonprofit event calendar, professional development to sample nonprofit resources. We are here for you!
Mission: Solve the homeless pet problem in our community What began as a desire to help stem the tide of homeless pets in our community has given birth to a vision that is much more comprehensive in its scope. Offering low cost spay-neuter and shelter care to our community proved to be a good…
Support Stuff the Bus Agency Fund Founded by our local Military Officers Association in 1999, Stuff the Bus works to ensure that no child begins the school year without critical supplies. Research shows us that disadvantaged children can thrive, both academically and socially, when they have the tools necessary for early participation in the learning…
Support Restore Cedar Key Fund In September 2024, Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 4 storm, unleashed catastrophic destruction on Cedar Key, Florida, and the surrounding Big Bend region. With waves crashing as high as rooftops and debris smashing into homes and businesses, Helene’s immense strength left widespread devastation in its wake. Homes and businesses were…
Support the P.E.T.s. of Marion County Fund P.E.T.s. of Marion County, Inc. (P.E.T.s) is a 501c3 non-profit organization that was created in 2019 to help Marion County Animal Services in increasing adoptions and supporting the team that helps our temporary residents and our community. The goal of P.E.T.s is to increase awareness and adoptions and…
Support the Judi Cares Memorial Foundation The Judi Cares Memorial Foundation promotes childhood enrichment so that kids can live their best life. Judith (Judi) Ray Cassell Robinson was born August 14, 1935, in Decatur, Illinois, to Berry Hill Cassell and Esculine Martha Smith. She was one of three daughters. Judi loved to dance and met…
Support the Harlow’s Helping Hands Fund In loving memory of Harlow William, who bravely fought for over 30 days before gaining his wings, we are dedicated to carrying on his legacy through compassion and faith. Our mission is to protect and empower families by providing essential pool safety resources, swimming lessons, and CPR training. In…
Support the Vet Resource Center Fund The mission of Vet Resource Center, Inc. (VRC) is to provide education and information to Veterans and their families about the benefits they have earned and resources that are available for them. It also provides website-based benefit and resource information at VetResourceCenter.com, free website creation for Veteran Related Organizations,…
Support the Estella Byrd Whitman Wellness and Community Resource Center Gifts by check can be made payable to Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County and dropped off or mailed to 324 SE 24th Street, Ocala, FL 34471. Make sure to write “Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center Fund” on the Memo line. Cash gifts can be…
Wear Gloves exists to serve the distressed in Marion County by providing workforce readiness training to the most vulnerable and marginalized in our community. We believe that teaching skills and building dignity into our clients will eliminate the cycle of dependency.
Support the Honor the Family Foundation Fund HONOR THE FAMILY Fatherlessness has cost the United States 99.8 billion dollars in 2006. We are working to establish a strong community of father’s to lead their families. We are working with: Career Source, Better Together, Extreme Solutions, Christian 12 Step, Faith and Freedom Commission, Fellowship of Christian…
Support the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association Marion Therapeutic Riding Association strives to enhances lives using the healing power of human and horse connection. This unique pairing unleashes new abilities that grant purpose and envision greater opportunities. We serve persons of all capabilities with physical, emotional or intellectual challenges through Equine Assisted Activities. Serving the heart…
The Aubryn GY6 Foundation Fund supports first responders in Ocala and Marion County, Florida.
In May 2019, phase one of the Ocala Skate Park opened to rave reviews, but the entire park dream is not yet complete. This fund helps finish what’s been started by providing a full-fledged park for the estimated 22,000 skateboarders in Marion County.
Support the Kaitlin Hennessey Wolf Memorial Fund Kaitlin Hennessey Wolf’s life was a testament to determination, intelligence, and love. Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, and raised in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, she embodied the values of hard work and perseverance from an early age. Her academic journey took her to prestigious institutions like the University of Michigan,…
Support Love Israel Foundation The Love Israel Foundation (USA) is the connecting point between the United States and its partner Love Israel organization in Tel Aviv, Israel. Love Israel is a global not-for-profit organization that builds the bridge between Jewish and Christian people. It undertakes many valuable projects that provide religious education and support humanitarian…
Support the Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band OUR MISSION: We are a nondiscriminatory, all volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing community musical education and entertainment and to promote music at no charge as party of the community arts culture. OUR HISTORY: The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band was established in March 1990,…
Support the Marion County Litter Control The No Horsin’ Around with Marion Anti-Litter Campaign The anti-litter campaign is the result of discussion by the Litter Task Force initiative. Meetings of the Litter Task Force initiative are held weekly on Mondays at 4 p.m. at the Marion County Growth Services Training Room (2710 E. Silver Springs…
Support the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard The Marion County Memorial Honor Guard promotes Americanism, dignity, and respect for our country’s warriors by upholding the utmost professionalism and integrity through its conduct and image at all times. As a war veterans’ organization, we proudly provide ceremonial funeral honors and assistance to all military veterans and…
Support The Rock Program The Rock Rooms, strategically situated within multiple middle and high schools in Marion and Lake County, serve as vital hubs for addressing the essential needs of local students. Our mission is to instill hope for the future by empowering students in the present. Operated and staffed by dedicated community volunteers, these…
Support the Marion Senior Services Agency & Endowment Fund For 50 years, Marion Senior Services, with the support of this community, has honored our elders by providing resources to maintain their independence. Our team of dedicated professionals are like family, creating opportunities for our clients to find new relationships and healthier habits to manage daily…
Support the Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research For 37 years, the Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research, Inc. has proudly followed our mission, “To ensure a strong local/regional effort in the fight against cancer, through funding research and education”. To date, the Ocala Royal Dames have raised over $4,000,000 and have provided $100,000 grants…
Support the City of Ocala Public Art Agency Fund Did you know that public art in Ocala is 87% higher per capita than the City of Chicago? Our robust public art collections is comprised of murals, sculptures, galleries, and more. The City of Ocala Cultural Arts is dedicated to enhancing our public spaces and transforming…
Support the Big Sun Youth Soccer League Big Sun Youth Soccer League, Inc. (BSYSL) is the PREMIER youth soccer program in Marion County! Our mission is Excellence in Soccer. Founded in 1980 through the passion of a handful of individuals aspiring to invest the love of soccer through quality coaching, affordable training, and access to…
Support the Heart of Florida Health Center Heart of Florida Health Center began in 2007 with financial support from Munroe Regional Medical Center, Ocala Regional Medical Center, the Marion County Commissioners, and Department of Health. Growing out of what was previously Community Health Services of Marion County, the original goal of Heart of Florida Health…
Support the IHMC Education & Research Fund IHMC is an interdisciplinary, not-for-profit research institute of the Florida University System and is affiliated with several Florida universities. IHMC has locations in both Pensacola and Ocala. The Ocala campus is located near three major university research partners in Florida’s centrally located tech corridor. IHMC has been a…
Support the I Am My Sister’s Keeper Fund Connect. Equip. Empower. I AM MY SISTER’S KEEPER connects, equips, and empowers women to elevate every area of their lives including emotional, mental, physical, financial and spiritual well-being. Our vision is to create a world where women are empowered to achieve their God-given purpose. We strive to…
The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County is growing people’s passions for powerful purposes and strives to enhance the quality of life for everyone in Marion County. We are building a stronger community… one passion at a time.
The Ocala-Silver Springs Rotary Club Foundation is a local group of neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers, sharing ideas, joining leaders, and taking action to create lasting change.
The Ocala-Silver Springs Rotary Club Foundation is a local group of neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers, sharing ideas, joining leaders, and taking action to create lasting change.
The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County is growing people’s passions for powerful purposes and strives to enhance the quality of life for everyone in Marion County. We are building a stronger community… one passion at a time.
The Ocala-Silver Springs Rotary Club Foundation is a local group of neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers, sharing ideas, joining leaders, and taking action to create lasting change.
The Ocala-Silver Springs Rotary Club Foundation is a local group of neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers, sharing ideas, joining leaders, and taking action to create lasting change.
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra Endowment ensures artistic expressions through music continue to make lasting impacts in our community.
H.U.G.S. works toward one common goal – filling in assistance gaps for cancer patients, so they can focus on their physical health instead of the emotional, social, and physical stresses that come from receiving care.
The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County is growing people’s passions for powerful purposes and strives to enhance the quality of life for everyone in Marion County. We are building a stronger community… one passion at a time.
Interfaith Emergency Services is a community of faith called by God to offer emergency assistance without judgment to all persons in Marion County.
Located in the historic Union Station, MAX furthers visual artists’ creativity and professionalism, is a collaborative resource hub for artists, educators and art enthusiasts, and dramatically expands the cultural presence in Ocala.
Ambleside School of Ocala provides a “living education” to students in Kindergarten to 12th grade through this nonprofit Christian school.
Fort King Heritage Foundation is bringing the rich Florida history to life each day. Join us in supporting this local treasure.
Project Hope restores hope and healing to women and children by shepherding the homeless to self-sufficiency.
Community With a Heart, an all volunteer outreach, helps local families achieve a better life by assisting with outstanding mortgage or utility bills, home and car repairs, and other needs of our community’s most vulnerable.
The Ocklawaha River, a historic river route for fish, manatees, and boaters from Silver Springs to the Atlantic Ocean, was dammed in 1968, and the dam is past its life expectancy. Make a difference by supporting public education and outreach about needed Ocklawaha River Restoration.
Gratitude & Compassion, founded by Chester C. Weber, provides care, support, and essential resources for bereaved individuals, bringing hope and healing to those who need it most. Gratitude helps provide essential resources and support services to bereaved individuals.
On, October 25, 2020, our community lost an icon when the City of Ocala Police Chief Greg Graham passed away in a plane crash. The legacy he left will forever be felt in the lives he touched. This fund remembers the man loved by so many who impacted even more.
Transitions Life Center and Community (TLC) is making Marion County a brighter place for adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities (IDD)!
One in four children experience child abuse or neglect. Kimberly’s Center exists to respond to, protect, and restore these children so they can get the help, hope, and healing they need. Kimberly’s is Marion County’s compassionate response to the trauma of child abuse.
The Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund was established in 2005 to assist people within the Arabian horse community during times of unexpected catastrophes, such as barn fires, accidents resulting in significant financial burden, unexpected illnesses, acts of nature, and the like. They need your help to ensure the long-term viability of the fund that has already been crucial to hundreds of people!
The Marion Ballet Collaborative is a youth performing theatre ballet company in Ocala, FL. In 2019, they continued the nearly 40-year iconic holiday tradition of The Nutcracker performances with future plans to expand audition invitations to dance students around the country. They need your help to ensure the show will continue for years to come.
The Boys & Girls Club of Marion County enables all young people, especially those who need them most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Serving children aged 6-18, they focus on academic success, health & wellness and character & leadership.
Arnette House provides safe and effective programs to strengthen youth and families in Marion, Lake, Sumter, Citrus & Hernando Counties. They offer emergency shelter services, individual and group counseling, crisis intervention and referrals to youth and families.
The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County ensures children of the Marion County community have access to quality early learning programs that nurture their learning potential to prepare them for success. The ELCMC provides leadership and fosters partnerships to optimize a quality learning environment for Marion County children through child care, voluntary pre-kindergarten and parent education.
The Marion County Bar Association is committed to helping provide legal assistance to low-income Marion County citizens. Through the MCBA Civil Legal Aid Fund, services can be provided to assist in making sure that all have equal access to justice in Marion County.
The people of Marion County want excellent schools, and through the Public Education Foundation every individual, parent, teacher, businessperson, and community leader can influence the quality of public education in our community. Together, we can make our schools excellent in every way.
The Horse Protection Association of Florida rescues starved, neglected and abandoned horses and rehabilitates them, giving the horses renewed life and a future with the best care. With interest in building a new facility in southern Marion County, the Horse Protection Association seeks support from volunteers and donors to make their dreams reality.
From more services for our nonprofits helping our community’s most disadvantaged to increasing the education of the next generation of givers, from enhancing programs and opportunities for our community’s estate planners to ensuring residents in our community know how to align their passions with their giving, the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County remains at the forefront of impacting our community’s needs. We are building a stronger community… one passion at a time.
A science-based educational nonprofit organization, the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute focuses on documenting and protecting Florida’s springs and aquifers to ensure access to clean drinking water for current and future generations. Named in honor of a pioneer of springs science, a Yale graduate, Odum worked in the biology department of the University of Florida in the 1950s and conducted the first comprehensive ecological assessment of Silver Springs.
Give the gift of reading and literacy to students in the Marion County community of Ft. McCoy through the Mary DeCasper Memorial Fund. Dollars raised help keep her legacy and love of reading going among the generations of Ft. McCoy School students through Ms. DeCasper’s Reading Den, a cozy and inviting reading space for students in the School. Additional funds purchase books in Mary’s memory for children to take home.
The Building Hope Fund focuses on individuals in the construction industry, individuals needing construction resources, and scholarship opportunities to advance a career in or enter the construction industry workforce.
Through the Adam Hanson Youth Philanthropy in Action, we are educating Marion County middle school Students about philanthropy. Since 2012, members of the NonProfit Business Council have taught more than 1,000 students the YPIA curriculum in public and private middle schools with more than $23,000 in grants given to nonprofits. This innovative program is training tomorrow’s philanthropists how to find their passions early, so they can give back to the community now.
Lives changed and lives saved. Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs work through their incredible dogs to make a difference in the lives of those struggling with a variety of disorders including: PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Seizure Disorders, Mobility Issues and more.
