1st Quarter 2026 Grant Awards

SECO Energy Foundation Awards $344,000 in First-Quarter 2026 Grants

In the first quarter of 2026, SECO Energy Foundation continued its commitment to strengthening local communities by awarding a total of 19 grants totaling $344,000 to nonprofit organizations across the SECO Energy service area. These investments supported essential programs and projects that address community needs and build long-term capacity for local impact.

Through strategic grantmaking and strong nonprofit partnerships, the SECO Energy Foundation remains dedicated to improving quality of life and ensuring vital services remain accessible to the communities it serves.

Powerhouse Youth Project – Pathway to Purpose | $5,000 | Clermont
Powerhouse Youth Project received funding to support its Pathway to Purpose program, which helps students build confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of direction through mentoring and personal development.

Hope Preparatory Academy – Digital Media Club Expansion | $25,000 | Groveland
Hope Preparatory Academy was awarded a grant to expand its Digital Media Class, providing students with hands-on experience in digital design, video production, and communications. Funding supports equipment, instruction, and opportunities that prepare students for future education and workforce pathways.

The Refuge at Jumper Creek - Family Shelter Repair | $5,000 | Bushnell
The Refuge at Jumper Creek received funding to support critical improvements to its family shelter, ensuring a safe and stable environment for residents. The project focuses on maintaining essential facilities that serve families experiencing homelessness. This investment helps preserve dignified living conditions while residents work toward long-term housing stability.

Citrus County Blessings – Community Food Assistance Program | $25,000 | Hernando
Citrus County Blessings was awarded a grant to support its food assistance program serving individuals and families facing food insecurity. The organization provides groceries, essential household items, and support services to neighbors in need. Funding helps sustain consistent access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations throughout Citrus County.

AmSkills, Inc. – Skill Boss Training & Assessment System | $25,000 | Holiday
AmSkills received funding to support its Skill Boss Training and Assessment System, a hands-on workforce development tool used to train and evaluate skilled trades workers. The program strengthens pathways into high-demand manufacturing and technical careers. This investment supports workforce readiness and helps meet regional employer needs.

Isaiah 117 House – Comfort and Care for Children Entering Foster Care | $5,000 | Ocala
Isaiah 117 House was awarded funding to support its mission of providing a safe, comforting space for children entering foster care. The organization serves children during a critical transition period, offering stability, basic necessities, and compassionate care. Grant funding helps ensure children are supported while awaiting placement.

Citrus Abuse Shelter Association – Emergency Shelter Support | $25,000 | Inverness
Citrus Abuse Shelter Association received funding to support its emergency shelter services for survivors of domestic violence and their children. The shelter provides safe housing, advocacy, and critical resources during times of crisis. This grant helps maintain secure, livable spaces where survivors can begin the healing process.

Habitat for Humanity Marion County –  Housing Construction Support | $25,000 | Ocala
Habitat for Humanity of Marion County was awarded a grant to support the construction of affordable housing for local families. Funding helps offset building costs while engaging volunteers and future homeowners in the construction process. The project promotes housing stability and long-term financial security.

Orianne Center for Indigo Snake Conservation – Conservation Education and Habitat Protection | $20,000 | Eustis
The Orianne Center for Indigo Snake Conservation was awarded funding to support conservation education and habitat protection efforts. The organization works to preserve native species and ecosystems through research and public engagement. This investment promotes environmental stewardship and awareness.

Christian Care Center – Feeding Our Neighbors Program | $25,000 | Leesburg
Christian Care Center received funding to support its Feeding Our Neighbors program, which provides food assistance to individuals and families in need. The program addresses food insecurity while offering additional support services. Grant funding helps ensure reliable access to nutritious meals.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida – STEM After-School & Summer Programming | $20,000 | Leesburg
This grant supports STEM programming for youth during after-school and summer hours, providing hands-on learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, and math. The program offers a safe, structured environment where students can build critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Funding helps prepare young people for academic success and future workforce opportunities.

Community Foundation of Ocala/Marion County – Nonprofit Professional Development Program | $24,000 | Ocala
Funding supports the Community Foundation’s Professional Development Program for local nonprofit organizations. The program provides training and capacity-building resources that strengthen organizational operations and service delivery. This investment helps improve the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of nonprofits serving Marion County.

Golden Triangle Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8087 – Operation “Pave the Lot” | $5,000 | Tavares

This grant supports repairs and repaving of the Post’s deteriorated parking lot, improving safety and accessibility. The facility serves as a gathering place for veterans, families, and community events. Funding helps preserve a vital space that supports local veterans and community engagement.

Hernando County Sheriff's Office – Community Policing E-Bike Program | $5,000 | Brookville Grant funding supports the Community Policing E-Bike Program, which increases officer visibility and engagement in neighborhoods and public spaces. The program allows deputies to interact more closely with residents while patrolling parks, trails, and community events. This investment strengthens community relationships and promotes proactive public safety.

Lake-Sumter State College Foundation – Lineworker Bootcamp Scholarships | $25,000 | Sumterville

This grant supports scholarships for students enrolled in the Lineworker Bootcamp program. The program provides hands-on training that prepares participants for careers in the electric utility industry. Funding helps build a skilled workforce while expanding access to high-demand career pathways.

Lutheran Services Florida –Housing Stabilization Program | $25,000 | Leesburg

Funding supports the S.T.A.Y. Positive! program through the Together at Home emergency shelter. The program provides housing stabilization services and supportive resources for individuals experiencing homelessness. This investment helps participants work toward long-term housing and self-sufficiency.

United Way of Lake and Sumter County – Sumter County Long-Term Recovery Group | $25,000 | Leesburg
This grant supports the coordination of the Sumter County Long-Term Recovery Group. The program brings together nonprofit, faith-based, and government partners to address disaster recovery needs. Funding helps ensure efficient, collaborative recovery services for residents impacted by emergencies.

Wildwood Soup Kitchen – Kitchen Equipment Replacement | $5,000 | Wildwood
Grant funding supports the purchase of essential kitchen equipment needed to safely prepare and serve meals. Wildwood Soup Kitchen provides free, hot meals to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. This investment helps ensure food safety while allowing the organization to continue serving the community.

Citrus Hospice House – All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Equipment | $25,000 | Lecanto

This grant supports the purchase of essential equipment for the new All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) program operated by HPH Hospice. The PACE program allows seniors to receive comprehensive medical and supportive services while continuing to live safely in their homes. Funding helps ensure the program is properly equipped to deliver coordinated, high-quality care to elderly participants across the service area.

 The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local charitable initiatives. The grants awarded by the Foundation are funded by SECO Energy members who round up their monthly electric bills. The average member contribution is approximately 50 cents per month, demonstrating the strength in numbers when a community unites. The Foundation distributes the funds through a quarterly grant process to support health and human services, veterans, public safety, STEM, energy, environmentalism and education. For more information, visit www.SECOFoundation.org.