By Special to the NewsConsider the variety of needs in our community: food, clothing and care for those facing homelessness, STEM and mentoring programs to spark brighter lives for children and teens, beds for children who sleep on the floor, marine and wildlife conservation and education programs.
These are among the many community needs FPL is honored to be able to support through $104,000 grants to 13 nonprofits in Bay, Washington, Holmes and Gadsden counties in Northwest Florida.
NextEra Energy Foundation, a charitable arm of FPL’s parent company, awarded the grants to Northwest Florida nonprofits each quarter through 2023, with the last ones announced in December. The money will support their programs well into 2024. Foundation grants are focused on education, food insecurity, senior citizen support and child advocacy, as well as grants focused on environmental conservation and education to help protect our natural resources.
“At FPL, we are honored to support these remarkable nonprofits that lend a hand to lift up those in need,” said J.T. Young, FPL Northwest Florida VP and general manager. “Our commitment to playing an active role in our communities is unwavering as we support the invaluable missions of these important organizations. Together, we strive to strengthen and improve the quality of life and environment in our communities, making them even better places to live, work and raise a family.”
Helping to pave a brighter future for young men in Washington County is at the heart of the one of the grants awarded to The Art of Manhood.
Founder and President Garfrey White, a federal law enforcement officer, aims to redirect at-risk youth from the path of incarceration. He and his team of mentors empower young men of Washington County by instilling the vital values of education, skills training, financial literacy, business acumen, effective communications and even etiquette to support their academic achievements.
“We are very appreciative to have FPL support where our hearts and desires are for these young men,” White said. “I cannot express our gratitude enough. Some of the grant pays for ACT and SAT tutoring and other college preparation materials to enhance the mentees’ academic outcomes. In addition, some of the grant is used for micro-scholarships for books and supplies for college.”
Bay County
- Arc of the Bay Adult Day Training — Culinary Institute scholarships
- Family Service Agency Homeless Outreach Program
- St. Andrews Christian Care Center Inc. — feeding and clothing program
- Gulf World Marine Institute – sea turtle rehabilitation facility enhancements
- St. Andrews Bay Watch — Grasses for Classes
- Bay County Education Foundation — teacher grant
Washington County
- Washington County COA — home-delivered meals
- Art of Manhood Youth Career and Academic Excellence Program
- Florida Learns Foundation
Holmes County
- Holmes County Education Foundation — teacher grant
Jackson County
- Jackson County Education Foundation — teacher grant
Gadsden County
- St. Francis Wildlife Association — wildlife hospital support
NWFL
- Air & Water Management Coastal Plains chapter — scholarships to develop next generation of environmental professionals
Hannah Collins 
KINSLEY COOK