News Summary
The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation has distributed a record $1.6 million in grants to nonprofits supporting at-risk youth in Central Florida. This marks the 18th time grants exceeded $1 million. The foundation is committed to empowering youth through programs and initiatives, providing critical support for local communities. This week, surprise visits are being made to various organizations to present grants, including a $50,000 grant to support the Bookmark Buddies program, aimed at helping struggling readers.
Orlando – The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF) has reached a significant milestone by distributing a record $1.6 million in grants to local nonprofits supporting at-risk youth. This marks the 18th time the franchise has allocated at least $1 million in grants, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to empowering young individuals in Central Florida.
The initial round of grants is being delivered this week through surprise visits to various nonprofit organizations across Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties. Eighteen organizations will receive a bronze basketball keepsake along with an OMYF check during these visits. Community ambassadors from the Magic, including notable figures Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw, are actively participating in the grant presentations, with the first event having occurred on Monday.
Dan DeVos, the chairman of both the Orlando Magic and the OMYF, highlighted the organization’s dedication to supporting meaningful initiatives that empower the youth of Orlando. This season’s OMYF grants are set to be distributed in multiple phases, including a summer grant cycle, a winter grant cycle, microgrants, the Linda Landman Gonzalez Leadership Grant, and professional development opportunities for the selected grantees. A subsequent announcement detailing additional grant recipients is expected in February 2026.
This year’s initiative includes a total of $200,000 allocated for microgrants, aimed at providing smaller, emerging nonprofits with the financial support needed to grow their impact. Additionally, professional development opportunities for grantee organizations feature a comprehensive two-day course titled “Developing Annual Sustainability” and public speaking training called “Drop the Mic.” These enhancements aim to equip nonprofit staff with the skills necessary to thrive within their communities.
Among the various contributions made this year, the OMYF has awarded a notable $50,000 grant to the Education Foundation of Osceola County to support the Bookmark Buddies program. This innovative initiative focuses on providing one-on-one mentorship to struggling readers, aiding their educational progress and personal growth. During the grant presentation, representatives from the Osceola Magic, including president Hans Steinbrenner and the team mascot Swish, were present to underscore their collaborative efforts with the Education Foundation.
The OMYF relies on annual fundraising efforts—including donations, auctions, and events like the OMYF Open Golf Tournament and the Orlando Wine Festival & Auction—to finance its grants. The upcoming Orlando Wine Festival & Auction is scheduled to take place from February 27 to March 1, 2026, at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, providing an opportunity for the community to contribute to the foundation’s mission.
The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting at-risk youth through education and empowerment initiatives. By allocating these funds, the foundation aims to positively influence the lives of children and young adults throughout the region. Fans interested in supporting these efforts can also purchase season passes and single-game tickets for the Osceola Magic’s upcoming season at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee.
As the OMYF continues to deliver on its mission, the impact of these grants is expected to resonate throughout the community, reinforcing the importance of nurturing and stabilizing at-risk youth through dedicated support and resources.
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Additional Resources
- Orlando Magic Youth Foundation Announces $1 Million in Grants
- Wikipedia: Orlando Magic
- Grant Hill and Orlando Magic Commentary
- Google Search: Orlando Magic community support
- Orlando Magic Youth Foundation Awards $50,000 Grant
- Google Scholar: Orlando Magic community impact
- Cole Anthony Named NBA Cares Community Assist Award Winner
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NBA community initiatives
- No State Money for Rays Baseball Stadium
- Google News: Orlando Magic Youth Foundation grants
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
