55 Years of Helping Florida's children Thrive

Since 1971, the Florida Kiwanis Foundation has fueled scholarships, grants, and disaster relief—so kids and communities across Florida can move forward with hope.

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Honoring the past. Funding the future.

This anniversary isn’t just a celebration—it’s proof that consistent generosity changes real outcomes for kids, students, and communities. We’re building on 55 years of momentum to expand what’s possible in the next decade.

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Scholarships

Lift the educational burden so students can focus on their futures.

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Grants

Strengthen child-focused initiatives and empower Kiwanis clubs statewide.

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Disaster Relief

Provide rapid-response aid when Florida communities need it most.

55 Years of milestones

1971

The Vision Begins

In March, officers approved founding documents at Jacksonville's Robert Meyer Hotel. In April, the Foundation received its Certificate of Incorporation. Ralph Davis served as the first president, playing a key role in organizational development and early fundraising.

1972-1975

Early Leadership

J. Walker Field became the first elected President (1972). Ralph Davis was elected as the second president (1973). George "Rocky" Shearouse, one of the original trustees, became president in 1975.

2011–2012

Responding to Community Needs

The Emergency Grants Program launched, allowing the Foundation to respond quickly to urgent needs. The J. Walker Field Scholarship was created, marking the beginning of the Foundation's formal scholarship legacy.

2013

Scholarships for Families

The George & Ann Langguth Kiwanis Family Scholarship was established, honoring decades of service and leadership.

2015–2017

Expanding Educational Impact

The Charles & Emilia Gugliuzza CKI Scholarship was developed (2015), the Maria Mychaniuk Scholarship was launched (2016), and Gugliuzza CKI Scholarship awards formally began (2017).

2018

Sustaining the Mission

Friends of the Foundation Giving Program was established to build a broader base of ongoing support.

2019

Strengthening Service Leadership

The David & Donna Batelaan Grant Program was created to further empower clubs and service projects.

2021

Growing Grant Support

On March 12, 2021, the first Wil & Rachel Blechman Grant was awarded, expanding the Foundation's grant-making reach.

2024

Community-Based Growth

SLP Mini Grant Program launched. Wilton Manors / Broward College Scholarship established, deepening local community partnerships.

2025

Expanding Opportunity

Save A Club Grant Program introduced. Wilton Manors Friends & Family Scholarship first awarded. Richard W. Witmire Kiwanis Scholarship established.

2026

Honoring Legacy & Looking Forward

Broster Joe & Jan Schroeder Kiwanis Scholarship launched. Florida Kiwanis Foundation celebrates 55 years of impact.

2017-2025

impact numbers

Students Supported

Scholarships Awarded

Grants Awarded

Hurricane Relief

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How we create impact



Scholarships

Lift the educational burden so students can focus on their futures.



Grants

Strengthen child-focused initiatives and empower Kiwanis clubs statewide.



Disaster Relief

Provide rapid-response aid when Florida communities need it most.

Endowment Fund

Long-Term Funding for programs & Grants

This fund provides long-term funding for the service leadership programs, grants, scholarships, and more. The fund is an investment account managed by a financial planner with oversight by a board-appointed committee.

Gifts of $1,000.00 that result in Ralph Davis Fellow recognition, as well as all income derived from estate planning gifts of at least $5,000.00 with membership in the Florida Kiwanis Legacy Society, are designated by the Board of Trustees for the Endowment Fund.

Investment yields in excess of the percent set by the Board for grants programs also are applied to the growth of this Fund.

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