The grants are funded by the NextEra Energy Foundation, the charitable arm of FPL’s parent company.
The grant recipients include the following entities in Okaloosa, Walton and Bay counties:
- Emerald Coast Theatre Company: Provides free theatre field trips to students in Okaloosa and Walton counties, aiming to expose them to fine arts despite reduced school arts programs. Over 1,600 students attended last year — $3,500.
- A Bed 4 Me Foundation: Since 2018, the Foundation has served over 2,800 disadvantaged children in Okaloosa and Walton counties with beds and bedding. Grant funds will buy a twin-sized bed, sheets, pillowcases, comforters and pillows for 41 children — $2,500.
- Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation: Launching “Building Math Skills” program for struggling fifth graders, focusing on hands-on construction-based activities to teach math literacy. Pilot program at Elliott Point Elementary — $10,000.
- Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation: Supports the ArtsReach program in Okaloosa and Walton counites, which provides diverse, inclusive and accessible art education and therapeutic sessions to underserved communities, including veterans, children and adults with disabilities — $5,000.
- Able Trust Florida Endowment for Vocational Rehabilitation: Supports high school high-tech programs in Escambia, Okaloosa and Bay counties, helping students with disabilities pursue postsecondary education and employment — $5,000.