Published in the Clermont Sun.
The Live Well Foundation of South Lake has entered a new era of philanthropy as the 501 c (3) enters 2026.
Beginning this year, the foundation will officially adopt a trust-based giving model to reduce administrative costs on non-profit partners and accelerate funding for programs.
There will four grant cycles per year instead of two, and the application pathway will be more streamlined to ensure that organizations have less paperwork to fill out.
“As Executive Director, my role is to steward the Foundation’s mission with integrity and discipline while faithfully advancing the strategic direction set by our Board of Directors,” said Donna Kirtland of the Live Well Foundation. “This new progression will provide a streamlined and targeted grant process.
“I am honored to work alongside a Board that is deeply committed to thoughtful, community-driven grantmaking and to translating that vision into measurable impact for the residents of South Lake.”
The Live Well Foundation of South Lake was founded in 2019 as a 501 (c) (3) dedicated to inspiring sustainable initiatives that enhance the health and wellness of the community.
With a pot of $128 million initially donated from Orlando Health to spend on local projects, the charity also joined sister organization The Community Foundation of South, to help distribute the grants.
Since then, Live Well has spent around $70million on local projects in Clermont, Groveland, Mascotte, Minneola, Montverde and Four Corners including $45million on South Lake Hospital’s new tower that was opened in February 2024. With shrewd investments, the fund now tops $129 million.
There are 12 volunteer members on the Board of Directors comprised of senior leaders from healthcare, financial enterprise, sports management, physical therapy, education and many more professions. They ensure that money is invested wisely.
Applications are now open for the first wave of grants, which focus on Special Populations. The grant amounts available are $50-250,000 and $250K multi-year grants.
Special Populations include individuals and communities experiencing heightened vulnerability or barriers to accessing care, including people with disabilities or chronic conditions, individuals facing crisis or life transitions, caregivers, and those experiencing systemic access challenges.
In March 2026 applications are open for Nutrition & Healthy Eating Funding to support programs addressing food access, food insecurity, nutrition education, food pantries, agriculture and gardening initiatives, and equitable, sustainable food systems.
The following June, the Mortality & Life Expectancy Grants will focus on reducing preventable deaths and improving outcomes related to leading causes of death in Florida, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, respiratory illness, and Alzheimer’s, through access to care, prevention, and chronic disease management.
The final grants that are available this year starting in September will focus on Mental Health (All Ages). Support will be provided for prevention, early intervention, treatment, crisis response, trauma-informed care, and recovery services addressing emotional, psychological, and social well-being across the lifespan.
“By expanding to four targeted grant cycles and streamlining the application process, we are better positioned to partner with nonprofits and accelerate impact and improvement for health and wellness initiatives,” said Rodney Drawdy, Board Chair of the Live Well Foundation of South Lake.
“These grant changes reflect our Board’s commitment to trust-based philanthropy—removing unnecessary barriers while sharpening our focus on specific health and wellness needs in South Lake.”
Applicants for the grants now do not have to fill out a n official Letter of Intent (LOI). After completing a short eligibility quiz, they can proceed directly to the full application.
“These changes reflect our belief that nonprofits know their communities best,” said Grant Committee Chair, Susan McLean. “By reducing unnecessary barriers, we’re allowing organizations to focus more of their time and energy on impact, not paperwork.”
For eligibility details and application timelines, visit www.lwfsl.org.