ORLANDO, Fla. – (December 2025) – United Arts of Central Florida (United Arts) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $100,000 program-focused grant from the Universal Orlando Foundation during its Fourth Annual Celebration of Giving. This significant investment will help expand artist residencies in Title I schools, strengthen arts programming, and provide enhanced training opportunities for educators across the region.
The Celebration of Giving, held at Universal Orlando Resort, brings together nonprofit partners and Universal team members to recognize organizations meeting critical community needs and to highlight the growing role of volunteerism in Central Florida. This year, the Universal Orlando Foundation announced a record $1.55 million in new grants, contributing to more than $3.2 million donated to local nonprofits so far in 2025.
United Arts’ grant will directly support its mission to integrate meaningful arts experiences into classrooms, ensuring students of all ages and backgrounds have access to creative learning. By bringing professional artists into schools, expanding curriculum-aligned programs, and equipping teachers with arts integration training, United Arts aims to deepen student engagement, foster creativity, and strengthen academic outcomes for thousands of children.
“This generous support from the Universal Orlando Foundation allows us to bring transformative arts education experiences to even more students across Central Florida,” said Jennifer Evins, President & CEO of United Arts of Central Florida. “Arts education opens doors — to confidence, curiosity, connection, and a sense of belonging. We are grateful for this investment in our classrooms and for Universal’s commitment to creating opportunities for every child to thrive.”
The Universal Orlando Foundation’s commitment to community impact extends across education, food security, housing support, health access, and youth development. This year, fellow grant recipients included Lighthouse Central Florida, the Sharing Center, Hope Partnership, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, Orlando Science Center, and more — each working to strengthen the region in meaningful ways.
United Arts extends its deepest gratitude to the Universal Orlando Foundation for this impactful investment in arts education. This support reflects the power of partnership and underscores the role of creativity in shaping confident learners, resilient communities, and a vibrant future for Central Florida.
