Changing Lives Through Financial Literacy

Our mission is to help change members’ lives, achieve financial freedom, and live debt-free.

But for many in our community, this isn’t always within reach. Without access and guidance in key financial opportunities, individuals and families across the communities we serve may not see or achieve what’s truly possible for them.

Helping Communities Thrive

FAIRWINDS was founded 75 years ago on the philosophy of people-helping-people. Through the FAIRWINDS Foundation, our non-profit 501(c)(3), that’s exactly what we’re doing.

The FAIRWINDS Foundation’s core purpose is to work with and support organizations and align with our desire to improve lives through financial literacy. “When families and individuals have the information and tools needed to secure and improve their financial health, we collectively impact and improve our community’s economic well-being,” says Elisha González, vice president of community relations and government affairs at FAIRWINDS and executive director of the FAIRWINDS Foundation.

Earlier this year the FAIRWINDS Foundation awarded $400,000 in grants to 15 organizations who are committed to and passionate about improving lives through financial well-being and financial literacy.

Continues Elisha, “By partnering with organizations equipped to support our community’s path to financial freedom, we’re helping people gain the skills and opportunities to become financially confident and independent.”

These are the 2024 FAIRWINDS Foundation grantees who are shaping a future of financial freedom and prosperity:

• Camaraderie Foundation

• CareerSource Central Florida (CSCF)

• City Year Orlando

• Community Foundation & United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties

• FoolProof Foundation

• Habitat for Humanity – Greater Orlando and Osceola County

• Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka

• Harbor House Central Florida

• IMPOWER, Inc.

• Junior Achievement

• Lighthouse Central Florida

• Prospera

• Quest Inc.

• The Sharing Center (TSC)

• United Against Poverty

Grants in Action

Over the past five years, the Foundation has granted more than $1.5 million toward financial literacy efforts.

“We’re able to help support our communities’ most economically vulnerable populations, including homeless and at-risk youth, victims of domestic violence, and minority business owners, among many others,” says Elisha.

Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando and Osceola County received a $30,000 grant in 2023, using the funds to increase its reach in financial education classes and one-on-one mentoring programs. The Habitat U Financial Education and Housing Counseling program offered learning opportunities in English and Spanish, online and in-person, allowing 537 community members to improve their financial wellbeing and stability.

Organizations like FoolProof Foundation contribute to the growth in financial literacy for students and teachers, using their $25,000 grant in 2023 to build curriculums on critical thinking and money skills that students can take with them through life.

Junior Achievement (JA) is dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. Through the JA Finance Park program, last year 24,509 students in Central Florida and 12,000 students in Tampa Bay gained access to vital financial education with help from the FAIRWINDS Foundation. A majority of these students are from low to moderate income households.

How You Can Help

These grantees and their stories are only a snapshot of the impact we are making together. Generous living truly can make an extraordinary difference in transforming the lives of others. If you would like to consider contributing to the FAIRWINDS Foundation and helping continue to make a difference, please visit the Foundation’s website to learn more. Donate today.