Dr. Phillips Charities Awards $325,000 to 17 Central Florida Organizations Creating Impact Across the Community
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Orlando Ballet receive $125,000 Leadership Awards; 15 additional organizations receive $5,000 Microgrants to support local programs and services.
ORLANDO, Fla. – [September 23, 2026] – Seventeen Central Florida nonprofit organizations are being recognized for the work they do to create opportunities, strengthen communities, and help others help themselves, with Dr. Phillips Charities awarding a total of $325,000 through its 2026 Impact Awards.
The awards include two $125,000 Dr. Phillips Leadership Awards, presented to the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Orlando Ballet, and 15 $5,000 Legacy Microgrants supporting nonprofit organizations serving people throughout Orange and Osceola counties.
Together, the 17 recipients reflect the breadth of work happening across Central Florida, from the arts and education to healthcare, children and youth, social services and other community needs.
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Orlando Ballet are being recognized for their sustained contributions to Central Florida’s cultural life and their efforts to expand opportunities for people to experience and participate in the arts.
“The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is humbled and honored to be a co-recipient of this year’s Dr. Phillips Leadership Award alongside our cherished partners at Orlando Ballet. The legacy of Dr. Phillips has had a profound impact across Central Florida, and the family’s motto of “helping others help themselves” is one we are proud to carry forward through our work,” said Executive Director Karina Bharne. “Support from Dr. Phillips Charities empowers us to meet people where they are, try something new, and share the transformative power of music with more of Central Florida.”
“Receiving the Dr. Phillips Leadership Award is a tremendous honor for Orlando Ballet and a meaningful affirmation of the impact the arts play in enriching and strengthening Central Florida,” said Executive Director Bradley Renner. “This support allows us to connect more people to the joy and artistry of dance through inspiring performances, create pathways to exceptional training and scholarship opportunities, and deepen our impact by ensuring
that individuals and families across our community can experience and engage with dance. We are grateful for this recognition, which reinforces our commitment to using
dance as a catalyst for creativity, connection and belonging throughout our community.”
The 15 Legacy Microgrant recipients represent another important part of the region’s nonprofit landscape, with organizations working directly with children, families and individuals across Orange and Osceola counties.
The 2026 Legacy Microgrant recipients are:
A Place for Grace Ministries
Blues Truth
Camaraderie Foundation
DM&A’s me & my commUnity
Freedom Ride
Healthy Start Coalition of Osceola County
IS Hankins – FA Johnson Education Foundation
Loving Hearts & Praying Hands
One Heart for Women & Children
Orange County Police Athletic League
Place of Restoration Resource Center
Rebuild Yourself
Runway to Hope
Steps Foundation
The Penitent Thief
Each organization will receive $5,000 to support its work, whether through expanding an existing program, launching a new effort or providing resources directly to the people it serves.
“We are fortunate to see the work these organizations are doing across Central Florida,” said Ken Robinson, President & CEO of Dr. Phillips Charities. “They are helping children, families and individuals in so many different ways, and each organization brings something important to the people it serves. We are grateful to be able to recognize that work and provide support to help them continue moving forward.”
The 2026 Impact Awards continue a philanthropic legacy that has provided more than $270 million in total giving to Central Florida organizations and initiatives. Today, Dr. Phillips Charities gives approximately $12 million annually across giving sectors such as: Arts & Culture, Children & Youth, Education, Healthcare, Social Services and Others.
The 17 recipients will be recognized on October 15 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Christina Watkins will serve as emcee and moderate a fireside conversation with representatives from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Orlando Ballet about nonprofit leadership, creating lasting community impact and what Central Florida needs next.
About Dr. Phillips and Dr. Phillips Charities
Dr. P. Phillips was a visionary whose charitable contributions and entrepreneurship helped create a vibrant, thriving community in Central Florida. The Dr. Phillips name has been a major economic and philanthropic presence in the Central Florida community since the turn of the 20th century. Dr. Phillips Charities (Dr. Phillips Inc. and The Dr. P. Phillips Foundation) uses the earnings from its investment and real estate income to give financial assistance to hundreds of charities serving primarily in Orange and Osceola counties. Dr. Phillips has contributed more than $270 million in grants, pledges and program-related investments to Central Florida charities responding to the needs of the community and directly touching the lives of thousands of children and families. Learn more at www.DrPhillips.org.
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