Eighty-seven Central Florida nonprofits are the recipients of $3.8 million in Disney grants.
The donations to the nonprofits will impact the lives of more than 85,000 children in Central Florida.
The grants were announced at the Orlando Science Center where the guests included Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney World Resort President George A. Kalogridis, and Walt Disney World Resort Director of Community Relations Nancy Gidusko.
During the presentation of grants, the Voices of Liberty from Epcot performed two a capella songs – You Raise Me Up and the Oscar-winning hit Let It Go from …

Yesterday, 59 Central Florida organizations that serve the needs of children were awarded grants by Disney. The grants totalled more than $1.5 million.
Under the Disney Helping Kids Shine Grants program, the company awarded various groups ” that have a positive impact on approximately 70,000 thousand children in our community.”
Walt Disney World President George Kalogridis also awarded the Orange County Public Library System with the Bob Allen Outstanding Community Service Award. Disney awards the grant annually to a group in recognition for exemplary work to youths in the Central Florida area.  Plans …

About 100 Central Florida nonprofits have applied for grants through the Disney Helping Kids Shine grant program.
Disney will be awarding grants from $10,000 to $75,000 to nonprofits that focus on building bright futures for local children. Last year, Disney donated a total of $1.5 million to 59 local nonprofits and Florida school districts through the Disney Helping Kids Shine initiative.
Nancy Gidusko, director of community relations for Walt Disney World, said:
At Walt Disney World, we invest in programs that can make a lasting change in our community and promote the success …

Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund has awarded a grant to The Jersey Shore Terrapin Conservation Project, a program through the Wetlands Institute. This project is designed to monitor human impact on diamondback terrapins and help reduce the impact through various conservation measures.
Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Wetlands Institute executive director, says:
We are delighted to be working with DWCF to expand our work to reduce terrapin mortality due to human impacts in our community.  These programs provide the community with opportunities to participate in meaningful and impactful conservation efforts.
Within the year ahead, Wetlands Institute …

A group of VoluntEARS from Disney’s Boardwalk Inn have planted and delivered basil, oregano and rosemary to a transitional housing facility in Kissimmee, Florida.
This volunteer effort was coordinated by Boardwalk Cast Members and the non-profit organization HOME (Helping Others Make the Effort,) which provides services to homeless families in need.
Boardwalk Inn General Manager Dave Venables says:
It feels great to be able to contribute in any way we can in our community. One of the things our company stands for is being a great partner in Central Florida. We …

Youth Services of America in collaboration with Disney Friends for Change in Latin America and the UK have unveiled two new grant programs to further their goal of helping children make a positive impact on their world and those within it.
The new grant programs in the UK and Latin America are aimed at kids 5 to 18 and are designed to help kids get involved with creating a healthier planet while making a difference. Those who apply for these programs are able to help improve lives and make a real …

Starting today, Walt Disney World Resort will be awarding $1.5 million in grants to a variety of organizations across Central Florida that benefit the region’s children.
According to sources, Disney will be giving away “Helping Kids Shine” grants to 59 organizations in the area. Estimates say these grants could potentially benefit about 70,000 children.
The first grant will be awarded to the Orlando Repository Theatre, an organization that uses music, art and theater to help stimulate creativity in children. Disney will make surprise visits to other organizations throughout the week that offer …

Disney recently announced 10 Florida-based projects that will be the recipients of the 2010 “Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund” awards to protect vulnerable wildlife and ecosystems. Awarding $1.5 million in grants will enable Florida non-profit groups to continue their research and protection efforts for more than 45 species, including sea turtles. Over the past 10 years the “Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund” has provided more than $15 million in grants for the study of wildlife, protection of habitats, community conservation, and education.
“As part of Disney’s longstanding commitment to the environment, the …