A Year of Shared Impact: Celebrating Our Inaugural Journey Together
As we close out our inaugural year, we are filled with gratitude — and inspired by the incredible momentum built across our community. When we launched the Parikh Giving Alliance, our vision was clear: to accelerate impact by helping nonprofits in healthcare, education, and the arts work better together.
“This inaugural year affirmed something we’ve always believed: when nonprofits collaborate, our community grows stronger. We are honored to walk alongside organizations who show, every day, what compassion and creativity can achieve.”
— Beena Parikh, Phd - Co-Founder, Parikh Giving Alliance
Three Collaboration Circles — One Shared Purpose
In 2025, we proudly hosted three Collaboration Circles, each created to spark ideas, deepen understanding, and strengthen connections across healthcare, education, and the arts. These (free to attend) one-hour “Zoom-at-Noon” programs united nonprofit leaders, subject-matter experts, and community innovators for powerful conversations designed to fuel collaboration across sectors.
Each session featured three dynamic speakers sharing in five minutes or less, followed by guided questions from our host, Beena M. Parikh, PhD, and engagement from participants. More than 300 nonprofit professionals joined us across the series, creating a ripple effect of collaboration that will continue shaping our work into 2026.
Healthcare Collaboration Circle
Bridging Gaps in Access — May 6
Our Healthcare Collaboration Circle explored some of the most pressing issues facing Central Florida’s health ecosystem — including mental health equity, community partnerships, and strategies to expand access for underserved populations. Through the lens of nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, and clinical care, our speakers offered practical, compassionate insights on how organizations can work together to close gaps and strengthen community well-being.
Speakers Included:
Marni Stahlman, President/CEO, Mental Health Association of Central Florida
Nicholas Abrahams, President/CEO, Winter Park Health Foundation
Debra Andree, MD, President/CEO, Community Health Centers
Education Collaboration Circle
Building Resilient & Adaptable Minds — August 5
This session focused on the role of education in shaping future-ready learners, strengthening families, and creating pathways for success. Speakers highlighted how nonprofits and schools can collaborate to meet evolving academic, emotional, and social needs, particularly in communities facing resource barriers.
Speakers Included:
Jane Thompson, President, A Gift for Teaching
Dr. Sheila Amin Gutiérrez, Dean, UCF Burnett Honors College
Alicia Hodge, Vice President of Development, Seminole County, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida
Arts Collaboration Circle
The Healing Power of Creative Expression — October 7
Our Arts Collaboration Circle celebrated the role of creativity in fostering emotional well-being, cultural connection, and community resilience. Speakers explored how arts organizations can expand access, support mental health, and ensure that people of all ages — including those in under-resourced neighborhoods — can benefit from creative outlets.
Speakers Included:
Jennifer Evins, President/CEO, United Arts of Central Florida
Marsha Lorenz, President/CEO, Seniors First, Inc.
Gisela Carbonell, PhD, Curator, Rollins Museum of Art
More than a webinar series, Collaboration Circles offer a platform where nonprofit leaders can learn from one another, build meaningful partnerships, and spark new ideas that strengthen missions across the region. Registration is always free, and organizations across healthcare, education, and the arts are encouraged to join in 2026.
Each session brought together nonprofit leaders, experts, and innovators who shared insights on how to meet pressing community needs with compassion, collaboration, and creativity. More than 300 participants joined us across these conversations — and the ideas sparked will continue to influence our work well into 2026.
Driving Change - Spring and Summer Grant Cycles
In our inaugural year, the Parikh Giving Alliance received proudly awarded $80,000 in grants to organizations advancing meaningful work in healthcare, education, and the arts. Through two competitive grant cycles, we funded programs that strengthen families, expand access to healthcare, elevate the arts, promote inclusion, and support some of our community’s most vulnerable neighbors. These grants reflect our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and ensuring nonprofits have the resources they need to create measurable, lasting change.
Grant Cycle One — Spring 2025 Award Recipients
Total Awarded: $27,000
$1,500 – The Faine House
$1,500 – Haitian American Art Network, Inc.
$1,500 – Skate Bud Program, Inc.
$2,500 – Community Clay Connections
$2,500 – Chance 2 Dance, Inc.
$2,500 – Grace Counseling Center of Florida
$5,000 – Dave’s House
$5,000 – The 4R Foundation, Inc. (4Roots)
$5,000 – Drums In Recovery, Inc.
These grants supported programs focused on youth enrichment, culturally relevant arts education, community counseling, inclusive recreation, creative expression, and mental health wellness.
Grant Cycle Two — Summer 2025 Award Recipients
Announced at the Change Makers Breakfast — Total Awarded: $53,000
$10,000 – Paving the Way Foundation
$10,000 – Central Florida Community Arts
$10,000 – Pathlight HOME
$5,000 – IDignity
$5,000 – Shepherd’s Hope
$5,000 – Center for Independent Living (CIL)
$2,500 – OCA, Opportunity Community Ability, Inc.
$2,500 – Orlando Youth Chamber Ensembles
$1,500 – Orlando Sports Foundation
$1,500 – Orlando Community Arts
These awards empowered organizations addressing identity recovery, healthcare access, inclusive arts, housing stability, disability inclusion, youth mentorship, and community wellness.
Celebrating Leadership & Community – Change Makers Breakfast
In 2025, we launched a new tradition that will become a cornerstone of our grant making cycle, the Change Makers Breakfast. These invite-only gatherings, held in April and August, were created to honor our Spring and Summer Grant Cycle recipients while bringing together leaders who are moving Central Florida forward. What began as an idea to celebrate grantees has quickly grown into a signature experience—one that elevates visionary nonprofits, highlights powerful stories of impact, and creates an inspiring space for mission-driven connection.
At our April Change Makers Breakfast, we proudly announced the recipients of our Spring grants, recognizing organizations whose innovation and compassion are shaping healthier, more vibrant communities. At our August Change Makers Breakfast, we continued that momentum by awarding our Summer grant recipients and spotlighting the remarkable work taking place across healthcare, education, and the arts.
More than an event, the Change Makers Breakfast gatherings have become a reflection of our values: collaboration, gratitude, and the belief that meaningful change happens when leaders come together. We are excited to continue building on this new tradition in the years ahead. Check out the 2026 Change Makers Breakfast dates.
“Our board’s dynamic dedication strengthens everything we do. We are deeply grateful for the commitment of Reena Patel, Manish Parikh, and Candice Heyaime, whose passion and vision shape the impact we make together. Their strategic inspiration —paired with the energizing leadership of our Executive Director, Paula Wyatt—is the reason our mission continues to grow. "
— Amish M. Parikh, MD - Co-Founder, Parikh Giving Alliance
Mission Field Trip — Seeing Impact Firsthand
In August, we introduced our Mission Field Trip series — full-day, immersive experiences where the Parikh Giving Alliance leadership team travels across Central Florida to meet nonprofits where they are, learn about their work, and witness impact in real time. These journeys take us inside program spaces, classrooms, studios, clinics, and community hubs, giving us a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs that shape the nonprofit landscape.
Our inaugural trip brought us to some remarkable organizations serving children, families, seniors, and individuals with special needs. Some were current grantees, others were new introductions — all offered powerful insight into the heartbeat of our community. Every stop reminded us why this work matters and how essential it is to invest in leaders who show up every day with creativity, compassion, and courage. We left inspired, uplifted, and more committed than ever to walking alongside the organizations driving meaningful change.
Because of the profound value of this experience, we are making the Mission Field Trip an annual tradition, with three trips planned each year in January, June, and November. These journeys help shape our understanding, deepen our relationships, and guide how we continue supporting nonprofits in healthcare, education, and the arts. For more information — or to be considered for a future tour — click here.