Visionaries Unite: The Change Makers Breakfast – Summer 2025 Recap
As the sun was coming up over Orlando on August 12, 50 of Central Florida’s most dedicated change makers gathered in downtown Orlando at Eola View for an inspiring morning of connection, celebration, and community. The Parikh Giving Alliance welcomed nonprofit leaders, donors, and visionaries to the second Change Makers Breakfast of our inaugural year — a tradition we began in April 2025 to honor our Grant Recipients and the transformative work they lead in healthcare, education, and the arts.
Co-Founders Beena M. Parikh, PhD, and Amish M. Parikh, MD opened the program with their signature energy, warmth, and insight, sharing personal reflections on the essential needs these sectors address and the unique role the Alliance plays in fueling innovation and collaboration.
A Morning of Inspiration
The stage came alive with stories, insight, and artistry from three dynamic voices in healthcare, education, and the arts:
Spotlight Healthcare – Dr. Kevin Klauer, President/CEO of Shepherd’s Hope, shared heartfelt stories of patients whose lives were transformed through compassionate, no-cost medical care, underscoring the urgent need for accessible healthcare in Central Florida.
Spotlight Education – Dr. Jessica Henlon, Educational Psychologist, brought the room to a thoughtful hush as she spoke about the critical connection between emotional well-being and academic success, and the powerful impact educators can have on a child’s life trajectory.
Spotlight The Arts – Gabriel Preisser, Grammy Award-winning leader of Opera Orlando, captivated guests not only with her reflections on the transformative power of the arts, but also with a stirring performance of “Dream the Impossible Dream” from The Man of La Mancha — a fitting anthem for the morning’s celebration of vision and perseverance.
Summer 2025 Grant Recipients
Following the inspiring talks, the Parikh Giving Alliance proudly announced our Summer Cycle grant recipients, awarded on August 12, 2025.
Transformational Change Grant
$20,000 over two years – 3 awards ($10,000 each) Aimed at larger-scale programs or projects, the Transformational Change Grant supports nonprofits working on ambitious initiatives that promise to make a significant, long-lasting impact. This grant funds well-established programs in healthcare, education, or the arts that are addressing systemic issues and seeking to drive meaningful change on a broad scale.
Pathlight HOME – Advancing housing-first solutions for adults experiencing homelessness.
Central Florida Community Arts – Expanding inclusive arts programs for all ages and abilities.
Paving the Way Foundation – Preventing exploitation and trafficking through education and advocacy.
Community Catalyst Grant – $5,000 each – 3 awards
Encouraging partnerships and collaborative efforts, the Collaboration Catalyst Grant funds projects where multiple nonprofits work together to achieve shared goals. This grant supports joint initiatives that combine resources and expertise, with a focus on enhancing community well-being through innovative healthcare, educational, or arts programs.
IDignity – Restoring legal identity to access housing, healthcare, and employment.
Shepherd’s Hope – Providing free healthcare to uninsured and underserved residents.
Center for Independent Living (CIL) – Promoting independence and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Seedling Spark Grant – $2,500 each – 2 awards
Designed for emerging projects or pilot programs, the Seedling Grant supports new initiatives in healthcare, education, and the arts. This grant provides early-stage funding to help nonprofits develop innovative ideas that have the potential to grow and make a lasting impact.
OCA – Opportunity Community Ability, Inc. – Inclusive programs for individuals with special needs.
Orlando Youth Chamber Ensembles – Expanding youth access to quality music education.
Event Impact Grant –$1,500 each – 2 awards
This grant aims to support organizations hosting events that foster community connection, awareness, and enrichment in these vital sectors. Ideal for nonprofits looking to increase event reach or impact.
Orlando Sports Foundation – Supporting cancer research through the All-Star Game.
Orlando Community Arts – Delivering accessible performing arts experiences for youth and families.
Looking Ahead
As the morning wrapped with Collaborations & Commitments, guests left inspired to continue their work — and to return. Take a sneak peak at our 2026 Spring Grant Cycle opens January 15 – March 15, 2026, with grant recipients to be announced at the Change Makers Breakfast on April 7, 2026.
From the first light over Lake Eola to the final conversation of the morning, the Change Makers Breakfast proved what’s possible when visionaries unite — and we can’t wait to see the change our 2025 recipients will create.