FAIRWINDS Foundation Announces Recipients of 2026 Grants

FAIRWINDS Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that serves as the philanthropic arm of FAIRWINDS Credit Union, continues its commitment to strategic, mission-driven giving by investing $500,000 for the second consecutive year. Since 2018, the Foundation has invested more than $2.5 million in initiatives focused on financial well-being.
 
The announcement was made today during a celebratory grant reception held at Full Sail Live, bringing together nonprofit partners, community leaders, and FAIRWINDS Credit Union representatives to recognize organizations working to strengthen financial capability, economic stability, and opportunities for individuals and families.
 
“These grants represent our belief that financial well-being is the foundation for strong families, thriving communities, and a resilient economy,” said Adrian Kierulf-Velez, vice president of External Affairs & Philanthropy at FAIRWINDS Credit Union and executive director of FAIRWINDS Foundation. “Each of these organizations is helping individuals build confidence, stability, and opportunity for a stronger financial future.”
Through its annual grant program, FAIRWINDS Foundation supports organizations serving Central Florida’s most vulnerable populations. The selected grantees demonstrate strong outcomes in advancing financial education, economic mobility, and pathways to self-sufficiency.
 
This year’s grantees include the following organizations.
 
Grant Recipients
Camaraderie Foundation ($25,000) provides counseling, financial assistance, and transitional support to veterans and their families coping with the invisible wounds of war.
CareerSource Central Florida ($25,000) connects job seekers and employers through workforce training, career development, and employment services that strengthen the regional economy.
Conductive Education Center of Orlando ($15,000) empowers children and adults with neuromotor disabilities through programs that build independence, confidence, and life skills.
Early Learning Coalition of Orange County ($20,000) supports school readiness by expanding access to quality early childhood education and family support services.
Florida Council on Economic Education ($40,000) equips educators and students with essential financial and economic education to support informed decision-making and long-term financial well-being.
Foundation for Orange County Public Schools ($75,000) supports Orange County Public Schools by providing programs and partnerships that enhance student success and workforce readiness.
Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County ($40,000) helps families achieve affordable homeownership while building financial stability through education and support.
Habitat for Humanity of Seminole County and Greater Apopka ($40,000) works to address the housing crisis by equipping future homeowners with financial literacy tools.
Harbor House of Central Florida ($20,000) provides shelter, advocacy, and empowerment services to survivors of domestic violence, helping families rebuild safety and financial independence.
Heart of Florida United Way ($25,000) mobilizes community partners to improve education, financial stability, and health across Central Florida.
Lift Orlando ($25,000) drives community transformation through neighborhood revitalization, economic mobility initiatives, and access to education and financial resources.
Lighthouse Central Florida ($25,000) empowers individuals who are blind or visually impaired through employment services, financial education, and life-skills training.
Pathlight HOME ($10,000) provides housing assistance, financial education, and supportive services to help families experiencing homelessness achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
Per Scholas ($25,000) advances economic mobility by providing tuition-free technology training and career pathways for individuals pursuing in-demand tech careers.
Prospera ($45,000) supports Hispanic entrepreneurs with bilingual business consulting, access to capital, and financial education to help businesses start, grow, and thrive.
Quest, Inc. ($25,000) supports individuals with developmental disabilities through employment services, housing assistance, and programs that promote independence and financial stability.
Rescue Outreach Mission of Central Florida ($20,000) provides shelter, meals, case management, and life-skills programming to help individuals experiencing homelessness regain stability.
In addition to honoring its 2026 grant recipients, the Foundation presented the inaugural Larry F. Tobin Community Impact Award, named in honor of FAIRWINDS Credit Union President and CEO and FAIRWINDS Foundation Board President Larry Tobin. The award recognizes an individual whose leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to community mirror the values Larry Tobin has embodied throughout his career—steady leadership, servant-hearted impact, and a dedication to improving lives through financial well-being. This year’s honoree, Raymond “Chuck” Yockel, was recognized for his lifelong dedication to advancing financial literacy. Beginning as a Junior Achievement volunteer in college, Yockel has dedicated his career to helping students build foundational money skills and financial confidence. He is currently director of Experiential Learning at Junior Achievement of Central Florida.
 
About FAIRWINDS
For more than 75 years, FAIRWINDS Credit Union has helped members achieve financial freedom by saving more, eliminating debt, building wealth, and living generously. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, FAIRWINDS serves more than 240,000 members with innovative and secure personal and commercial financial services, including deposits and loans, wealth management, retirement planning, treasury services, merchant services, and more. With a member satisfaction score more than double the banking industry average, FAIRWINDS members experience confidence and peace of mind. FAIRWINDS was named a 2025 Best-in-State Credit Union by Forbes and one of Newsweek’s 2026 America’s Best Credit Unions. FAIRWINDS is consistently named a top employer of choice, including American Banker, Credit Union Times, and Florida Trend. For more information, visit www.fairwinds.org.
 
About FAIRWINDS Foundation
FAIRWINDS Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to helping individuals achieve a path toward financial responsibility, security and freedom and inspiring them to transform the lives of others by living generously.
Through education, financial contribution and volunteerism, the Foundation works with and supports organizations that align with its passion of improving lives through financial literacy.