United Arts of Central Florida has announced a transformative investment of $2.45 million in 62 local nonprofits to bolster arts and culture across Osceola, Lake, Orange, and Seminole Counties. This funding will sustain jobs, enrich cultural experiences, and fortify the artistic foundations of the region.Among the recipients, the Museum of Military History in Osceola County received $10,000.
The museum, which began in 2003 as the Veterans Tribute & Museum of Osceola County Inc. at the Osceola Square Mall, has evolved into a tribute to military history and education. Since moving to its current location in 2012, it has become a cornerstone of cultural and historical enrichment in the community.
Jennifer Evins, president and CEO of United Arts of Central Florida, said, “In a season of great need, we stand firm in our commitment to the arts, science, and history organizations, as well as individual artists, in our region. The $2.45 million in grant support will empower nonprofits to innovate and thrive, ensuring cultural experiences remain accessible to everyone—from our neighbors to visitors from across the globe. Together, we are building a vibrant cultural future for Central Florida and we could not be more proud to be Central Florida’s local arts agency.”
Funding With Purpose
This significant investment supports nonprofits in several key ways:
- Empowering Organizations: Grants provide unrestricted funds, allowing recipients to address critical needs such as operational expenses, innovative programming, and staff development.
- Championing Diversity: Many grant recipients focus on inclusivity, ensuring arts and cultural experiences are accessible to all and amplify underrepresented voices.
- Addressing Financial Gaps: The investment is vital following state funding cuts totaling $32 million, including $6 million from the Central Florida area.
- Driving Impact: Last year’s funding helped 42 organizations produce 2,628 events, engage over 6,100 artists, and provide arts education to nearly 493,000 youth.
Spotlight on the Museum of Military History
The Museum of Military History, located in Kissimmee, offers visitors a deep dive into military history through engaging exhibits, educational programming, and community events. From its beginnings as a Vietnam War Memorial to its current role as a comprehensive military history museum, the institution continues to honor service members and educate the public.
To learn more, support the museum, or plan a visit, explore their website at Museum of Military History.…