ORLANDO, Fla. — Central Florida schools and youth organizations have until Friday to apply for grants supporting education, mentorship and extracurricular programs.
The McDonald’s Central Florida Operators Association is accepting applications for its annual Golden Grants program through Oct. 9.
Grants of $2,500 and $5,000 are available to K-12 schools, youth sports programs and youth-focused nonprofit organizations. The money can support literacy, STEM, mentorship and extracurricular initiatives.
Eligible organizations must operate in one of the following counties:
Brevard, Citrus, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Manatee, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole or Sumter.
Educators, coaches and nonprofit leaders can review the requirements and submit an application at mcdgoldengrants.com.
The program has awarded $144,000 to 41 Central Florida organizations since launching in 2022. Eleven organizations received a combined $40,000 in 2025.
Previous recipients include University High School PTSA’s “Your Move” initiative in Orlando, which promotes positive mental health among high school students.
This year’s recipients will be announced in November.
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