FORT WALTON BEACH — Six nonprofit organizations serving Okaloosa and Walton counties will receive $10,000 grants from Cox Charities after Cox Communications employees selected the organizations through the company’s annual Community Investment Grant program.
The grants are entirely funded by Cox employees and business partners and support initiatives focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), environmental education, conservation and equal opportunity programs.
This year, six Gulf Coast organizations were selected to receive funding:
A Bed 4 Me Foundation will use its grant to provide beds for 76 children in Okaloosa and Walton counties. The organization says access to a safe and comfortable bed can improve children’s health, well-being, and academic success.
Children in Crisis will expand educational opportunities for children in out-of-home care through an eight-week summer STEAM program featuring hands-on projects using LEGO Education kits. The program is expected to serve between 60 and 75 children.
The Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) plans to use the funding to keep its Science Saturdays program free while covering summer robotics camp fees for students from families with limited financial resources.
Heart of the Youth Foundation will support approximately 120 students through its LEGO STEAM Summer Experience, providing instruction in coding, engineering, and problem-solving, and expanding access to advanced technology.
Nokuse Education will invest in upgrades at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center, enhancing environmental education programs through improved technology and outdoor learning spaces. The organization serves more than 6,500 students and visitors annually.
The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation will provide hands-on environmental education experiences for roughly 1,000 elementary school students through a watershed stewardship program designed to build STEM skills and promote conservation awareness.
John Spolski, assistant superintendent for the Okaloosa County School District and executive director of the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, said the grant will help students connect classroom learning with real-world environmental experiences.
“Thanks to this grant and Cox Communications’ support, our students will be immersed in hands-on learning through field-like experiences,” Spolski said. “These partnerships and grants are increasing access to meaningful enrichment opportunities for our Okaloosa students.”
Children in Crisis President and CEO Kevin Maloney said the funding will help provide transformative educational opportunities for children facing difficult circumstances.
“Cox Charities is not only investing in education; it is also helping empower at-risk children with confidence, innovation and brighter futures,” Maloney said.
The six local grants are part of a greater regional effort. Cox Charities awarded a total of $600,000 to 56 organizations across the company’s East Region this year.
David Deliman, market vice president for Cox Gulf Coast, said employee giving and volunteerism remain central to the company’s community engagement efforts.
“Giving back isn’t just something we do at Cox; it defines who we are,” Deliman said. “From funding local nonprofit grants to volunteering our time, we show up with heart, purpose, and a true commitment to the Gulf Coast community.”
Cox Charities is a charitable initiative of Cox Communications funded by employee donations and contributions from business partners.
