Foundation event honors area nonprofits
More than 100 organizations received Give4Marion funds and 26 were noted for completing a year-long academy.
Karla Greenway, the CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services, right, receives her award for perfect attendance in the Nonprofit Excellence Academy from Jeannie Rickman, the Economic Development Coordinator for Rep. Kat Cammack’s office, left, as Wendy Kebrdle of Wear Gloves, second from left, Myles McConico of Veterans Helping Veterans, third from right, and Lauren DeIorio, second from right, the President and Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, look on during the Give4Marion Nonprofit Check Presentations and Nonprofit Excellence Academy graduation at the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County on Southeast 24th Street in Ocala, Fla. on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2025.
The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County hosted a special celebration on Nov. 10 to honor the accomplishments of local nonprofits that continue to strengthen and inspire our community. The event recognized the 2025 Nonprofit Excellence Academy graduates and the outstanding success of Give4Marion 2025, Marion County’s 33-hour giving event.
During the ceremony, 26 nonprofits were honored for completing the year-long Nonprofit Excellence Academy. The academy is a program designed to build organizational capacity, strengthen leadership and ensure long-term sustainability. Special recognition was given to Interfaith Emergency Services and the Marion County Sexual Assault Center for achieving perfect attendance.
The event then turned to the incredible achievements of Give4Marion 2025, which officially raised $2,355,597 and reached an unofficial total of $2,483,400 after additional contributions. With more than 5,000 donors making 7,959 gifts, this year’s campaign broke records for community engagement and charitable giving. Since its inception, Give4Marion has raised $8,416,720 to benefit local nonprofits.
Over 100 organizations received Give4Marion prize and match checks, representing funds generated through donor matches, Community Foundation fundholder contributions and corporate partnerships. Dignitaries from across the community joined in congratulating the nonprofits for their dedication and impact, which included State Rep. Ryan Chamberlin and Jeannie Rickman, economic director/constituent advocate for Congresswoman Kat Cammack
The celebration closed with an invitation to continue investing in growth and generosity by reminding attendees that registration for the 2026 Nonprofit Excellence Academy is now open and encouraging all nonprofits to mark their calendars for Give4Marion 2026 on Sept. 15–16.
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