Applications Open: Golden Grants to Support Central K-12 Schools, Programs, and Nonprofits

Pictured with the UHS Students are Michael King and Luis Bonilla of McDonald’s / Yontz Enterprises, UHS PTSA Past President Kanisha James, and UHS Principal Ott.

McDonald’s Central Florida announced that applications are officially open for its annual Golden Grants. Applications close on October 9, 2026.

ORLANDO, FL, UNITED STATES, August 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The McDonald’s Central Florida Operators Association (CFOA) announced today that applications are officially open for its annual Golden Grants program. Designed to empower local educators and community leaders, the program will award $2,500 and $5,000 grants to K-12 schools, youth sports programs, and youth-focused nonprofits across Central Florida.

As government funding cuts and economic pressures leave local organizations struggling to sustain essential services, educational challenges—such as national learning gaps in reading scores—continue to impact Florida students. The Golden Grants program aims to bridge these funding gaps by directly supporting local literacy, STEM, mentorship, and extracurricular initiatives.

"As local business owners, we live and work in the very communities we serve," said McDonald’s Owner/Operator Ania Nitzsche. "Our Golden Grants program is built to support the teachers, coaches, and nonprofit leaders who are working tirelessly to give our children the tools, mentorship, and encouragement they need to thrive."

Since launching in 2022, the Golden Grants program has awarded $144,000 to 41 organizations across Central Florida. In 2025 alone, the program distributed $40,000 to 11 impactful local organizations.

Among last year’s grant recipients was the University High School (UHS) PTSA "Your Move" (YM) initiative in Orlando—a project submitted by student Jay James and UHS PTSA President Kanisha James aimed at promoting positive mental health among high school students.

Program Details & Application Guidelines
Application Deadline: October 9, 2026
Recipient Announcement: November 2026

Eligible Counties: Brevard, Citrus, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Manatee, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, and Sumter.

How to Apply: Educators, coaches, and nonprofit leaders can review full eligibility guidelines, view past recipient success stories, and submit applications online at mcdgoldengrants.com.

The deadline to apply for Golden Grants is October 9, 2026. All grant recipients will be announced and notified in November 2026. To learn more about Golden Grants, past recipient success stories, eligibility guidelines, and FAQs, visit mcdgoldengrants.com.

About the McDonald’s Central Florida Operators Association: The McDonald’s Central Florida Operators Association is comprised of more than 44 local business owners representing 416 restaurants across 18 Central Florida counties. McDonald’s is committed to transforming convenience and customer experience through mobile ordering, curbside pick-up, and McDelivery. Customers can download the McDonald’s App for local offers and promotions. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com or follow along on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) @McDonalds.
# # #

© 2026 McDonald’s. All trademarks and/or registered marks are owned by their respective companies.
*McDonald’s Central Florida Operators Association covers the following counties: Brevard, Citrus, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Manatee, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter

Media Contact

Anna Lane
H/L Agency - Senior PR Manager
alane@hl.agency
912.220.1382
Click here for High-Res Photos & Media Assets

Anna Lane
H/L Agency - Public Relations
+1 912-220-1382
email us here