IMMOKALEE, DESOTO AND HILLSBOROUGH (July 27, 2022) – RCMA’s role as a United Way Suncoast strategic community partner moves into a new era this month with the launch of a multi-year funding commitment from the venerable nonprofit leader.
United Way Suncoast kicked off its new fiscal year on July 1 by initiating the distribution of a three-year grant that will deliver $405,000 to RCMA. RCMA will use the funds to support its early childhood education programs, wellness and health screenings, and parent engagement at its child development centers in DeSoto and Hillsborough counties.
Isabel Garcia, RCMA’s executive director, expressed excitement about the support.
“We value the commitment that United Way Suncoast made to the children and families in rural, primarily migrant communities that RCMA serves,” Garcia said. “Being able to count on this multi-year funding allows us to plan for staffing, educational materials and other program expenses.”
RCMA is Florida’s largest nonprofit provider of early childhood education and a nationally recognized charter school operator, with 65 child development centers and two charter schools in 21 Florida counties.
The community investment represents a first in United Way Suncoast’s 98-year history – a three-year commitment to 88 nonprofits that will total nearly $18 million by fiscal year 2025. In past years, United Way Suncoast issued annual grants. The new approach will empower RCMA to boost the strategic planning behind the program and grow together with United Way Suncoast.
“Our strategic community partners requested a change to multi-year funding and the reasons are clear,” United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff said. “It’ll create trends and allow us to measure true impact; it’ll reduce the strain of the application process for the partners and UWS, and it’ll strengthen our ability to tell stories and fundraise.”
To learn more about how to give of your time, talent, and treasure, visit rcma.org. You can learn more about United Way Suncoast at www.unitedwaysuncoast.org.
