About
Emerald Coast Community Wellness Foundation (ECCWF), formerly known as The White-Wilson Community Foundation, is a 501(c)3 organization formed in 2012 to improve health care and wellness in Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties. Our mission is to strengthen community health through education, collaboration, and financial investments.
Through our annual grant program, ECCWF provides financial support to non-profit organizations that: advance community health, increase access to care, and/or provide health-related educational services.
Our Goal
We believe that we are stronger together. By funding innovative, creative, and life-changing solutions, ECCWF helps address the most pressing health issues impacting local residents and enriches the lives of our friends and neighbors.
Partnership
ECCWF is partnering with United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC), who will manage the grant process. UWEC will host the online application, lead communications, manage grant notifications, and oversee reporting. Funding decisions are made solely by ECCWF’s Board of Directors.
A prior relationship with UWEC is not required to apply, and an organization’s relationship or Partner Agency status with UWEC will not impact ECCWF funding decisions.
Separately, applicants are invited to learn more about becoming a United Way Emerald Coast Partner Agency. Partner Agencies may have access to additional opportunities and benefits throughout the year beyond this ECCWF grant process. Becoming a Partner Agency is entirely optional and is not required to receive ECCWF funding.
To learn more or apply for United Way Emerald Coast’s Partner Agency status, visit www.united-way.org/certification Applications are open through November 20, 2026 at 5pm CST.
Grant Timeline
- Application opens: Friday, October 2, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. CST
- Application deadline: Friday, November 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CST
- Notification: No later than January 31, 2027
- Funds distributed: No later than February 19, 2027 (upon receipt of a fully executed partnership agreement)
- Grant reports: Organizations will be required to submit timely mid-year and year-end reports showing appropriate social media recognition, impacts, and client stories (as outlined in the partnership agreement)
Eligibility
- Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing health-related programs/services in Okaloosa, Walton, and/or Santa Rosa counties.
- Applications are only accepted during the application period.
- Applications and supporting documents must be submitted digitally. No paper submissions will be accepted. Applications must be completed online at: https://united-way.org/2027ECCWFgrant
- Grants are not awarded to:
- For-profit organizations
- Individuals
- Political or lobbying organizations
- Religious organizations for religious purposes
Funding Priority
ECCWF seeks to make its funding meaningful by supporting organizations and programs where modest investments can have a significant impact. Priority may be given to smaller non-profits and community-based programs with limited access to large government, foundation, corporate, or local grants.
Receiving other funding will not automatically disqualify an applicant; however, access to significant outside funding may be considered during the grant review process.
Available Funds
ECCWF anticipates awarding $50,000 in funding this grant cycle, with typical awards ranging from $5,000-10,000.
This past year, ECCWF invested $60,030 across 9 local organizations. Grants ranged from $5,000 – 10,000; the average grant was $6,667.
Questions
Please send questions to eccwf@united-way.org or call 850.812.3382.
