DeVos family members contributed a total of $3 million to 30 local organizations over past two seasons in recognition of family’s first 30 years as ‘caretakers’ of Orlando Magic franchise
ORLANDO – Thirty years ago, shortly after acquiring the Orlando Magic franchise, Rich DeVos had one request – please don’t call him the owner. “The real stake in the team is the community and people who are the fans who come to the games,” DeVos said at the time. “We’re just the caretakers of your team and we’ll try to do a good job for you.”
Following these first three decades as caretakers, DeVos family members went a step further – formally thanking the community and fans through a seasons-long giving pledge called “30 grants for 30 years”. The effort contributed a total of $3 million to 30 area nonprofit organizations over the past 18 months, investing in people and projects impacting youth, essential needs for families, and community enrichment across Central Florida.
Local nonprofit honorees announced throughout the past two seasons included:
As part of the 30 grants initiative, each selected nonprofit was honored at its very own Magic game during the 2021-22 or 2022-23 season. Representatives were recognized during the game, featured on Magic digital platforms and given the chance to share their story directly with fans of the franchise.
“I would love the DeVos family to know how grateful we are for the support here in Central Florida,” said Heather Wilkie, Executive Director of Zebra Coalition, a local nonprofit providing housing and support services for LGBTQ+ youth. “The programming we offer is so specialized and so important for our kids. They often have a lot of challenges, both socially and (with) their families. So, for us to be able to provide support from a mental health counseling perspective and a social perspective at a young age is so important for their growth. We really appreciate all the support, and you are truly making an impact here in Central Florida.”
Grant Recipients
DeVos Family Foundation Celebrates Community Partnership and Grant Recipients at Close of 30 Grants for 30 Years Initiative
The 30 Grants for 30 Years effort contributed a total of $3 million to 30 area nonprofit organizations over the past 18 months, investing in people and projects impacting youth, essential needs for families, and community enrichment across Central Florida.
DeVos Family Foundation Grant Helps Local Children Reimagine John H. Jackson Neighborhood Center
As a result of a $150,000 donation from the DeVos Family Foundation through its 30 Grants for 30 Years Initiative, the John H. Jackson Neighborhood Center will be able to revitalize its playground to even further expand its community-driven portfolio to neighbors.
DeVos Family Foundation’s Gift to Harbor House of Central Florida Strives to Help Break the Cycle of Domestic Abuse Through Introduction of Family Justice Center
Thanks to a $95,000 donation from the DeVos Family Foundation as part of their 30 Grants for 30 Years Initiative, Harbor House’s outreach will extend further into the Central Florida community and help empower even more domestic violence victims to overcome their struggles by introducing a Family Justice Center.
Orlando’s West Lakes Community of Leaders Continues to Strengthen Education in Neighborhoods with Help from the DeVos Family Foundation
Thanks to a $150,000 donation from the DeVos Family Foundation, as part of its 30 Grants for 30 Years Initiative, Lift Orlando will be able to provide even more support for this cradle-to-career philosophy that is flourishing in the Communities of West Lakes.
Latest DeVos Family Foundation Grant Helps Fight Against Poverty in Central Florida
As a result of a $45,000 donation from the DeVos Family Foundation through its 30 Grants for 30 Years Initiative, UP Orlando will be able to sustain and expand their four-program offering for families throughout Central Florida.
DeVos Family Foundation Donation to AdventHealth Foundation Will Help Children Access Critical Mental Health Care
Thanks to a $150,000 donation from the DeVos Family Foundation as part of its 30 Grants for 30 Years Initiative, AdventHealth’s outreach will extend further into the community to transform the lives of even more children dealing with mental health challenges, providing resources to help ensure a brighter future ahead.
DeVos Family Foundation Grant Helps “Page 15” Write New Chapter on Childhood Literacy in Central Florida
As a result of a $30,000 donation from the DeVos Family Foundation through its 30 Grants for 30 Years Initiative, Page 15 will be able to extend after-school literacy enrichment programming, summer creative writing camps, student publishing outlets, performance opportunities, and community partnerships to meet kids where they are and reach as many children in the Central Florida region as possible.
Covenant House Florida in Orlando Receives Grant from DeVos Family Foundation to Help More Youth Experiencing Homelessness in Central Florida Get Back on Their Feet
Covenant House Florida in Orlando received a $60,000 donation from the DeVos Family Foundation as part of its 30 Grants for 30 Years Initiative.
“We are honored to have partnered with many strong community leaders and organizations doing great work through the 30 Grants for 30 Years Initiative,” Magic Chairman Dan DeVos said. “We are blessed by the countless individuals, nonprofits, and community-based teams committed to making Central Florida a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This initiative has been our way of saying ‘thank you’ for trusting us as community partners for the past three decades and into the future.”
30 Grants for 30 Years
In addition, all 30 nonprofit grantees were invited to come together at a celebratory reception at the Amway Center on January 28, 2023. In a message to those in attendance, Magic Vice President of Shareholder Relations Ryan DeVos shared, “Central Florida is a great place to live, work, learn, play, and more. There’s a real love and passion here for helping others, empowering people, and creating platforms to help all in reaching their full potential. We appreciate your great work in community and your ongoing partnership.”
The DeVos family purchased the Magic in 1991 and 30 years later, in 2021, announced the 30 Grants for 30 Years initiative. More information on the initiative can be found at www.nba.com/magic/community/devos-family-foundation
ABOUT THE ORLANDO MAGIC
Orlando's NBA franchise since 1989, the Magic's mission is to be world champions on and off the court, delivering legendary moments every step of the way. Under the DeVos family’s ownership, the Magic have seen great success in a relatively short history, winning six division championships (1995, 1996, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2019) with seven 50-plus win seasons and capturing the Eastern Conference title in 1995 and 2009. Off the court, on an annual basis, the Orlando Magic gives more than $2 million to the local community by way of sponsorships of events, donated tickets, autographed merchandise and grants. Orlando Magic community relations programs impact an estimated 100,000 kids each year, while a Magic staff-wide initiative provides more than 7,000 volunteer hours annually. In addition, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF) which serves at-risk youth, has distributed more than $26 million to local nonprofit community organizations over the last 31 years. The Magic’s other entities include the team’s NBA G League affiliate, the 2021 G League champion Lakeland Magic, which began play in the 2017-18 season in nearby Lakeland, Fla.; the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL, which serves as the affiliate to the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning; and Magic Gaming, of the NBA 2K League, which began play in the spring of 2018. The Magic play their home games at the award-winning Amway Center, honored with TheStadiumBusiness Awards’ 2013 Customer Experience Award and named SportsBusiness Journal's 2012 Sports Facility of the Year. For ticket information log on to OrlandoMagic.com or call 407-89-MAGIC.
ABOUT THE DEVOS FAMILY FOUNDATION
The DeVos Family Foundation (DVFF) is a collaborative effort between the second and third generations of the Rich and Helen DeVos family. DVFF supports strategic projects and initiatives that impact the community, empower individuals to reach their full potential, and catalyze change. DVFF has a particular interest in programs that promote the healthy growth of children and families, provide every individual with pathways to opportunities, and foster thriving communities for people to live, work, and play. DVFF strives for impact through partnerships and funding primarily in West Michigan and Central Florida. For more information, please visit devosfamilyfoundation.org.