Sunshine Health Awards Over $100,000 in Grants to Strengthen Florida Communities

FORT LAUDERDALE. Fla., Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunshine Health, a company of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), has awarded $106,000 in "Get to Know Us" grants to 50 nonprofit organizations across Florida that deliver vital programs addressing health-related social needs.

Each organization received a $2,000 grant to support initiatives that address needs like food insecurity, homelessness and workforce development. Sunshine Health's Marketplace product, Ambetter Health, awarded $2,000 each to one organization in Orange, Broward and Hillsborough counties to further support community efforts.

"Sunshine Health's 'Get to Know Us' grants are part of our broader Community Connections program, which supports nonprofits that are working to create healthier, more resilient communities across Florida," said Charlene Zein, CEO of Sunshine Health. "These organizations are making a meaningful difference in their communities, and we are proud to provide funding that allows them to grow their impact and enhance the programs they deliver."

The grants were established to foster new partnerships with organizations that share a commitment to building healthy communities. The awardees provide a wide range of social services from human trafficking prevention to nutrition support for postpartum mothers.

With 14% of Floridians experiencing food insecurity, programs like Food4Kids play a vital role in supporting vulnerable children and their families.

"With this support, Food4Kids will be able to feed over 1,400 chronically hungry children in North Central Florida every weekend. We are deeply grateful and looking forward to creating a lasting partnership to benefit children in Alachua, Levy, Dixie and Bradford counties," said Margot DeConna, Executive Director.

To address the growing challenge of homelessness in Florida, Fresh Start for Florida empowers families to achieve long-term self-sufficiency through education and support.

"This support represents more than funding. It represents hope and the chance for a brighter future. Sunshine Health is helping us transform lives and move families from crisis to stability," said Brittany Curry, Life Skills Program Manager, Fresh Start for Children and Families, serving Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa counties.

As the need for maternal mental health support continues to grow, organizations like Maternal Matters Favored is working to strengthen communities and improve outcomes for both mothers and their babies.

"With Sunshine Health's partnership, we are turning awareness into action and building stronger, healthier families across Florida," said Tamara Mackroy, President, Maternal Matters Favored, serving Putnam, Flagler, Seminole, Volusia and Orange counties.   

Sunshine Health is committed to supporting local organizations that improve lives across Florida through impactful community programs. Since 2023, Sunshine Health has awarded more than $5 million to support community-based organizations across Florida.

To view the full list of "Get to Know Us" Grant winners, visit the Sunshine Health Newsroom.

About Sunshine Health

 With offices across Florida, Sunshine Health is among the largest healthcare plans in Florida. Offering coordinated care and a network of support for our members, Sunshine Health is transforming the health of the community, one person at a time. We offer government-sponsored managed care through Medicaid, Long Term Care, the Health Insurance Marketplace (Ambetter Health), and Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans (Wellcare). Our specialty plans include the Sunshine Health Pathways to Shine Specialty Plan serving children in or adopted from the state's Child Welfare system; the Sunshine Health Mindful Pathways Specialty Plan for people living with serious mental illness; the Sunshine Health Power to Thrive Specialty Plan for people living with HIV/AIDS; and the Children's Medical Services Health Plan, operated by Sunshine Health on behalf of the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration for children and adolescents with special healthcare needs. Sunshine Health is a Centene Corporation company. For more information, visit SunshineHealth.com or follow us on Facebook and X @SunHealthFL. 

SOURCE Sunshine Health