John & Martha Carter Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various educational initiatives and youth development programs. Its mission centers around enhancing education, promoting literacy, and providing opportunities for youth, including those with special needs. The foundation also focuses on health-related causes, such as aiding children battling diseases, and offers disaster relief support. Primarily serving local communities, it funds a range of organizations that align with its commitment to education and community service.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small local education or youth-focused nonprofits (schools, literacy programs, camps, disability services) based in or serving the Lake Wales/Polk County, FL area seeking modest one-year grants.
Good Fit
- • Organization is located in or serves Lake Wales/Polk County, Florida.
- • Programs align with education, youth development, literacy, or disability services.
- • Asking for a modest grant (typically a few thousand dollars).
- • Existing relationship or referral from a past grantee or local trustee contact.
- • Track record of local program delivery and clear, concrete use of funds.
Geography
Giving is heavily concentrated in Florida (about 94% of dollars) with only one small out-of-state exception; two states appear in filings but the footprint is essentially local to the Lake Wales area.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 11 distinct recipients (a healthy number for a micro-foundation) and a mix of schools, local nonprofits and service groups, though nine of those were returning grantees and the top five captured 70% of dollars.
New Applicants
The foundation explicitly notes it only funds preselected organizations and the majority of grants are repeats across two observed years; the appearance of two new recipients shows it is not absolutely closed, but unsolicited applicants are unlikely to succeed without a referral.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
