Originally named the First Presbyterian Church Foundation, the Heart of the City Foundation was founded in 1979. The name was changed in 1986, to reflect its service to Orlando as followers of Christ, exemplifying His heart and dedication to fulfilling the needs of others.
Throughout the years, our mission still remains unchanged: To match needs with resources to build God's Kingdom. While HOCF supports First Presbyterian Church of Orlando's facility and ministries locally, it also funds scholarships and mission projects around the world.
HOCF receives much of its funding from generous members, such as the late Mayor William Russell O'Neal. His financial contributions helped the Christian Education and Bible Study programs at FPCO grow and excel. Irene Miller, a teacher at Boone High School, also chose to invest in future generations through an endowment she left to HOCF after her passing. As a tribute to her life and legacy in education, Irene's gift has been utilized to fund the majority of scholarships awarded by HOCF in the last several years.
To date, 859 scholarships have been awarded to undergraduate and seminary students—to cultivate next generation leadership. In addition, HOCF has given numerous grants to several different ministries and projects such as Westminster Towers, church building projects and community initiatives. These are ways HOCF serves to build a bridge today toward a brighter future tomorrow.
