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Investment Strengthens Education Leadership, Expands Access to Arts Programming, and Builds Organizational Capacity
WINTER PARK, Fla.,July 20, 2026 — Central Florida Vocal Arts (CFVA) is proud to announce it has been awarded an $80,000 grant from the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation to strengthen education leadership, expand equitable access to arts education, and invest in the organizational capacity that will sustain its growing impact throughout Central Florida.
The funding supports CFVA’s Education Leadership and Capacity Building Initiative, a strategic investment designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization’s rapidly expanding education programs, which now serves thousands of Central Floridians of all ages annually, through partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, community organizations, and nonprofit agencies across the region.
“This investment represents so much more than funding,” said Theresa Smith-Levin, Founder and Executive Director of Central Florida Vocal Arts. “It is a powerful affirmation that arts education changes lives. Every day we see individuals discover confidence, courage, and connection through the performing arts. We are deeply grateful to the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation for believing in our vision of art access for all.”
The grant will support several strategic initiatives, including:
- Strengthening the organizational capacity through a new full time Education Leadership staff role, needed to meet growing community demand while maintaining excellence in programming.
- Expanding free and low-cost community arts programs serving youth, adults with disabilities, medically vulnerable individuals, and underserved populations throughout Central Florida.
- Investing in staff and board leadership development, technology infrastructure, and enhanced program evaluation systems.
While rooted in music and performance, CFVA’s impact extends far beyond the stage. The organization’s education programs are intentionally designed to cultivate confidence, creativity, communication skills, resilience, and belonging. Through a growing network of community partnerships, participants discover not only artistic skills, but the confidence to navigate challenges, build relationships, and pursue opportunities throughout their lives.
Those outcomes are measurable. During the 2025–2026 program year:
- 86% of participants reported significant or very significant increases in confidence, as well as newfound courage to try new and challenging things.
- 90% reported feeling connected to peers and mentors through CFVA programs.
- More than 95% said they would recommend the experience to others.
These results reflect CFVA’s theory of change: that high-quality arts education builds the confidence, self-efficacy, and sense of belonging individuals need to thrive in every aspect of life.
Today, CFVA delivers education programming through its own programming, as well as partnerships with organizations including Orange County Public Schools, Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida, OCA – Opportunity, Community, Ability, Camp Boggy Creek, St. Mary Magdalene Catholic School, Methodist School for Early Education, and numerous community organizations throughout the region.
“At the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation, we believe the arts are essential to a thriving community and to the development of human potential,” said David Odahowski, President of the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation. “Central Florida Vocal Arts has demonstrated a remarkable ability to use music and performance as tools for learning, personal growth, and connection. We are proud to support CFVA’s efforts to expand its reach, strengthen its organizational capacity, and create lasting opportunities for individuals and families throughout Central Florida.”
The announcement comes during a period of remarkable momentum for CFVA. Celebrating its 15th Anniversary Season, the organization continues to expand both its artistic and educational impact after being recognized as the highest-grossing production of the 2026 Orlando International Fringe Festival and launching its first-ever season ticket package at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
In addition to this transformative grant award, CFVA was honored to be among the first arts organizations featured in a new video storytelling series celebrating the impact of local arts organizations. The initiative—a collaboration between the Winter Park Arts & Culture Alliance and the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, made possible through funding from the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation—highlights the powerful ways the arts strengthen communities and change lives.
Community members are invited to hear firsthand how CFVA is transforming lives through arts education and performance by watching the organization’s featured story:
“We are incredibly grateful not only for this investment in CFVA, but for the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation’s ongoing leadership in strengthening the entire arts and cultural sector,” Smith-Levin said. “By investing in organizations while also elevating the visibility and value of the arts, the Foundation is helping ensure that Central Florida’s cultural community continues to thrive. Their leadership is creating opportunities for countless individuals to discover confidence, creativity, and connection through the arts, and we are honored to be part of that vision.”
About Central Florida Vocal Arts
Founded in 2012, Central Florida Vocal Arts has become one of the region’s fastest-growing arts organizations, recognized for innovative programming that combines artistic excellence with measurable community impact. Through professional performances and accessible education initiatives, CFVA is redefining how the arts contribute to confidence, mental well-being, and community connection.
For Media Inquiries contact: Angela Robbins marketing@centralfloridavocalarts.org
SOURCE Central Florida Vocal Arts
