Westgate Foundation Marks 25 Years with $1.25M Community Investment

ORLANDO, FL – February 06, 2026 – The Westgate Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Westgate Resorts, today announced a sweeping $1.25 million investment initiative designed to bolster its resort communities and support its workforce nationwide. The announcement, which coincides with the foundation’s 25th anniversary, allocates funds across grants for nonprofit organizations, direct employee assistance, and a new educational scholarship, reinforcing the company's long-standing commitment to corporate citizenship.

The multifaceted donation includes $845,000 in grants awarded to 64 community-focused nonprofits. A significant portion, $405,000, will be directed to the Westgate Resorts’ Team Member Crisis Fund. Additionally, the foundation is launching the David A. Siegel Legacy Scholarship, a new program honoring the company's founder.

A Quarter-Century of Purpose-Driven Giving

For 25 years, the Westgate Foundation has served as a strategic channel for community engagement, evolving its mission while remaining focused on core principles. This latest announcement is part of a larger pattern of sustained giving, with the foundation having invested over $6 million in the last five years alone. Its philanthropic strategy is built on three key pillars: creating stability for families, providing critical resources for military personnel and veterans, and developing workforce readiness programs.

This anniversary milestone is a moment of both reflection and forward momentum for the organization. The foundation’s work aims to create a tangible, positive impact in the diverse communities where Westgate Resorts operates, from major tourist hubs like Orlando and Las Vegas to smaller destinations such as Gatlinburg and Park City.

“As Westgate Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary, we reflect on how much we’ve grown while staying true to our purpose,” said Jill Bosley, Vice President of Westgate Foundation & Community Affairs. “For 25 years, creating lasting change for families, veterans, our incredible Team Members, and individuals transitioning into or back into the workforce has remained our top priority. The 64 nonprofit organizations we support exemplify best-in-class work in their communities, and we are proud that each grant will make a meaningful and lasting impact.”

Strengthening Communities from the Ground Up

At the heart of the announcement are the grants to 64 nonprofits, which were selected for their excellence and alignment with the foundation's mission. To commemorate the anniversary, two organizations received special $25,000 “Legendary Grants.”

In Orlando, where Westgate is headquartered, the Christian Service Center for Central Florida was a recipient. The funding will directly support its “Daily Bread” program, which has provided over 4.7 million free, nourishing meals since 1975. This grant is particularly timely as the center, which serves thousands of individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, is undergoing a major expansion to increase its daily service capacity. The organization holds a top 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, underscoring its efficiency and impact in a region where Westgate maintains a significant operational presence.

The second Legendary Grant was awarded to SafeSpace of East Tennessee in Sevierville, near Westgate’s Gatlinburg resort. Serving victims of domestic violence across three counties, SafeSpace provides a critical lifeline that includes an emergency shelter, a 24/7 crisis hotline, court advocacy, and counseling. Annually, the organization assists over 4,000 women, men, and children, many of whom arrive at the shelter with nothing. The grant will bolster the SafeSpace Emergency Shelter Program, ensuring a safe haven and essential supplies for survivors at their most vulnerable moment.

The remaining 62 grants are distributed across the country, targeting local needs in areas with Westgate properties. Beneficiaries include food banks like Three Square in Las Vegas and City Harvest in New York, housing assistance programs like A New Leaf in Arizona, and child advocacy centers such as the Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families in Central Florida. The foundation also continues its strong support for military families through national organizations like Operation Homefront and Camaraderie Foundation.

Investing In-House: A Focus on Team Member Welfare

Beyond its community-facing initiatives, the foundation is making a substantial internal investment. The allocation of $405,000 to the Westgate Resorts’ Team Member Crisis Fund provides a vital safety net for the company's 9,000 employees. This fund offers financial assistance to team members who encounter unforeseen hardships, such as medical emergencies or personal crises. This focus on employee well-being is a strategic move within the hospitality industry, which continues to navigate labor shortages and prioritize workforce stability and loyalty.

Furthering this commitment to its employees and their families, the foundation announced the launch of the David A. Siegel Legacy Scholarship. Named in honor of Westgate’s Founder and Chairman Emeritus, the scholarship is a significant investment in future generations. It will award up to $40,000 over four years to a dependent of a Westgate team member, providing up to $10,000 annually to support their higher education journey.

This dual approach—investing in both external community infrastructure and internal employee support—highlights a holistic view of corporate responsibility. It acknowledges that the health of the company is intrinsically linked to the well-being of its employees and the vitality of the communities it calls home. This comprehensive strategy not only enhances Westgate's reputation as an employer of choice but also aligns with a growing movement in the hospitality sector toward a more regenerative model of business, where companies actively contribute to the social and economic fabric of their operating environments.