Fuel Bold Solutions. Build a Stronger Central Florida.
Rally Makers are philanthropic partners whose giving is treated like an investment in regional systems change—measured, strategic, and tied to outcomes that matter.
Rally Makers aren’t just donors—they’re embedded partners in impact. By combining catalytic capital, applied expertise, and strategic networks, they activate Central Florida as a Living Lab for community-driven, place-based innovation.
The Challenge:
Central Florida is growing fast—but so are the gaps in housing, health, infrastructure, and economic opportunity. Traditional approaches remain siloed and under-resourced.
Why That Matters:
Even the most promising solutions stall without the right infrastructure, relationships, or momentum. It takes a coordinated team to turn bold ideas into sustained regional change.
Our Approach: Rally’s Living Lab
Rally supports early-stage social ventures, pilots real-world solutions, and convenes cross-sector teams to co-create what Central Florida needs next.
The Outcome:
A region transformed by trust, traction, and teamwork—where bold ventures are launched, communities take the lead, and collaboration becomes our greatest asset.
Why Rally Makers:
Rally Makers don’t just support a cause—they power an engine. As strategic teammates, they:
Accelerate Impact Through Capital
Their investment fuels what others won’t—pilot launches, grassroots solution challenges, and high-impact venture support that de-risks innovation and unlocks public-private partnerships.
Shape the Work—and the Organization
They mentor founders, advise strategy, and help ensure every program, partnership, and pilot is grounded, relevant, and built to last.
Open Doors To Networks
They broker pilot sites, champion success stories, and connect ventures to the civic and corporate relationships that scale good ideas into real change.
Return on Impact
Rally Makers give as donors—but we treat every dollar like it matters deeply. That means your support is tied to clear outcomes, tracked in real time, and reported with transparency. From venture growth and community-led pilots to policy influence and civic collaboration, we show you how your gift moves the needle for the region.
Who Becomes a Rally Maker?
Rally Makers are:
• Creative corporate leaders
• Passionate entrepreneurs
• Innovative philanthropists
• Committed community problem-solvers
They believe that inclusive transformation requires a team—not a hero. And they show up with ideas, energy, and skin in the game.
Meet Our Rally Makers
These are the people helping ventures scale, communities lead, and ideas become action.
Paul Oppedisano
Executive Leader in Travel & Tourism & Entrepreneur
Terry Sanks
Managing Partner at Beusse Sanks, PLLC
Marissa Caravelis
Executive Leader in Leadership Development and Employee Training & Entrepreneur
Dean Caravelis
Founder at Blezoo LLC
Roi Ewell
Founder and Principal at Ewell & Associates
Paul Ellis
Chief Executive Officer at Foundry Commercial
Shawn Seipler
CEO & President, Clean the World
John Rivers
Chief Executive Officer, 4R Restaurant Group
Jennifer Williams
Office Managing Partner, EY
John Caron
Former President, Olive Garden
Rob Panepinto
President, Florentine Strategies
Rajiv Menon
Founder, Informulate & Entrepreneur
Jennifer Felder-Smith
Head of Strategy, Finance & HR Transformation at Crunchi & Entrepreneur
Vishaal Gupta
Co-CEO, Park Square Homes
Dan Devine
Founder and Chairman at MoveUp
Avani Desai
President at Schellman & Company, LLC
Heath Hensley
Co-Founder & CTO at PowerDMS
Scott Moscrip
Founder at Truckstop.com
Shahida Saleem
Managing Director at PEP Foundation
Real Impact, Powered by Rally Makers
"Our first major health contract was made possible by support from the Rally network." — Ken Peach, Care-A-Medix
"We’re now serving thousands of families with sustainable products—because Rally helped us get there." — Samuel Baker, WriggleBrew
"Thanks to Rally’s support, I not only secured a partnership with Crayola, but also landed meetings with LegoLand, Universal, and the Orlando Magic. It gave my venture the momentum—and credibility—to break into major markets." — Julia Denay, Sense-sational You
• 120+ ventures supported
• $1M+ in capital and contracts unlocked
• 11,000+ residents engaged in co-creation and pilot work
How It Works
Rally Makers contribute $5,000 or more annually as philanthropic investors in our region’s civic innovation engine. While this is a charitable gift, we treat it with the discipline of an investment—backed by outcomes, shared learning, and the chance to shape what comes next.
You receive:
Invitations to exclusive strategy sessions and events
Early access to venture showcases and pilot launches
Recognition in Rally communications and storytelling
A front-row seat—and voice—in how we shape Central Florida’s future
Help Build the Infrastructure for Regional Impact
Rally Makers are hands-on partners in shaping Central Florida’s future—fueling pilots, mentoring founders, and supporting the systems that make innovation stick. If you believe regional change takes a team, we’d love to connect.
Complete this short form to start the conversation. We’ll reach out to learn more about your interests and share how Rally Makers are contributing to meaningful, lasting change.
Let’s Start the Conversation
Share a few details so we can follow up personally and explore how your interests align with Rally’s work.
Your Capital. Your Insight. Your Team.
You have the power to help this region work better—for everyone.
FAQ
Is this donation tax-deductible? Yes. Rally operates through the Central Florida Foundation, a 501(c)(3). All contributions are tax-deductible.
Can I give through a DAF or foundation? Absolutely. We welcome giving through donor-advised funds, private foundations, or corporate giving programs.
Can I engage beyond giving? Definitely. Rally Makers mentor founders, shape strategy, help design pilots, and co-lead civic transformation.
Is this a financial investment? Will I see a return? No—Rally Makers are donors. But unlike traditional giving, we treat your contribution like an investment in regional outcomes. We track what your support enables—from ventures launched to pilots tested—and provide regular updates so you can see your impact grow.