ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Several Central Florida nonprofit organizations are responding after their names appeared in investigative subpoenas issued to Orange County by the state’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced this week that 16 subpoenas had been delivered, requiring Orange County to provide additional audit documentation by Sept. 8. Six of the subpoenas reference organizations that received county grant funding.
Heather Wilkie, executive director of Zebra Youth, said her group was surprised to be included. The nonprofit provides services for LGBTQ+ youth.
“I was a little bit taken aback by that,” Wilkie said. “We never want any attention that is not regular day-to-day stuff that we are doing to support our mission.”
Wilkie said she worries about how the scrutiny could impact funding but added she remains hopeful the organization will be able to move forward.
Other groups named in the subpoenas include:
• Central Florida Urban League, which Orange County says receives $100,000 annually to work with high-risk youth. In a statement, the group said it is “aware of the recent announcement regarding the Florida Department of Government Efficiency’s investigation into Orange County government.”
• The Black History Project, which receives $50,000 annually to provide anger management and conflict resolution programs. The organization said it “exists to educate, empower, and inspire all students through Black history, civic engagement, and leadership development.”
• The Stono Institute for Freedom, Justice and Security, which previously received $100,000 annually to teach youth how to de-escalate situations with law enforcement. The county says the group’s contract expired in 2024.
• The Orlando Youth Alliance, which receives $35,000 annually for support groups and mentoring activities.
• Caribbean Community Connections of Orlando, which receives $50,000 annually to connect residents with community resources.
Nonprofit leaders said state audits create uncertainty for organizations that rely on grant money.
“As a nonprofit leader, it’s something that’s always on the back of your mind,” Wilkie said. “We are always supporting and depending on grant funding.”
It remains unclear how long the state’s investigation will last once Orange County submits the requested documents.