Key Initiatives

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami Carnival Center for Excellence

In 2016, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami celebrated the grand opening of the Carnival Center for Excellence as the result of a gift from Carnival Foundation. The donation is the largest corporate gift ever provided to any local affiliate chapter of the national nonprofit youth mentoring organization. Carnival Center for Excellence includes facilities to support ongoing mentoring and educational activities for Big Brothers Big Sisters’ “Little” participants that includes a “You Media” creative area for music, video and creative digital learning; a computer lab; space for homework and tutoring; life-skill classes; continuing education; and fitness room with exercise equipment, free weights and activity space.

HEAT Academy Program

Carnival Foundation and the Miami HEAT NBA team partnered to offer this after-school enrichment program for students in third through fifth grade. Focused on improving math and reading skills through a unique hands-on thematic curriculum, the program is offered at three local inner-city schools and serves 390 students annually. Carnival Foundation is the presenting sponsor of HEAT Academy.

Miami Children’s Museum

Carnival Foundation supported the creation of the museum’s Carnival Cruise Line Ship Exhibit, which features a cruise ship environment where visitors learn about how a cruise ship functions and the cruise industry’s relationship to local and international communities.

Florida International University/Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Carnival Foundation funded the renovation of the school’s 2,600-square-foot multipurpose facility, which was renamed the Carnival Student Center. The facility creates a gathering place for more than 1,500 students annually. With nearly $1 million in donations since 1995, the Foundation also established Carnival-sponsored scholarships for undergraduate and graduate FIU students.

In 2014, Carnival Foundation added a scholarship endowment known as the Carnival Bridge Scholars to support junior and senior students who are in jeopardy of not graduating due to financial constraints. Carnival Foundation also established the Carnival Gold Scholars program at the school, which awards renewable, full-tuition scholarships, including room and board, of up to $20,000 each to five new qualifying students every year.

Jackson Memorial Foundation/Holtz Children’s Hospital

Carnival Foundation funded the renovation of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Holtz Children’s Hospital. The “Carnival Cares for Kids Center” includes 30 special oversized rooms that enable family members to remain with their critically ill children and lounge where family members can relax at the hospital. In addition, Carnival Foundation, in partnership with the Miami HEAT and the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, has committed funding to be designated for the Children’s Outpatient Specialty Center at the new Jackson West Doral Campus. The Children’s Outpatient Specialty Center includes world-class pediatric emergency room, diagnostic services and outpatient surgical facilities.

Dress for Success Worldwide

Through the LeaderHERship Program, women increase their self-confidence through involvement with a strong professional network, are exposed to a group of positive female role models and participate in courses in workplace leadership through a structured curriculum. The program encourages women to become self-empowered in the workplace, their community and home life. Previously, participants were virtually mentored by executives from Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises.

Lotus House

Lotus House is a women’s shelter dedicated to improving the lives of women, youth, and children who are experiencing homelessness in Miami. Carnival Foundation donated $1 million for the Carnival Foundation Play Therapy Rooms inside the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation Children’s Wellness Center at Lotus Village. The Carnival Foundation Play Therapy Rooms include four play rooms and a dedicated family room for mother and baby break time, breastfeeding, and family therapy.

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

The National Museum of African American History and Culture was established as the 19th museum of the Smithsonian Institution, the largest museum complex and research organization in the world. Its mission is to provide for the collection, study and establishment of programs and exhibitions relating to African American life, art, history and culture. Enacted through Congressional legislation, the Museum represents a national initiative of profound cultural importance that will impact this nation for generations to come. Carnival Foundation in partnership with Carnival Corporation is a Founding Donor of the Museum.