Our sponsors come from all segments of the community — churches, civic organizations, businesses and individuals. Sponsorships can be individual efforts or they can be joint efforts between two or more groups, and can range from partial to full monetary gifts, providing volunteers or even providing lunch for volunteers.

The State of Florida community contribution tax credit may be claimed by persons registered with the department under section 212.18 F.S. Under this program any business or individual that collects and remits sales or use taxes to the State of Florida can give a monetary gift to Lakeland Habitat for Humanity for an approved project and apply for a sales tax refund. This refund can sponsor the cost of building a Habitat house.

For example, your company gives $60,000 to Lakeland Habitat to Humanity to build a house. The house appraises at $120,000. You get a refund for 50 percent of the appraised value, in this case $60,000. This is a refund on the sales tax you have paid to the State of Florida for the previous 12 months. The paperwork takes only a few minutes of your time.

Companies who have recently sponsored homes through this sales tax credit include:

• Linder Machinery
• McDonald’s Lanny Sumpter on Memorial Blvd.
• Lakeland Square Mall
• Integrated Supply Network
• Play it Again Sports
• Badcock & More Home Furnishings
• Sunshine Interiors
• Fred's Market  

For more information, call Executive Director, Claire Twomey at 863 682-3812.

Lakeland Habitat for Humanity would like to express our appreciation to the following sponsor organizations. Working together, we’re able to change the lives of families in our community by helping people realize the dream of homeownership.

• Publix Charities
• Integrated Supply Network
• S&J Sports—Play It Again Sports
• General Growth Properties—Lakeland Square Mall
• St. David’s Episcopal Church
• Polk County Hurricane Recovery Program