Brevard County has a new invitation to put community spirit into action: a $4.6 million fundraising campaign focused on expanding opportunities for local residents.

United Way Space Coast has launched its 2026 effort under the theme Ride the Wave, bringing community leaders and organizations together at the Center for Collaboration.

The campaign supports education, financial stability, health and workforce development, with contributions staying in Brevard County.

For school employees, the next milestone is October 13, when the Brevard Public Schools workplace drive begins with a $150,000 target.

Superintendent Mark Rendell, serving as campaign chair, is leading the wider effort alongside United Way president Kathryn Rudloff.

The local appeal gives residents a practical way to support the place they call home, whether through a contribution, volunteer time or encouragement that brings someone else into the effort.

For businesses considering a workplace drive, there is already a collection of materials to help turn that interest into an organized campaign.

The 2026 campaign toolkit includes a guide for employee campaign managers, a campaign brochure, posters and information explaining what donations can provide.

Corporate, leadership and workplace pledge forms are available, along with reporting forms that help organizers keep track of their campaigns.

The toolkit also offers individual success stories and a community impact sheet, giving workplace coordinators material to explain the purpose behind the fundraising.

Its guidance emphasizes an important principle: employees should have an informed, voluntary opportunity to take part.

That makes the workplace effort as much an exercise in conversation and community education as a collection of pledges.

Colleagues can learn about local programs, ask questions and decide for themselves whether and how they want to participate.

A countywide goal becomes more approachable when there are clear ways to get involved, and the combination of school participation and workplace resources provides a useful starting point.

For Brevard residents looking for an upbeat local story this fall, the campaign offers one centered on shared effort and the possibilities neighbors can create together.