Best Charlotte County Grants for Nonprofits in Florida

INTRODUCING “SAM” (SMALL AND MIGHTY)

The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation is excited to introduce SAM (Small And Mighty) grant program!

This program was developed to meet the needs of small-scale, non-profit organizations within our community (Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties), and be responsive and reactive to those needs.

To qualify for this program, organizations must have less than $300,000 in annual operating expenses. Additionally, the request must be for a capital expenditure(s).

Highlights of SAM Include:

• The application portal will be available three times per year for a one-month period. The portal will open on the first day of February, June, and October, and close on the first business day of the following month.
• Notification of award/declination will occur within 90 days of the portal closing.
• Organizations that have been in operation for more than one year are eligible.
• Maximum amount that can be requested is $20,000; minimum requested amount is $5,000.
• Any single item over $10,000 requires submittal of two bids (or quotes); each item less than $10,000 requires one bid or quote.
• The purpose of SAM grants is to invest in larger capital expenses that small organizations may find challenging to purchase. We are unable to fund lists of items that should reasonably be purchased by organizations through operating dollars. 
• If awarded, funds must be spent within six months and a final report submitted detailing the impact of the grant.
• Organizations are eligible to apply six months following approval of their final report.

Areas of Interest

The Selby Foundation specializes in supporting area non-profits with capital grants. Capital grants support the construction, acquisition and/or renovation of facilities, as well as the purchase of equipment or software. They may also include the costs of related technical services. Projects focusing on education, human services, arts and community projects including history, science, and/or the environment will be given top priority.

Selby funding is generally intended to assist organizations in pursuing strategic goals by leveraging support from a broad base of constituents. As such, applicants who can demonstrate a variety of other funding sources for their project, and/or those who request less than 10% of the total project cost are usually given priority for approval. Organizations are encouraged to compile a list of their future needs and meet with Foundation staff to explore possible fits.

The Union Home Foundation Grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote economic self-sufficiency through financial literacy and housing initiatives. Established in 2015, this grant has awarded over $2 million to various nonprofits across the U.S. Grants typically start at $1,000 and are available for a one-year period. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and can only apply once per year, following specific eligibility criteria.

The Charlotte Community Foundation is launching a competitive grant cycle for Fall 2025, focusing on housing insecurity and health care. Through program grants, it aims to support nonprofit organizations in Charlotte County that provide essential services to reduce homelessness and improve health outcomes. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with CCF's mission. Special emphasis is placed on programs aiding children and youth experiencing homelessness, fostering a community-driven approach to philanthropy.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least two years of work and budgets under $200,000 serving Charlotte County, Florida and nearby counties can seek one-time grants up to US $5,000 for community projects and capacity building. Cape Coral Community Foundation prioritizes basic needs, seniors, underserved youth, community building, and leadership or staff development.

The GCCF Community Grants, offered by Gulf Coast Community Foundation, aim to enhance community well-being through strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations. With a focus on health, education, and cultural development, these grants support 501(c)(3) organizations that benefit residents in Sarasota, Charlotte, and Boca Grande. Grant requests are accepted on a rolling basis, ensuring timely support for impactful projects. Individual schools and booster clubs are not eligible for funding, as the foundation prioritizes broader community initiatives.

Charlotte County, Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on economic mobility, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, or affordable housing can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Selected organizations join a two-year leadership development program and receive capacity-building support to advance income creation or stable housing in eligible local markets.

Nonprofits and local entities in Charlotte County, Florida working on urban forestry recovery and planning after recent hurricanes can apply for US $5,000 - US $75,000 to restore and strengthen urban tree canopy. With a mission to support resilient urban forests, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services funds planting, pruning, and planning in 56 eligible Florida counties.

Charlotte County, Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking in-kind items to raise funds for their causes can access support through Tampa Bay Rays. Eligible organizations in nine surrounding counties may request one donation per calendar year by completing the online form and later reporting funds raised to remain eligible for future requests.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County offers sponsorship grants to support ticketed events that align with the foundation's mission. This program is designed for organizations that have a local impact in the counties of Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, or DeSoto, and hold a 501(c)3 status. The foundation reviews applications bi-weekly from July to December and monthly from January to April, ensuring diverse geographical representation and donor interests are met.

Community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Charlotte County, Florida can seek up to US $25,000 to support programs that build family economic stability and mobility, plus optional capacity-building funds. Community Foundation of Sarasota County provides Charlotte County organizations with support for health and mental health, education, workforce training, social services, and social capital initiatives.

The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation offers traditional grants twice a year to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations with budgets over $300,000 serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties. Grants support capital expenditures such as building renovations, technology, and equipment. The Foundation does not fund operating expenses, completed projects, or travel. It encourages organizations to contact the Foundation for preliminary discussions before applying.

Focused on culinary, nutrition, and arts education, this program invites Charlotte County, Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek Community Grant support for youth life-skills development. Eligible organizations delivering education tied to life skills, employment readiness, and basic needs may be considered after submitting a concept paper to the Emeril Lagasse Foundation.

The Suncoast Scholars program, managed by the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, offers three $2,000 scholarships to deserving high school seniors in Charlotte County. Established in 1990, the Foundation has awarded over $3.1 million in scholarships to support local students in their pursuit of higher education. Eligible candidates must be high school seniors with strong academic performance and leadership skills, planning to attend accredited colleges or technical schools in Florida.

Nursing students pursuing ASN or BSN degrees with financial need in Charlotte County, Florida and the broader SNAC region can receive scholarship support for accredited programs. Focused on nursing education, Community Foundation of Sarasota County invites applicants connected to Sarasota, Charlotte, Manatee, or DeSoto Counties to apply for awards of More than US $2,500.

Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program

Overview

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is a federal program that provides funding for housing and community development activities. Congress created the program when it passed the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.

The program, which is administered by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), consists of two components:

FloridaCommerce administers the State Program in Florida through the Small Cities CDBG Program. This is a competitive grant program that awards funds to units of local government in small urban and rural areas. FloridaCommerce receives between 18 and 26 million dollars annually from HUD to award subgrants to eligible units of local government.

The program provides an excellent opportunity for communities to obtain funds for projects that they cannot otherwise afford. CDBG funds can also provide administrative support for local governments that may not have the staffing resources necessary to administer their projects. Examples of CDBG-funded projects include:

• Water and Sewer Improvements,
• Rehabilitation of Substandard Housing,
• Street and Sidewalk Improvements,
• Economic Development Activities that Create Jobs for Low-and Moderate-Income People,
• Downtown Revitalization, including Facade Improvements, Streetscaping, and Underground Utilities,
• Park Facilities and Community Centers, and
• Drainage / Stormwater Improvements.

Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Application Cycle

Funding is available for the Neighborhood Revitalization, Housing Rehabilitation, and Commercial Revitalization program areas. Non-entitlement units of local government are eligible to apply for funding in any of the three program areas if they have an open CDBG subgrant in one of the three areas.

FloridaCommerce also has funding available in the Economic Development program area for job creation and/or retention activities. Non-entitlement units of local government that have an open Neighborhood Revitalization, Housing Rehabilitation, Commercial Revitalization, or Economic Development subgrant are eligible to apply for Economic Development funding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing basic needs, income creation, and community development in Charlotte County, Florida can apply for local funding that supports low- and moderate-income residents. Grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help with food, shelter, health, job training, small business resiliency, and related economic mobility efforts in eligible markets.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations building internal capacity and sustainability in Charlotte County, Florida can apply for up to US $15,000 to strengthen leadership, strategy, evaluation, fundraising, and financial health. Grants from Community Foundation of Sarasota County support local Giving Challenge participants with training-aligned capacity building for long-term organizational resilience.

The Minnesota Twins Community Fund, established in 1991, has significantly impacted youth sports in Twins Territory by providing over $24 million in support. Through grants and donations, they empower young athletes, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and personal growth. The fund focuses on 501c3 nonprofits in their region, ensuring that initiatives foster both athletic skills and character development. With strict guidelines for donations, the Twins continue to enhance community engagement and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Charlotte County, Florida environmental and conservation organizations can access funding through Restore America’s Estuaries to address urgent threats to estuary health, with awards ranging from US $200,000 - US $500,000. Projects may focus on habitat loss, coastal resilience, stormwater runoff, harmful algal blooms, marine mammal mortalities, or invasive species within designated National Estuary Program watershed areas.

The Charlotte CF Education Fund Grant aims to enrich the lives of school-age children in Charlotte County, Florida, by providing additional educational opportunities and workforce development. Funded by the Charlotte Community Foundation, this grant supports programs like afterschool initiatives, career development, reading programs, and feeding programs. Eligible applicants must demonstrate fiscal responsibility and primary service to Charlotte County residents, ensuring that grant funds effectively benefit the community.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

The Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation offers grants focusing on the conservation of natural resources in eastern North America and the Caribbean Basin, particularly in the U.S. Key areas include marine resource management, South Florida ecosystems, and Alabama environmental issues. Grants are site-specific, require a 1:1 match, and are not available for individuals or capital campaigns. Initial inquiries should be submitted by the first or second Friday of April or September.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

With a mission to strengthen communities, PNC Foundation provides Charlotte County, Florida nonprofits with funding for early childhood education and economic development initiatives. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving low- and moderate-income children, families, and neighborhoods may receive support for early learning programs, workforce development, affordable housing, small business assistance, community services, arts, and neighborhood revitalization where PNC has a significant presence.

With a mission to conserve forestlands, Florida Forest Service provides Charlotte County, Florida land and habitat conservation partners with funding for acquiring forest properties or conservation easements. Private landowners and governmental or nonprofit land trusts may be eligible to protect environmentally important forests from development while maintaining sustainable forest management.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

Our Story

As a public charity dedicated to serving the needs of our region, everything we do here is about the community.

The notion of a community caring for its own is written in our organizational DNA. Our foundation was created in 1995 with proceeds from the sale of The Venice Hospital, a community hospital that had been founded by local citizens more than four decades earlier. We are a collection of charitable funds created by individuals, families, organizations, and corporations to support their favorite causes in our region and around the world. Over 850 generous philanthropists call Gulf Coast home. Together with our donors, we have invested over $650 million in grants and impact in the areas of health and human services, civic and economic development, education, arts and culture, and the environment.

GCCF: Catalytic Grants

Supporting bold, collaborative projects that create lasting regional impact. These grants typically exceed $25,000. 

Funding areas include: Arts & Culture, Civic & Economic Development, Education, Environment, and Health & Human Services