Best Corporate Grants for Nonprofits in Florida

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

J. Peter Hoffman Memorial Scholarship Fund

Must attend a university/college in the State of Florida.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County offers Traditional Scholarships to support students from Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, or Charlotte counties pursuing higher education. With approximately $2 million awarded annually, these scholarships cater to diverse academic interests. Applicants must be residents or graduates of local high schools and under 24 years old by December 31st of the application year. This initiative reflects the foundation's mission to empower individuals to achieve their educational goals and make a lasting impact in the community.

The Wycliffe Charities Foundation, established in 1995, has invested over $3 million in local charities aiding those in need in Palm Beach County. In 2024, it provided $275,000 to organizations addressing issues such as abuse, hunger, and literacy challenges, as well as supporting individuals with autism. The foundation prioritizes a personal connection with recipient charities, ensuring funds are utilized effectively for defined projects that directly benefit the community.

The Santander Bank Charitable Giving Program is committed to enriching communities through $100 million in charitable giving. It focuses on community development, emphasizing affordable housing, small business support, and financial education. Eligible applicants must be recognized as public charities by the IRS and demonstrate the capacity to serve community needs. The program aims to foster partnerships to uplift low- and moderate-income communities across its operational footprint, ensuring a lasting impact through philanthropic efforts.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Florida aim to support rural communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies that disrupt access to safe drinking water. These grants, provided by USDA Rural Development, can be utilized for constructing water transmission lines and sources, with funding up to $1 million. Eligible applicants include public bodies, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes in rural areas. This initiative enhances community resilience against various disasters, ensuring access to reliable water supply.

The Florida Legal Aid Disaster Relief Initiative, funded by the Florida Bar Foundation Inc, provides emergency financial support for organizations offering civil legal aid to communities impacted by disasters like hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative aims to assist low-income Floridians in need of legal services during such crises. Grant amounts vary based on available funding, and applicants must be non-profit entities with specific operational requirements.

The Rare Pediatric Diseases Research Grant Program is a groundbreaking initiative by the Florida Department of Health aimed at fostering innovative research and treatment solutions for rare pediatric diseases. With an annual funding pool of $500,000, the program seeks to enhance research capacities, explore novel therapeutic approaches, and address the needs of underserved populations. This grant is exclusively available to Florida-based institutions, emphasizing collaborative efforts to improve children's health outcomes in the state.

The Asian Cultural Council's Graduate Fellowship provides financial support for travel and living expenses to graduate students from Asia studying in the U.S. It offers $15,000 for one academic year, potentially renewable for another year, covering essential costs while pursuing full-time coursework. This initiative fosters international cultural exchange and enhances academic training in the arts. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in accredited graduate programs and commit to at least two consecutive semesters of study.

The 100 Voices of Florida Grant, initiated by passionate Floridian sisters, supports filmmakers by offering up to $5,000 to enhance their projects. This grant encourages creative expression among writers, directors, and producers from diverse backgrounds. Applicants must be 18 or older and can use the funds for production, festival fees, or other expenses. Judges will evaluate commitment to storytelling, emotional engagement, and pacing. A unique opportunity for storytellers to showcase their work and receive professional guidance.

The Charlotte Community Foundation offers unrestricted grants aimed at supporting Veterans, Seniors, and Youth in Charlotte County, FL. Established in 2024, the Mary V. Renois Family Fund provides essential operational support to nonprofit organizations meeting these populations' needs. The grants are designed to enhance the quality of life through comprehensive services, educational opportunities, and community leadership, ensuring a measurable local impact and fostering a culture of philanthropy in the region.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.

The CFNF: Future of Florida Surveying Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of North Florida, supports undergraduate students pursuing degrees in Surveying, Geomatics, or Geomatics Engineering at accredited Florida universities. This scholarship aims to enhance the quality of life in the North Florida community through charitable giving, and applicants must be members of the Florida Surveying and Mapping Society to be eligible.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The Partners for Places Jobs and Inclusive Infrastructure Initiative Grants aim to support communities by leveraging infrastructure funds to create equitable projects that benefit underserved areas. This pilot program will provide funding for local workers through career training and inclusive economic practices. With grants ranging from $45,000 to $120,000, the initiative focuses on enhancing human infrastructure, fostering collaboration among key partners, and ensuring that frontline communities directly benefit from project implementations.

The External Collaborative Research Grants by Boehringer Ingelheim support academic and clinical scientists in proposing research studies. These grants facilitate collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, which may provide intellectual and financial support. Applicants must assume full responsibility for their research while complying with regulatory standards. The funding should cover research costs, excluding salary support for the collaborative partner. Interested investigators must apply online for consideration.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is authorized by Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. It is a partnership that is designed to assist states, local governments, private non-profit organizations and Indian Tribes in implementing long-term hazard mitigation measures following a major disaster declaration.

Project Eligibility Criteria

Now that you have idea of project eligibility we can move to the final step in this primer.

Regardless of who you are, or what organization your represent, the process for applying for HMGP funds begins at the county level with each county’s LMSWG. They alone determine which eligible mitigation projects will be placed on their project priority list. They use this list to track and organize projects from across their county that they want to submit for funding consideration for the HMGP. If you would like to request that an eligible mitigation project be added to your county’s project priority list, then please use the county contact list below to get in touch with them.

The Gulf Research Program's Science Policy Fellowship offers an opportunity for scientists to bridge the gap between science and policy, enhancing their skills while benefiting Gulf Coast communities. Over a year, fellows work with various agencies, gaining practical experience at the science-policy interface. This program provides a stipend, health allowance, and professional development support, fostering leadership and capacity building in environmental protection and public health. Eligible candidates include those with advanced degrees in relevant fields, ensuring a diverse, skilled cohort dedicated to impactful research.

 Florida Department of Education

The Department of Education serves as the single repository of education data from school districts, state and community colleges, universities, and independent postsecondary institutions - allowing us to track student performance over time and across varying education sectors.

We administer a statewide reading initiative for Florida's public schools, and among community groups and volunteer organizations that support them, with a goal of having every child able to read at or above grade level.

Pathways to Career Opportunities – Grow Your Own Teacher Apprenticeship Program

The state funds appropriated in House Bill 5001, General Appropriations Act (GAA) (Item Number 121 – Aid to Local Governments – Grant Aids), includes a $5 million set aside for the Grow Your Own Teacher Apprenticeship Program.

The purpose of this sub-initiative is to increase the supply of qualified teachers by creating a teacher pipeline for Florida. It is designed to encourage partnerships between eligible applicants and participating employers (Florida school districts, charter schools and charter management organizations) to provide an innovative, no-cost pathway to the teaching profession for registered teacher apprentices.

The funds for this grant are appropriated in the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) as a sub initiative to the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant (PCOG).

The Miguel Cabrera Family Scholarship aims to support educational opportunities for high school graduates in Michigan and Florida, prioritizing those from specific counties. Each selected student receives $1,000, renewable for up to four years, contingent on maintaining good academic standing. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be first-generation college students or from historically underrepresented groups. This initiative is backed by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, which has a rich history of philanthropy since 1984.

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a federal grant initiative funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and administered at the state level by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The purpose of the RTP is to provide financial assistance for the development and maintenance of recreational trails, trailheads and trailside facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. 

 Florida Department of Education

The Department of Education serves as the single repository of education data from school districts, state and community colleges, universities, and independent postsecondary institutions - allowing us to track student performance over time and across varying education sectors.

We administer a statewide reading initiative for Florida's public schools, and among community groups and volunteer organizations that support them, with a goal of having every child able to read at or above grade level.

Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant (PCOG) Program

Subject to legislative approval and the governor’s signature, state funds are appropriated under the 2026-2027 state of Florida General Appropriations Act (Item Number 121 – Aid to Local Governments – Grant Aids) to establish new and operate or expand existing registered apprenticeship or preapprenticeship programs. 

The Paradise for Good Grant, offered by the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, provides financial support ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 for initiatives that enhance the lives of local residents. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and faith-based organizations serving the Florida Keys. The foundation seeks projects aligned with its strategic vision, addressing community needs with measurable outcomes, and demonstrating sustainability beyond the grant period.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement

FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. In addition, the department formally coordinates boards, councils, and commissions. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. 

Our Mission: To promote public safety and strengthen domestic security.

State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E.)

State funding is available to conduct investigations designed to combat illegal fentanyl activity. This grant provides reimbursement for approved fentanyl-related investigative operations, which may include:

• Overtime
• Relevant Travel Costs
• Purchase of Investigative Supplies
• Equipment Purchases
• Relevant Contractual Services
• Training Costs
• Other Costs Associated with Cases Focusing on Fentanyl Eradication

Awards

Available funds will be distributed based on the operational needs of each agency’s investigations as approved by the S.A.F.E. Executive Board, not to exceed a combined total of $12,902,972.

The Arts Fund Grants provide vital support for emerging artists from Australia and the USA, facilitating their artistic development through grants of up to $5,000. This funding can be used for travel, living expenses, tuition, and other related costs. Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country and have a formal offer from an accredited institution. The program emphasizes merit-based opportunities across various artistic fields, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.

The Florida Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BIGP) Tier II offers competitive funding for transient recreational boat tie-up facilities. With an annual budget between $9 million and $14 million, it supports projects exceeding 26 feet in length. While there is no maximum project cost, federal funding is capped at $1.5 million. This program, overseen by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, encourages innovative proposals that meet stringent eligibility criteria.