Best Grants for Community Service Projects in Florida

The Hawkins Family Foundation Grant supports diverse non-profit initiatives including healthcare, education, and community development. Primarily funding organizations in Chattanooga, Dublin/Columbus, and Tampa Bay, it requires applicants to be 501(c)(3) public charities or have fiscal sponsors with this status. This grant aims to uplift local communities and enhance the quality of life through various supportive programs.

The Health Foundation of South Florida Grants aim to enhance the health of South Florida communities, particularly for vulnerable populations. The foundation invites nonprofit organizations and government agencies to submit proposals that align with its mission, focusing on access to care, social needs, and thriving communities. Preference is given to projects that demonstrate clear needs and measurable outcomes, especially those serving low-income and disadvantaged communities. Funding can support innovative collaborations and systems changes to improve healthcare access and outcomes.

The Peacock Foundation Inc. grants support the health and well-being of South Florida's children and families through contributions to eligible 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes proposals that address human services, education, health, youth, elderly care, disabilities, arts for educational purposes, and environmental education. All applicants must submit a letter of inquiry detailing their mission, project description, community served, and funding request. The foundation does not fund capital campaigns, individuals, or lobbying efforts.

The Republic Bank Grants program supports non-profit organizations in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and Florida that enhance community welfare through various initiatives such as education, healthcare, and civic projects. By providing financial and in-kind donations, Republic Bank aims to strengthen community ties and foster impactful change. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c) status and submit grant requests in writing at least two months in advance, ensuring timely support for their initiatives.

The Impact Polk Grants, administered by the GiveWell Community Foundation, aim to address diverse community needs in Polk County, Florida. This annual competitive grant program supports initiatives in six key areas: economic opportunities, education, food security, housing, quality of life, and transportation. By focusing on enhancing residents' quality of life, the program targets systemic barriers and fosters equitable access to essential services, thereby promoting community resilience and growth.

The Dr. Phillips Charities Grant Program supports not-for-profit organizations in Central Florida, focusing on impactful capital projects and innovative community programs. With a commitment to the legacy of the Phillips family, grants are awarded to organizations that demonstrate a significant potential for ongoing support. Key areas of funding include education, health, arts, and social services, ensuring that contributions help empower communities and preserve vital services in Orange and Osceola Counties.

The SECO Energy Foundation Grant aims to improve community quality of life through charitable initiatives. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it supports educational, environmental, energy-related, veteran, public safety, and health projects. Grants are available in two tiers: Community Grants, up to $25,000, and Mini-Grants, up to $5,000. Eligible organizations must serve SECO territories in Florida and meet specific criteria, ensuring that funding directly benefits local residents.

The Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation Grant supports nonprofits focused on charitable, educational, and cultural initiatives primarily in Miami-Dade County, Florida, and Monterey County, California. New applicants must submit a Letter of Intent, while returning applicants can directly submit proposals. The foundation prioritizes projects with clearly defined outcomes in areas like arts, education, health care, and community services. Grants are typically awarded for one year, promoting impactful community improvements.

The Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants support various community initiatives across North America, emphasizing education, health services, and cultural affairs. Launched post-Hurricane Katrina, the foundation aids local nonprofits, enhancing community development, public safety, and veteran support. The grants cater to organizations that address the needs of children, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, ensuring a broad impact in areas where Penn National Gaming operates. This commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering resilience.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

IMPACT the Palm Beaches is a philanthropic organization empowering women to fund transformative grants for nonprofits in Central and Northern Palm Beach County. Each year, members contribute to award grants totaling $100,000, fostering community growth. The organization focuses on vital areas such as Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Family, and Health & Wellness. Since 2015, over $1.9 million has been invested in impactful projects, enhancing local services and support for underserved populations.

The FL AmeriCorps Competitive Grant provides opportunities for approximately 200,000 Americans to engage in vital community service across Florida. Funded by AmeriCorps and administered by Volunteer Florida, this program focuses on addressing pressing community needs, including education, disaster response, and environmental conservation. Participants receive training, stipends, and professional development, contributing to the state's workforce and enhancing the quality of life within its communities.

The Learning Innovation: ITN 2026-01 Innovation Fund, offered by The Children's Trust, provides up to $1,000,000 to support innovative projects that address community needs in Miami-Dade County. Eligible applicants include governmental, for-profit, and non-profit organizations. Projects should enhance conditions for families and children, or improve service coordination. Individual awards are capped at $100,000, ensuring a broad impact across diverse initiatives.

The Qlarant Foundation Grant supports grassroots organizations aiming to enhance healthcare access and improve health outcomes for under-served populations. With funding of up to $50,000, the foundation prioritizes projects demonstrating measurable impacts in areas such as patient safety and health education. Established in 2003, the grant is available to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in select states, fostering initiatives that address health equity and improve quality of life for individuals and communities.

The Hobbs Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations in Florida that focus on child development, family stabilization, and educational mentorship. By funding evidence-based interventions, the foundation aims to improve the lives of at-risk children facing instability and poverty. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits committed to helping children impacted by the welfare system. This initiative seeks to foster long-term positive outcomes and empower communities through dedicated support and innovative strategies.

The Florida Blue Foundation's Driver of Health: Food Security Grants aim to enhance food security for families in vulnerable communities. By improving access to affordable, nutritious food, the initiative seeks to mitigate health risks associated with food insecurity. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and community agencies in Florida, focusing on educational programs that promote self-sufficiency. Priority will be given to areas with high food insecurity, ensuring that targeted populations receive essential support.

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in 11 markets, providing $225,000 to support local programs addressing community issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a revenue exceeding $100,000 and must operate in one of the specified television markets. The grants aim to empower youth through education, promote diverse storytelling, and enhance community engagement. This initiative underscores Comcast's commitment to fostering inclusion and equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

The Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation offers grants to support charitable, educational, and community-focused initiatives, primarily in Florida and Georgia. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. The foundation prioritizes projects that address children's welfare, education, multicultural understanding, substance abuse prevention, and homelessness. Grants typically do not exceed $15,000, and proposals must be endorsed by a Foundation Director. Interested parties should submit a Letter of Inquiry for consideration.

The Coral Gables Community Foundation's Community Giving Program supports local non-profits that enhance the lives of Coral Gables residents. Eligible organizations must address key focus areas including arts, education, historic preservation, and social services. Grants are awarded based on relevance to the community and the potential impact of the proposed projects. Interested organizations should submit a Letter of Inquiry to begin the application process.

The Margaret McCartney & R. Parks Williams Foundation, founded in 2001, focuses on supporting organizations for charitable, educational, and religious purposes, particularly in Florida. Funding priorities include vocational rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities, educational scholarships, health and comfort for the elderly, and prevention of cruelty to children. The Foundation does not fund capital improvements but emphasizes project support and general operating costs for eligible organizations.

The Admirals Cove Foundation Grant supports programs that enhance education, health, and social services for individuals and families in northern Palm Beach County. Focused on local impact, it encourages nonprofits to apply, especially those benefiting Jupiter residents. The foundation emphasizes transparency and accountability in its philanthropic efforts, ensuring contributions lead to meaningful community improvements.

The Dr. P. Phillips Legacy Microgrant Program, supported by Dr. Phillips Charities, offers annual grants of $5,000 to 15 nonprofit organizations in Central Florida. Prioritizing projects that alleviate economic pressures on low-income families or enhance literacy, it seeks to foster community support and lasting impact. Eligible nonprofits must be based in Orange or Osceola Counties and have been operational for at least two years. This initiative honors the Phillips family's legacy of helping others help themselves.

The TMF: Safe Communities Program, established by The Miami Foundation, aims to enhance safety and opportunities for all residents of Greater Miami. Focused on education, economic mobility, and health services, the program supports survivors of human trafficking and gun violence. It offers grants to nonprofits working in areas like crime prevention, survivor assistance, and youth development. With a commitment to community investment, the program collaborates with over 1,000 fundholders to ensure a safe, thriving environment for all.

The Coastal Partnership Initiative Grant Program provides competitive funding from the NOAA to support Florida's coastal counties and municipalities in managing coastal resources effectively. Eligible applicants include local governments, public colleges, and nonprofits, focusing on climate resilience, resource stewardship, public access, and waterfront revitalization. The program aims to enhance community preparedness against natural hazards, promote environmental awareness, and improve coastal infrastructure, ensuring sustainable development and protection of Florida's unique coastal ecosystems.

The Ocean Reef Community Foundation's Community Grants Program supports local charities addressing community issues and fostering self-sufficiency. Grants focus on innovative projects that improve community welfare, with preference given to those involving partnerships and additional funding sources. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities and demonstrate a clear impact on the defined areas. The program prioritizes initiatives that enhance services, empower individuals, and address root causes of challenges faced by the community.

What We Fund

Our founder, Tom Golisano, has deep and personal interest in supporting projects and initiatives that enhance the dignity and independence of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and that build inclusive communities. The Golisano Foundation is committed to improving the lives of people with IDD through transformational investments in organizations working to create inclusive communities where all citizens are valued as productive members of society.

With this in mind, the Foundation has adopted the following areas for funding consideration:

• Holds the principles of social justice in highest regard as demonstrated by agency’s mission, work and proposal; believes people with disabilities are powerful agents of change and that society as a whole benefits when all individuals reach their full potential and become contributing members of their community. 
• Supports throughout the life span and transitions for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families and caregivers including but not limited to the following areas: Educational support at various stages of development as well as life-long learning opportunities; employment services including supported, career development, vocational and life skills training; year-round preventative health services, fitness activities, physical and emotional wellness; expanded residential options for community living; caregiver respite; recreation; transportation, assistive technology, community awareness and advocacy. 
• Community-wide strategies that can grow best practices and effective programs to transformative scale; are easy to replicate and share broadly with the field. 
• Interdisciplinary and interagency alliances/collaborations/coalitions that bring together the expertise and perspectives of various disciplines including non-traditional human services providers such as businesses, higher education institutions, health systems, and government.
• Initiatives that target individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are underserved, isolated and/or have difficulty accessing services and programs; work to eliminate structural, economic or cultural barriers to services. 
• Person-directed services and planning with individuals and families involved in the selection, implementation and monitoring of one’s supports and services. 
• Applications for programs, capital projects and community planning initiatives related to the field of developmental disabilities will be given consideration.

We are willing and eager to partner with grantees, as appropriate, to achieve thes goals and maximize impact. Therefore the approval of a grant will be followed up with careful monitoring of the project as it unfolds. The devil is in the details, and to give responsibly means remaining involved as the project proceeds. While we rely on competent agency staff, outside consultants, and expert advisors to help us make reasoned decisions on funding and monitor the implementation of funded projects, we believe that the Foundation’s involvement in the details of a project is important to the beneficiary and the community we serve.

The M.B. & Edna Zale Foundation Grant aims to support individuals and families in building meaningful lives, focusing on education, social services, and community welfare. The foundation prioritizes innovative programs that promote self-sufficiency and measurable impacts within communities, particularly in Dallas, Palm Beach, and New York. It emphasizes collaboration and seeks proposals for specific projects rather than ongoing operational support, ensuring a focus on transformative initiatives.