Best Grants for Preschools in Florida

The Growing Healthy Kids Grant, funded by The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, aims to support community-based programs that enhance children's nutrition access and health education. With grant amounts ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, this initiative focuses on hands-on programs that promote healthy habits among children and their families. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Sprouts Farmers Market operates, helping to ensure that the funds directly benefit local communities.

The Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants (FL) program offers essential financial and technical support to rural fire departments serving communities with populations of 10,000 or less. This initiative aims to enhance firefighting capabilities and safety through funding that must be matched by non-federal dollars. Eligible departments can use the funds for training and necessary equipment, with a focus on benefiting the rural population. Grants are available for one year following approval, facilitating ongoing support for rural fire protection.

The Florida's Future Forests Program Grant supports landowners in establishing and maintaining healthy forests in Florida. Through cost-share payments, the program encourages approved forest management practices, including site preparation, seedling purchase, and planting. Administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, it aims to enhance forest acreage while ensuring sustainable ecosystem management. The grant funding, capped at $118,387.50 per agreement, is crucial for promoting effective tree establishment practices to combat environmental challenges.

The FL Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) focuses on protecting agricultural viability and conservation values by limiting nonagricultural uses of eligible lands. It includes Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) to safeguard working farms and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) for restoring degraded wetlands. Additionally, ACEP collaborates with partners through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) to enhance wetland conservation and wildlife habitats, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices across Florida.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers grants for schools to implement the PLTW Computer Science program from 2025 to 2028. Schools must provide at least one PLTW course in the first year and two courses in the second year. The total grant is $14,000, covering participation fees and training costs. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the U.S., with special encouragement for those serving low-income or minority-majority populations.

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 Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) offers a Production Grant aimed at supporting Southern documentary filmmakers. With funding made possible by the MacArthur Foundation, SDF prioritizes nonfiction projects in production that showcase the rich tapestry of Southern stories. Up to seven grants of $15,000 each will be awarded to help elevate underrepresented voices and narratives. Applicants must have ties to Southern states and meet specific eligibility criteria to apply.

The Pentair Foundation, a corporate philanthropy initiative, focuses on creating sustainable communities through water solutions and STEM education. With over $80 million in contributions since 1998, the foundation emphasizes ecological resilience, water quality improvement, and youth engagement in science and technology. They prioritize grantmaking in specific U.S. states and international regions, fostering vibrant communities and encouraging employee volunteerism. Initiatives are invitation-only, ensuring a targeted approach to impactful philanthropy.

Springs and Watershed Restoration Program

Funding for land acquisition and capital projects that protect the quality and/or quantity of water from springs. Project proposals are initially submitted to the corresponding jurisdictional Water Management District for review.

DWRA's Springs and Watershed Restoration Program works closely with the water management districts, local governments and other stakeholders to identify and implement springs projects that achieve restoration goals.

The Regional Rural Development Grant Program

The FloridaCommerce Regional Rural Development Grant program was established by Section 288.018, Florida Statutes, to encourage rural communities to leverage limited resources by utilizing regional economic development organizations to develop and implement long-term strategies that will help:

• Attract new businesses;
• Grow existing businesses; and
• Build the innovative and adaptive capacity of rural leaders who are active in decision-making roles in their communities.

An organization may receive up to $50,000 or $250,000, if representing two or more rural counties, recommended by the Rural Economic Development Initiative and designated by the Governor.

The Recovery Housing Program (RHP)

In 2018, the United States Congress passed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act) to address substance use disorder prevention, recovery, and treatment. Section 8071 of the SUPPORT Act authorizes the Recovery Housing Program (RHP). RHP funds are allocated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to allow states to provide stable, transitional housing for individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder. The RHP is a program within federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs, with rules modified by Federal Register Notice FR-6225-N-01.

Since 2020, FloridaCommerce has been awarded a total of $4,805,253 in RHP funding. FloridaCommerce's RHP Action Plan will guide the use of the allocation.

FloridaCommerce has identified a specific need for additional recovery housing and services for the veterans community within the state. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs FFY 2017 population estimates reflect that Florida has the third largest veteran population among all states in the nation.

To date, Governor DeSantis has awarded $1.6 million to provide transitional housing for Floridians and veterans recovering from substance abuse through RHP. The upcoming application cycle will result in awarding an additional $3.1 million for continued support through RHP.

Resilient Florida Grants

The Resilient Florida Program includes a selection of grants that are available to counties, municipalities, water management districts, flood control districts and regional resilience entities. To effectively address the impacts of flooding and sea level rise that the state faces, eligible applicants may receive funding assistance to analyze and plan for vulnerabilities, as well as implement projects for adaptation and mitigation. 

The State College of Florida Foundation Scholarship aids over 64% of students needing financial support. With a focus on helping deserving scholars, the foundation provides funding through private contributions. An initial investment of $25,000 creates a named endowed scholarship, ensuring ongoing support. Scholarships are awarded each semester, typically amounting to $750 for full-time students meeting eligibility criteria, including enrollment in at least 6 credit hours and a minimum 2.0 GPA.

The SRTG Research/Study Grant, supported by the New College of Florida Foundation, offers up to $2,000 to students for research and travel related to thesis work, independent studies, and tutorials. Applications are due by October 20 for students and October 22 for faculty recommendations. Priority funding areas include thesis-related research, professional conference presentations, and study abroad experiences. This program has a long history of supporting student academic endeavors at New College.

The American Honda Foundation provides programmatic support to nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S., empowering impactful initiatives aligned with community needs. Funding opportunities are available through Honda corporate and Honda USA Foundation, focusing on projects that enhance education and community welfare. Eligible organizations must have nonprofit status or be recognized educational institutions. The application process opens each fall, with funding decisions announced the following spring, ensuring alignment with Honda's commitment to social responsibility.

The SRTG Conference Presentation Grants support New College of Florida students with funding up to $2,000 for research, travel, and professional presentations related to their thesis and independent study projects. This program, backed by the New College Alumni Association and the Foundation, prioritizes projects with clear plans that enhance academic growth, including conference attendance and study abroad opportunities, fostering student engagement and professional development.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program, established in 1964, aims to protect natural areas and provide recreational opportunities across the U.S. Funded by offshore oil and gas leasing revenues, the program supports state and local governments in acquisitions and developments for public outdoor recreation. Administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the program has funded over 44,000 projects, enhancing parks, trails, and recreational facilities while ensuring sustainable use of natural resources.

The ASCE Florida Section: E. Bruce Lawson Leadership Scholarships provide $1,500 to undergraduate students pursuing civil engineering at Florida universities. Established in 2021, this scholarship honors Bruce Lawson, a past ASCE Florida Section President. Eligible applicants include LGBQT students and those focusing on utilities within civil engineering. Recipients are selected by the current ASCE Florida Section President and must be active ASCE members, fostering leadership and community engagement among future civil engineers.

The ASCE Florida Section: EPIC/Chittaluru Family Scholarship, established in 2017 by Prasad Chittaluru, supports undergraduate and graduate ASCE members pursuing civil engineering degrees in Florida. With a scholarship award of $500, it encourages students to innovate within the civil engineering field. This competitive scholarship is part of a partnership between the ASCE Florida Section and the Florida Engineering Foundation, promoting academic excellence and professional growth in civil engineering.

The ASCE Florida Section: Hayden Family Scholarship, established in 2017 by the Hayden family, offers $1,000 to first-generation undergraduate ASCE student members pursuing civil engineering at Florida universities. The scholarship promotes educational opportunities for students facing financial challenges. Applicants must be active members of their local ASCE chapter and cannot have previously won undergraduate scholarships. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to supporting the next generation of civil engineers and enhancing the profession's future.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

The ASCE Florida Section: Kathy J. Caldwell Women in Engineering Scholarship provides a $1,500 annual scholarship to a female undergraduate studying civil engineering in Florida. This scholarship honors Kathy Caldwell, a former ASCE national president and a dedicated engineer. Applicants must be ASCE members and enrolled in a Florida university. The scholarship aims to support and encourage women in engineering, contributing to diversity in the civil engineering field.

The ASCE Florida Section: Past President’s Graduate Scholarship is aimed at graduate students pursuing civil engineering degrees in Florida. With a scholarship award of $1,500, this initiative, supported by the American Society of Civil Engineers, encourages ASCE members to further their education. Applicants must be full-time graduate students enrolled in a Florida university and actively involved in their local ASCE student chapter. This scholarship honors the legacy of past leaders in civil engineering.

The ASCE Florida Section: Past President’s Undergraduate Scholarship supports undergraduate students pursuing civil engineering at Florida universities. Established in 2016 and endowed in 2017, this scholarship, valued at $1,500, was initiated by E. Bruce Lawson to alleviate the financial burden of college fees. Eligible applicants must be active ASCE members and enrolled full-time in civil engineering programs. The scholarship is awarded annually at the ASCE Florida Section Annual Conference, promoting the growth of future civil engineers.

Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund

2027 Request for Proposals

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) established the Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund to support projects to assess, remove, and dispose of marine debris in and around coastal communities impacted by hurricanes and other episodic storm events.

The Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund will award grants to remove damaging marine debris from coastal areas of communities impacted by hurricanes or other natural disasters. Priority will be placed on debris removal efforts that reduce impacts on communities and industry as well as prevent further harm to habitats and fish and wildlife populations. Funding has been made available by the FY 2025 American Relief Act, P.L. 118-158.

The Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund will award up to $11 million in grants in 2027. While there is no minimum or maximum expected award amount, funding request amounts should be appropriate relative to the overall scale and impact of the project.

The Destinations Florida Dave Warren Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, aims to support incoming college juniors and seniors pursuing careers in the hospitality industry within Florida. Eligible students must write an essay highlighting the importance of the Hospitality and Tourism industry, along with their personal goals. Selection will be based on their essay, financial need, and community involvement, fostering a new generation of dedicated professionals in this vital sector.

The Wellness Across the Lifespan Grant supports the health of communities by providing access to nutritious food and essential nutrition education. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in areas where Sprouts Farmers Market operates. This funding emphasizes health and nutrition education, as well as programs that promote healthy lifestyles and nutrition security, ultimately benefiting adults and vulnerable populations.