Best Grants for Preschools in Florida

The Southeastern Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes outstanding Ph.D. students in entomology, promoting interest in the field and supporting attendance at the ESA annual meeting. Awardees receive an all-expenses-paid trip, a $100 cash prize, and a certificate, with additional cash prizes presented by the Southeastern Branch. Eligibility includes being a current member and demonstrating excellence in graduate studies. This award fosters professional development and engagement within the entomology community.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:

• Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
• Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

 What kind of funding is available?

• Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually.
  • Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.
• Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization.
  • Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

What are the loan terms?

• Maximum term is 20 years.
• Two-year payment deferral.
• Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?

• Up to $50,000.
• Fixed interest rate.
• Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used?

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:

• Working capital.
• Debt refinancing.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Improving real estate.

Florida preschools and early childhood organizations can apply for Florida Department of State Division of Historical Resources small matching grants, awarding up to US $50,000 for historic preservation projects. Funding supports activities like surveys, planning, National Register nominations, heritage education, and historical markers that highlight Florida history and archaeological resources.

Florida organizations undertaking historic preservation, archaeological research, museum exhibits, or acquisition of historic properties can receive up to US $500,000 in competitive state funding. The Florida Department of State Division of Historical Resources supports major projects that preserve significant historic and archaeological resources, which may benefit preschools housed in historic buildings or operating history-focused programs.

The Clancy & Theys 1949 Fund, managed by the Triangle Community Foundation, supports nonprofits in Central Florida, North Carolina, Upstate South Carolina, and Virginia. This donor-advised fund prioritizes initiatives in education, workforce development, youth programming, and community well-being, focusing on measurable impacts. The Foundation seeks to strengthen community ties and enhance quality of life by connecting donors with local organizations that address pressing needs. Both established partners and new applicants are encouraged to apply.

The PPC Foundation Grants support charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) status, distributing 10% of pre-tax profits annually. Grants range from under $500 to over $2,500, with varying documentation requirements. The foundation emphasizes community involvement and prefers charities in areas where they operate. They do not fund political, religious entities without separate social service programs, or organizations primarily funded by public tax support. This initiative reflects their commitment to compassionate service and community prosperity.

The Garden Club of America Award in Coastal Wetlands Studies supports graduate students engaged in coastal wetlands research. Established through the Rockefeller Environmental Education Fund, this scholarship promotes conservation by funding field work in tidal and nontidal wetlands across coastal states, including the Great Lakes. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. graduate program and can propose their own wetlands study. The award aims to foster environmental education and scientific inquiry in this vital ecosystem.

The AHRF: Bernard and Lottie Drazin Memorial Grants provide up to five $1,000 awards to otolaryngology residents conducting research projects during their residency. Eligible applicants must be from selected Chicago programs or institutions represented by AHRF Board members. Proposals are evaluated on criteria such as novelty, significance, and feasibility. Grant recipients are required to submit progress reports and notify AHRF of any publications resulting from their funded research.

Florida agricultural producers and land managers seeking support for conservation practices can apply for the Conservation Stewardship Program, which offers more than US $4,000 in annual payments for working lands. Focused on environmental stewardship, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Florida invites eligible operations to enhance soil, water, wildlife habitat, and overall farm or forest resiliency through customized five-year contracts.

The Edward T. Bedford Foundation, established in 1994, focuses on supporting charitable endeavors for children and young adults. The foundation primarily funds tax-exempt organizations that promote educational, athletic, and artistic initiatives. Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are typically decided within 90 days. Nonprofit organizations exempt under IRS 501(c)(3) are eligible to apply, making it a vital resource for community-focused programs.

The Investing in Artists: Tools & Equipment Grant, offered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, provides funding between $1,000 and $5,000 for individual craft artists in the U.S. to purchase essential tools and equipment. This program aims to enhance the creative support system, enabling artists to produce object-based work and meet safety standards. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their craft and have presented public artistic work within the last three years.

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.

Florida LGBTQ+, BIPOC-led, grassroots groups and informal collectives advancing queer and trans liberation can access funding through Southern Vision Alliance’s Queer Mobilization Fund. Grants up to US $5,000 support community organizing and power-building efforts, prioritizing small-budget organizations in the Southeastern U.S., which may include preschool or early-childhood spaces serving queer and trans communities.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.

Investing in Our Communities

Regions Bank and Regions Foundation are committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial success.

We work alongside nonprofit organizations, local businesses, government and service agencies to address social and economic issues, assist in building inclusive economic prosperity and help more members of our communities benefit from the rewards of a growing economy.

We make strategic and disciplined community investments in programs that seek to achieve three target outcomes:

Economic and Community Development

• Affordable housing
• Job creation
• Small business development
• Homebuyer education and retention
• Neighborhood revitalization and stabilization

Education and Workforce Readiness

• Student competency and skill building
• College and career readiness
• Educational access and success
• Credential building and employment
• Educator training and resources

Financial Wellness

• Financial education to youth, adults, and vulnerable populations
• Financial planning tools and resources, including Regions Next Step®
• Integrated asset-building

Florida KidCare invites statewide community-based organizations to apply for event sponsorship. This initiative aims to increase awareness and enrollment in the Florida KidCare program, which provides essential health coverage for children. By participating, organizations can help reduce the number of uninsured kids in Florida while receiving support for their events. Interested parties should complete the sponsorship application to be considered for this opportunity.

The Health Center Program assists health centers in FEMA-declared disaster areas, specifically Hurricane Helene, by allowing them to request an advance of up to 25% of their FY 2025 award. This funding aims to cover unforeseen costs related to maintaining access to essential primary care services. However, it's important to note that the final award will be reduced by the requested advance amount.

The Health Center Program aims to support health centers in areas affected by Hurricane Milton, providing funding for necessary in-scope activities to ensure continuous access to primary care services. Eligible health centers can request up to 25% of their FY 2025 funding in advance, which will be deducted from their final award amount. This initiative helps maintain essential healthcare services during challenging times.

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

CPTA Grant Program

FloridaCommerce is now accepting grant requests for the Community Planning Technical Assistance (CPTA) Grant Program for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2026-2027. CPTA grants provide local governments located in Rural Areas of Opportunity (RAOs) and/or rural communities, counties, municipalities and regional planning councils the opportunity to create innovative plans and development strategies to promote a diverse economy, and meet statutory requirements for planning, while also protecting environmentally sensitive areas.

Technical assistance and training will be available to rural local governments awardees to help assist them in best practices relating to comprehensive planning, economic development and land development, as well as strategies to address management and administrative capacity challenges unique to rural local governments. Preference shall also be given to local governments located in a RAO. Understanding that many Florida communities have been impacted by hurricanes, CPTA grants may also be used to assist with disaster recovery, resiliency and economic development planning. 

Project Types

Projects should relate to community planning and economic development strategies that implement the requirements in the Community Planning Act. FloridaCommerce also encourages rural communities to apply for projects related to planning for disaster recovery and community resiliency, especially related to flooding, and that meet the requirements in Chapter 163.3178(2)(f), Florida Statutes. Applicants are encouraged to seek funding for innovative, creative or unique approaches to planning, development and infrastructure in their community.

The Sea Turtle Grants: Emergency Fund, supported by Florida's Sea Turtle Specialty License Plate revenues, provides vital funding for sea turtle conservation and research. This program allocates funds to address emergency situations affecting Florida's sea turtles, including mass strandings and illnesses. Eligible applicants include local governments, non-profits, and educational institutions in Florida. The Sea Turtle Conservancy administers the program, ensuring effective support for marine turtle protection efforts.

The Sea Turtle Grants Program, funded by Florida's Sea Turtle Specialty License Plate revenues, supports ongoing research and conservation efforts for Florida's sea turtles through non-competitive mini-grants of $1,000. Eligible organizations, including local governments and non-profits, can apply for funding to continue essential activities like nesting surveys and rehabilitation. Applications are due by March 2, 2026, and prior recipients of Sea Turtle Grants are ineligible for this cycle.

The Hurricane Loss Mitigation Grant Program, established by Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, aims to reduce hurricane damage through state-funded initiatives. With a budget of $7 million, it supports property retrofits, public education, and research to enhance resilience. Up to $3.5 million is allocated for community projects that promote wind and flood mitigation. The program collaborates with local entities to implement various activities, including inspections and localized flood risk reduction, ensuring compliance with the Florida Building Code.

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 Florida Blue Foundation's Mental Well-being Grant Program aims to enhance the mental health of families and communities in Florida, addressing stressors exacerbated by the pandemic and social media. This initiative focuses on supporting children, teens, and their caregivers, promoting mental health resources and increasing the pipeline of mental health professionals. By prioritizing mental well-being, the Foundation seeks to create a positive impact on the health outcomes of Floridians, fostering resilience and community support.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

The Florida Association for Water Quality Control (FAWQC) Environmental Education (E2) Fund supports environmental education projects in Florida. Grants, up to $1,000, are awarded to schools and community organizations for initiatives that enhance awareness of water issues, promote student involvement, and apply sound scientific principles. The FAWQC, established in 1978, relies on donations and event proceeds to fund these important educational efforts aimed at improving Florida's water quality.