Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Florida

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.

Florida Kiwanis Foundation

The Florida Kiwanis Foundation was created in 1971 by Former Kiwanis Governor Robert Thal. Since 1971, Florida Kiwanis Foundation has been supporting Kiwanis Clubs, Divisions, and students make a real impact in the state of Florida.

Our Purpose: To leave a legacy for the children. We are dedicated to supporting Florida Youth to ensure a brighter future and leave a legacy for the children.

Mission: Help children in need. To enable caring individuals, clubs, and divisions to combine their resources of time, talent, and funds to create a greater impact on the needs of children and families in Florida.

David and Donna Batelaan Fund

There are three opportunities for this grant: Kiwanis Clubs/Divisions; Service Leadership Programs: Builders Club, Key Clubs and Circle K Clubs; and Service Leadership Programs of Aktion Club.

Kiwanis

The David and Donna Batelaan Fund will be utilized for grants or special programs to support leadership development for young people with physical disabilities; and to encourage participation and inclusion for young people with physical disabilities in current KIWANIS programs, activities or service to others.

Grants may be made to initiate a project, including a major change, addition, or renovation to a project for young people with physical disabilities. Funds to sustain the functioning of a project on an on-going basis must be provided by a club or division. 

The Watson-Brown Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the South. It offers various types of grants, including for educational programming and historic preservation, with a focus on southern studies. Eligible recipients include public charities in the southeastern United States. The Foundation's Junior Board of Trustees also awards grants to preservation projects in east central Georgia, emphasizing youth engagement in cultural heritage.

Florida Department of Health

Led by the State Surgeon General, the mission of the Florida Department of Health is to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

The Live Like Bella Pediatric Cancer Research Initiative

The Florida Department of Health’s Live Like Bella Pediatric Cancer Research Initiative supports the pursuit of identifying cures for pediatric cancer.

The Live Like Bella Pediatric Cancer Research Initiative is established in section 381.922, Florida Statutes, works to advance progress toward curing pediatric cancer through grants awarded through a peer-reviewed, competitive process, to:

• Significantly expand pediatric cancer research capacity in Florida
• Improve both research and treatment through greater pediatric enrollment in clinical trials networks
• Reduce the impact of pediatric cancer on disproportionately impacted individuals

Research Focus

Applications submitted in response to this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) must be responsive to one of the following areas of focus. 

• Prevention and Treatment
• Screening
• Obesity
• Treatment-Related Morbidities
• Technology Transfer Feasibility (TTF)
• Investigational New Drug or Investigational Device Exemption

Efforts to foster collaborations among institutions, researchers, and community practitioners should be included, when possible. Preference will be given to applications that address at least one of the cancers listed in the Research Priorities section of this FOA.

Funding Information

Applicants must request funding in the preceding grant categories to pursue research in the areas of focus outlined in the Research Focus section of this FOA. Preference will be given to applications that address the priorities listed in the Research Priorities section of this FOA. Specific grant funding amounts are available for each grant category.

Grant Categories

Applications in response to this FOA must align to a grant category (depending on the grant program) to pursue an area of focus from the Research Focus section of this FOA. Applications for research infrastructure grants that are reviewed and assigned exceptional scientific merit will be considered for preferential funding. 

The grant categories are: 1) Bridge; 2) Discovery Science; 3) Emerging Therapeutics and Technologies; 4) Equipment; 5) Multicenter Clinical Trials; 6) New Investigator Research (NIR); 7) High-Risk, High-Reward Clinical Research; 8) High-Risk, High-Reward Discovery Science; 9) Non-Typical Clinical Trials/Socio-Behavioral Research; 10) Research Infrastructure

Bella Initiative Grant Categories: Emerging Therapeutics and Technologies

This grant category supports research on emerging therapeutics and technologies used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and tobacco-related diseases. Examples include but are not limited to personalized/precision medicine therapies, immunotherapy, gene therapy, repurposing of previously used medications, use of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnosis and treatment, and comparative effectiveness trials of emerging treatments.

Maximum Duration: 36 months

The Environmental Humanities Program Grants by Florida Humanities Council aim to fund projects that explore the interplay between humans and the environment. These grants support innovative, collaborative initiatives that celebrate Florida's diverse landscapes and foster community engagement. Eligible applicants can request up to $10,000 for programs that demonstrate public impact and address local environmental issues. Priority is given to projects serving underserved communities and those located in economically distressed areas.

The Marvin R. and Pearl E. Patterson Family Fund Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students aspiring to study graphic or fine arts, as well as those interested in environmental sciences. Open to high school graduates from the Tri-Cities area, this scholarship considers leadership, community involvement, and academic achievements, although financial need is not a requirement. Applicants must provide transcripts and relevant documents to qualify for this opportunity.

The Florida Specialty Crop Block Grant Program aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and horticulture products. This program encourages innovative projects that promote marketing, research, and accessibility of specialty crops while addressing industry challenges. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and government agencies. The program prioritizes economic benefits, feasibility, and alignment with budgetary constraints, ensuring a positive impact on Florida's agricultural landscape.

The Abelard Foundation, established in 1958, supports progressive social change projects located east of the Mississippi River. With an average grant size of $12,000, they prioritize new initiatives with budgets under $350,000. The foundation emphasizes community organizing, civil rights, and empowering marginalized groups. Eligible applicants must be associated with a nonprofit organization and demonstrate a commitment to local leadership and broader policy connections. The board meets biannually to decide on approximately 15 grants per year, focusing mainly on general support.

The FirstBank Charitable Foundation (FBCF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2008, focused on supporting charitable organizations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. With over a million dollars awarded, FBCF aims to enhance community well-being through partnerships in health, housing, and education. Nonprofits aligning with FBCF's mission and demonstrating significant service impact are encouraged to apply for grants, fostering a stronger fabric within their neighborhoods.

The Southern Partners Fund's Discretionary Fund Grant aims to support grassroots community organizing for social, economic, and environmental justice in the Southeastern United States. It provides financial resources and technical assistance to rural organizations and leaders focused on transformative change. Eligible applicants include self-governed rural groups engaging in advocacy and community development. The fund prioritizes education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement, allowing up to two requests per year, with a maximum award of $3,500.

The Lloyd L. and Helen R. Dilworth Foundation Grant supports charitable causes primarily in Florida. Established in 1987, the foundation offers funding for various program areas, including arts, education, health, and human services. Organizations eligible for funding must be exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline for annual review on September 30. This foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of its founders, Lloyd and Helen Dilworth.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

The NRP Research Grant Program offers up to $50,000 for healthcare professionals to explore optimal neonatal resuscitation methods. It encourages innovative research addressing gaps in transitional physiology and effective teaching of resuscitation skills. Applications must focus on evidence-based practices and demonstrate potential for meaningful impact in delivery room care. Researchers from Canadian and US institutions are eligible, though applications primarily focused on quality improvement without a research emphasis will not be considered.

The ASP Conservation Small Grants program is dedicated to supporting primate conservation efforts. It invites proposals for conservation research or related projects, including education, with awards up to $3500. This initiative encourages ASP members, especially those in habitat countries, to submit impactful projects that contribute to broader conservation goals. The program emphasizes funding for local salaries, research supplies, and educational materials, ensuring the sustainability of primate conservation efforts.

The ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund, managed by Refed Inc., supports innovative solutions to minimize food waste and reduce methane emissions, a cost-effective strategy for climate action. This fund prioritizes initiatives that enhance food recycling and improve supply chain efficiency in the beef and dairy sectors. By focusing on proven methods, the grant aims to accelerate impactful changes in the food system, ultimately fostering sustainable practices and collaborative efforts to combat food waste.

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.

The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

NCRC Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) - Housing Counseling Services

The Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) empowers NCRC network members to level up established service lines.

The Housing Counseling Services series within FEF supports HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in driving homeownership, such as through pre-purchase counseling. In addition, the program builds agency knowledge on heirs’ property challenges to better equip first-time and low-income homebuying households with the know-how to retain intergenerational wealth.

In doing so, FEF-HCS aims to help underserved families begin their homeownership journey, with an additional goal of ensuring foresight into the long-term future of their home purchase.

The FEF-HCS series is funded in partnership with Key Bank and HSBC, and targets communities within the Key Bank and HSBC branch footprints.

Through these partnerships, $2.5 million in Key Bank geographies and $1.5 million in HSBC geographies has been allocated for the subgrants for direct-to-client housing counseling services that will be awarded in three rounds in the FEF-HCS track.

Funding Support

Awardee agencies will receive subgrants to support their housing counseling services to clients.

Knowledge Building

Awardee agencies will attend a training session on heirs’ property challenges and best practices, hosted by NCRC National Training Academy. Bolstering counselor knowledge on this topic will ensure that your agency is not only serving clients in their personal wealth-building journey now, but also helping them preserve that wealth in generations to come.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) aims to protect coastal communities through nature-based solutions, enhancing habitats while addressing the growing threats of climate change. Established in 2018, the fund focuses on restoring vital ecosystems like marshes and reefs to mitigate flooding impacts. With rising sea levels and increasing storm intensity, NCRF invests in community-led projects that foster resilience, ensuring both people and wildlife can adapt to changing environmental conditions.

The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation (FBCF) offers education grants for Florida organizations, providing up to $7,500 for single-county projects and up to $15,000 for multi-county initiatives. These grants aim to enhance educational outreach regarding breast cancer through various formats, including one-on-one sessions and virtual technology. Eligible applicants include Florida-based non-profits and educational institutions. Funding supports projects that last a minimum of 12 months and require at least two educational sessions during the grant period.

The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation (FBCF) offers the Scientific Research Grant - Pilot Program, providing up to $100,000 for innovative breast cancer research. This initiative emphasizes collaborative projects that address critical areas such as environmental links to breast cancer, translational research, and psycho-immunological studies. FBCF aims to support new investigators and multidisciplinary teams to transform breast cancer treatment and understanding, ultimately striving for a significant impact on outcomes for patients in Florida.

Entergy’s Open Grants Program aims to enhance community well-being through funding initiatives in arts, education, social services, and community improvement. The program prioritizes support for organizations that serve diverse populations, including children and low-income communities. Eligible entities must have 501(c)(3) status or equivalent nonprofit recognition. Applications should be submitted three months in advance, allowing ample time for review. Entergy focuses on projects that foster self-sufficiency and enrich local neighborhoods.

The Will Paul Bateman Scholarship, established in 1957, provides financial assistance to deserving students in Florida who lack the means for higher education. Applications are accepted year-round, with a submission deadline of November 30 for annual review. This scholarship aims to support eligible colleges and universities, ensuring that worthy students can pursue their academic goals without financial barriers.

The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is an initiative aimed at enhancing economic development through workforce training and public infrastructure improvements. It offers grants to support programs at state colleges and technical centers, ensuring that participants gain transferable skills applicable across multiple employers. The program emphasizes inclusivity, allowing all applicants, including those unemployed or underemployed, to participate. By addressing local workforce needs, the fund plays a crucial role in strengthening Florida's economy.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.