Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Florida

The SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.

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 Rural Business Development Grants in Florida aim to support small rural businesses with training and technical assistance. These grants are available for projects benefiting areas with populations under 50,000, focusing on enterprise and opportunity grants. Funds can be used for various purposes, including business planning, infrastructure development, and community economic growth. Prioritization is given to smaller funding requests, enhancing the potential for impactful local development.

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

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 Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund offers crucial financial support and counseling for individuals in the theatrical exhibition and distribution sectors facing health-related challenges. This fund assists with medical expenses, housing emergencies, and essential services like vocational rehabilitation and equipment aid. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years in exhibition or five years in distribution. The fund aims to provide a safety net for those impacted by illness, injury, or significant life changes.

The Sprouting School Gardens Grant, provided by the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, supports school-based gardening and cooking programs to foster healthy eating habits in children. Grants between $5,000 and $10,000 help cover program operations, supplies, and educator stipends. Eligible applicants include schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas served by Sprouts Farmers Market, promoting meaningful connections between local teams and school gardening initiatives.

The Van Metre Companies Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations in education, medical, and human welfare services. With a legacy of nearly 70 years, Van Metre prioritizes innovation and community involvement, ensuring financial stability while delivering exceptional value through technology. Recognized as a Best Place to Work, their culture empowers employees and fosters a collaborative environment, reflecting a commitment to excellence and strategic growth in the Northern Virginia market.

The Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Safety First Grant Program aims to enhance community safety across its 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, it supports organizations that provide safety services or promote safe behavior. This program reflects Norfolk Southern's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, empowering employees to engage locally. By investing in safety and workforce development, Norfolk Southern fosters thriving communities, demonstrating its dedication to social responsibility and community well-being.

The Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Charitable Foundation, established in 1985, supports various charitable initiatives focusing on arts, culture, humanities, and education. It primarily benefits organizations in Memphis, Miami, and New York City. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) exempt organizations and seek project sponsorships. The foundation does not fund general operating costs or capital campaigns, and requests over $50,000 are generally discouraged. Proposals must be for projects commencing at least a year after submission.

The NCDDG program supports innovative research aiming to discover and develop new treatments for mental disorders, including substance use and alcohol use disorders. This initiative encourages collaborations between academic and industry partners to advance neurostimulation techniques and drug/device development. Applicants are invited to submit proposals that focus on specific projects utilizing the U01 mechanism, with a clear emphasis on rationally designed candidate agents and cutting-edge technologies. Letters of Intent are encouraged 30 days prior to the submission deadline.

The National Cooperative Drug/Device Discovery/Development Groups (NCDDG) program invites applications to foster innovative research in treating mental disorders and substance use issues. This initiative promotes collaboration between academia and industry, supporting diverse, multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing rational therapies and neurostimulation techniques. Applicants are encouraged to submit Letters of Intent 30 days before the proposal deadline to enhance project alignment with funding goals.

The JetBlue Foundation is dedicated to enhancing aviation-related education and STEM initiatives, aiming to inspire future aviation leaders. Offering grants up to $50,000, it supports educational organizations that focus on aviation technology, engineering, operations, and maintenance. The foundation prioritizes programs benefiting under-represented communities in aviation, including veterans, women, and diverse groups, ensuring a broader range of voices in the industry.

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 HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.

The Book Festival Grants, offered by Florida Humanities, support public humanities programs at various book festivals across Florida. Since 2022, these grants have facilitated literary events that promote reading and engage communities through author talks, workshops, and family activities. Eligible Florida-based nonprofits and governments can apply for funding up to $10,000 to enhance audience reach and accessibility via diverse programming. This initiative celebrates Florida's literary heritage while fostering connections between authors and readers.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding above $25,000 to support health equity initiatives across North America. Founded in 1943, its mission focuses on removing barriers to quality healthcare for vulnerable communities. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with strategic pillars: reducing cancer burdens, preparing the healthcare workforce, and enhancing crisis response. Eligible organizations include national and local nonprofits. Funding is limited to specific regions and assessed based on demonstrated need and expected impact.

The Kids’ Chance of Florida Scholarship Program awards scholarships to dependent children of a worker who has been killed or seriously injured in a claim accepted as compensable under the Florida Workers’ Compensation Act (Chapter 440, Florida Statutes), the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (33 U.S.C. § 901 et seq.), or the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (5 U.S.C. Chapter 81).

The program is administered by Kids’ Chance of Florida, Inc. and governed by a Board of Directors representing a cross-section of the legal and workers’ compensation communities.

Kids’ Chance of Florida offers one scholarship cycle per year. Students who receive a Kids’ Chance scholarship must reapply each year to be considered for continued support.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse is funding pilot and feasibility studies aimed at preparing for substance use and HIV prevention research trials. The program encourages innovative interventions for substance use disorders and HIV eradication, focusing on stakeholder collaboration and practical application. Projects may include assessment of service models, intervention development, and community engagement. This initiative is designed to fill critical research gaps and enhance partnerships, although applications are not currently being accepted.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

The Pratt Family Foundation Grant, established in 1999, supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and community welfare. It prioritizes organizations that aid housing assistance, support for women in crisis, and disadvantaged youth programs, particularly in North Carolina. The Foundation favors established religious and charitable organizations that are tax-exempt and have a local presence. Preference is given to areas connected to the Pratt family, such as Texas and Florida, ensuring impactful contributions to community development.

The South Arts State Fellowship offers a $5,000 grant to artists reflecting the rich visual arts culture of the Southern U.S. It aims to support individual artists or collaborative teams creating original works. Each state will select one awardee based on artistic excellence. Applicants must be legal U.S. residents and provide proof of residency. The application deadline is December 10, 2025, and awardees must attend an awards ceremony in summer 2026.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for organizations focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes health equity through strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer burdens, preparing healthcare professionals, and enhancing crisis response efforts. Eligible applicants include national and local nonprofits targeting specific regions in the U.S. and Canada. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with its mission and demonstrate significant community impact.

The South Arts Southern Prize provides a unique opportunity for individual artists in the Southern region of the U.S. to showcase their scriptwriting talents. With a total of $35,000 in grants available, including a $25,000 Southern Prize and a $10,000 runner-up prize, this program supports artistic excellence and offers a two-week residency at The Hambidge Center. Eligible applicants must be legal residents of the Southern states and adhere to specific requirements. The program celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the American South.

The NRP Young Investigator Award is designed to support research on optimizing newborn care during delivery using Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) techniques. This grant encourages innovative projects addressing gaps in transitional physiology and resuscitation practices. Eligible applicants include researchers from Canadian and US institutions, particularly those in training or within four years of completing medical training. Awardees may receive up to $15,000 to enhance their skills and knowledge, ultimately improving neonatal outcomes.