Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Florida

The Southern SARE: On-Farm Research Grant supports agricultural professionals in collaborating with farmers to conduct innovative on-farm research projects focused on sustainable agriculture. This initiative emphasizes building strong relationships between researchers and farmers while addressing agricultural production challenges. By fostering new practices in production and marketing, it aims to enhance sustainability in the agricultural sector, thereby benefiting local communities and the environment.

South Arts Inc. is offering Literary Arts Grants to support writers, independent publishers, and literary organizations focusing on contemporary literature in the Southern U.S. Grants of up to $5,000 will fund projects in poetry, fiction, and other genres. Eligible applicants must be full-time residents of the South Arts region. The initiative aims to amplify the literary traditions of the American South, fostering creativity and community engagement through diverse literary projects.

The Day-End Dough-Nation® Program by Panera Bread exemplifies community generosity through the donation of unsold bakery products to local charities. This impactful initiative supports various organizations that distribute food to those in need, including shelters, health centers, and youth programs. By partnering with thousands of non-profits nationwide, Panera Bread not only reduces food waste but also plays a crucial role in addressing hunger and promoting equality within communities.

The Lake Sumter Lions Club Scholarship supports students from Leesburg High School, Wildwood Middle High School, and The Villages Charter High School, encouraging academic success and community involvement. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher and provide documentation of their community service. This scholarship is part of a broader mission by the Educational Foundation of Lake County to enhance public education and empower students to pursue post-secondary opportunities.

The High Priority HIV and Substance Use Research funding opportunity aims to support innovative research that addresses the intersection of HIV and substance use. Researchers are encouraged to submit proposals that include a detailed research plan and preliminary data, exploring new avenues for prevention, treatment, and potential cures for HIV among people who use drugs. Applications are due by 5 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent recommended 30 days prior.

The Patterson Foundation offers Oral Health Grants to support programs that enhance access to dental care for underserved communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations can apply for funding up to $35,000 for capacity expansion, $10,000 for personnel support, or $10,000 for program support. The foundation prioritizes projects led by volunteer dental professionals and requires follow-up reports for continued funding. Applications are accepted year-round through a two-step process.

The Florida Animal Friend Grants support vital spay and neuter programs for cats and dogs, aiming to reduce overpopulation and improve animal welfare. Funding is prioritized for initiatives targeting low-income families and underserved areas, with specific eligibility for non-profits and municipalities in Florida. Eligible applicants must not have received funding in the previous year and should collaborate with local organizations to enhance sterilization efforts. This grant is essential for enhancing community health and protecting animal rights.

The Florida Health Literacy Initiative, managed by the Florida Literacy Coalition and funded by the Florida Blue Foundation, aims to enhance health literacy among Florida's residents. With 14% of Americans struggling to understand basic health information, this initiative addresses the urgent need for effective health education. Offering grants to adult ESOL and family literacy programs, it empowers over 16,000 students statewide with essential knowledge and skills to make informed health decisions, ensuring a healthier community for all.

The Excellence in Education Award, presented by the Florida Literacy Coalition, recognizes organizations showcasing exceptional leadership and innovation in adult and family literacy education. This prestigious award includes a $100 gift certificate from New Readers Press and a $2,500 grant to support the recipient's initiatives. Eligible organizations include community-based volunteer literacy programs and local educational agencies, all contributing to enhancing literacy services across Florida.

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

The Charlotte Community Foundation is launching a competitive grant cycle for Fall 2025, focusing on housing insecurity and health care. Through program grants, it aims to support nonprofit organizations in Charlotte County that provide essential services to reduce homelessness and improve health outcomes. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with CCF's mission. Special emphasis is placed on programs aiding children and youth experiencing homelessness, fostering a community-driven approach to philanthropy.

The Growing Justice Fund provides grants ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 to support community-led initiatives that enhance equitable food procurement. This initiative aims to empower Tribal, Indigenous, Black, Latinx, Asian, and immigrant communities by facilitating access to institutional contracts and promoting local economic viability. With a focus on health, environmental justice, and collective action, these grants are designed to foster sustainable food systems and build wealth in historically marginalized communities.

The F26AS00104 State ANS Management Plan 2026 aims to combat aquatic nuisance species through pre-proposals followed by full applications. Managed by the US Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service, this initiative requires a 25% cost-share and limits administrative costs to 5%. Applications are due by October 14, 2026, though the funding opportunity closes on December 16, 2026. The plan is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting a coordinated national approach to invasive species management.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

In recognition of the fact that free professional public library service for all Floridians is an important part of the state’s educational infrastructure and greatly enhances and enriches the quality of life in the state, the over-arching goal of the State Aid to Libraries Program is to assist local governments in maintaining and developing such vital services, specifically providing equal access to free public library service to all residents of the service areas of participating governments, coordinating library service throughout the service area and providing consistent plans, programs, policies and procedures in the operation, maintenance and development of library service throughout the service area. 

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, in collaboration with NOAA, is offering funding to enhance environmental literacy and community resilience across the U.S. Gulf Coast. This initiative supports projects focused on local environmental challenges and solutions through place-based education. With $4M available, applicants can request between $100,000 and $750,000 for projects lasting 12 to 36 months, aimed at engaging community members and fostering future leaders in addressing regional environmental issues.

Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida connects people who care with causes that matter. Since 1964, we have served the citizens of Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, Clay, and Putnam counties through a range of charitable and civic activities, while helping individual donors achieve their philanthropic goals. We believe in Giving Back. Forever Forward.

Scholarships

Thanks to generous donors, The Community Foundation offers several scholarships each year that benefit students in Northeast Florida who are seeking post-secondary degrees.

Elizabeth Edgar Hall Founders Scholarship

The Elizabeth Edgar Hall Founders Scholarship will be awarded to one undergraduate female student who is completing/has recently completed her first year of undergraduate education and is on-track to receive her bachelor’s degree from Edward Waters University (EWU), Jacksonville University (JU), or University of North Florida (UNF). The award will provide up to $6,000 ($2,000/year for 3 years) provided the recipient continues to meet the eligibility requirements.

Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida connects people who care with causes that matter. Since 1964, we have served the citizens of Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, Clay, and Putnam counties through a range of charitable and civic activities, while helping individual donors achieve their philanthropic goals. We believe in Giving Back. Forever Forward.

Scholarships

Thanks to generous donors, The Community Foundation offers several scholarships each year that benefit students in Northeast Florida who are seeking post-secondary degrees.

Della M. Levy Scholarship for Graduate Studies

The Della M. Levy Scholarship for Graduate studies will award one female student who has completed her undergraduate studies and is pursuing a full-time graduate degree from either JU or UNF. The award of $4,500 can be used to support tuition, books, and other college related expenses in coordination with your Office of Financial Aid’s Cost of Attendance. 

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.

Wilton Manors Scholarship

Through the generosity of the Wilton Manors Kiwanis Club, your Foundation has been entrusted to further their legacy by helping Florida students with the costs of higher education through this $1,000 scholarship. The Wilton Manors Kiwanis Scholarship is accepting applications for students eligible in Broward County.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Florida provide essential funding to qualified organizations that assist very-low- and low-income families in constructing their own homes. By supervising self-help housing projects, these organizations empower communities, enabling participants to contribute labor under professional guidance. This initiative not only fosters homeownership but also strengthens local economies by promoting collaboration among families while ensuring technical support throughout the construction process.

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.

Wilton Manors Friends & Family Scholarship

This Friends and Family Scholarship is the second offering from the Kiwanis Club of Wilton Manors. In partnership with the Florida Kiwanis Foundation, they believe that there is a need for those who wish to further their education, with a focus toward students that have a sincere desire to succeed, and may have difficulty qualifying for other scholarships or grants.

The Artist Creative Practice Grant by South Arts supports individual artists in various disciplines by funding professional development opportunities. This grant ensures that artists can access vital experiences that enhance their careers, covering up to 2/3 of the total costs with awards ranging from $500 to $3,000. By promoting artistic growth, South Arts aims to elevate the cultural landscape of the Southern United States and foster meaningful connections within communities.

The Critical Needs List by Community Foundation Tampa Bay addresses urgent, unforeseen needs of nonprofits that threaten their ability to serve the community. This innovative program allows nonprofits to submit requests for funding up to $250,000 for critical expenses such as emergency repairs and essential equipment replacement. With a focus on supporting local organizations, the program aims to match funding with community philanthropists, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.

The Link Foundation Graduate Fellowship Program offers 12-week fellowships for graduate students to conduct marine science research at the Smithsonian Marine Station in Fort Pierce, Florida. Since 1998, the program has provided opportunities for students to engage in independent research alongside Smithsonian staff. With a total stipend of $9,000, applicants must be current graduate students who have completed at least one semester and possess strong English communication skills. This fellowship aims to support significant marine research initiatives.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

The Veterans Assistance & Service Dog Funding Program, established by the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, aims to support 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving veterans. This initiative enhances services like healthcare, housing, and employment support, while also facilitating the provision of service dogs for veterans facing disabilities. Applications for 2025 are closed, but interested organizations can check back in January 2026. Grants will empower nonprofits to better assist veterans in their transition to civilian life.