Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Florida

The Gordon J. Barnett Memorial Foundation, established in 1955, supports educational initiatives in Florida, Indiana, New York, and Oklahoma. It prioritizes funding for tax-exempt organizations, including primary schools, universities, and trade schools. The foundation does not fund political campaigns or individuals. Grants are aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and preventing cruelty to children and animals, reflecting the foundation's commitment to charitable and educational purposes.

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.

Emergency Grants

The Emergency Grant program is new to the Foundation, established during the 2011-2012 administrative year but based on an older concept that was applied during the time of Hurricane Charley.

The Foundation contributes to the Emergency Fund each year and funds are also collected from private donations designated for “emergency fund” through the year.

In the case of an emergency disaster somewhere in the Florida District of Kiwanis, the Foundation President and the District Governor will meet to confirm the existence of an emergency disaster and then formally declare select areas of the District as a Disaster Area and that funds are available from the Florida Kiwanis Foundation.

Emergency Grant requests shall be sent by club letterhead to the Foundation Office. Maximum requests for funds shall be $2,000.00. Funds will be available until the existing fund is depleted.

The Emergency funds need not be matched by the club and do not need to be for capital improvements. Expenditures for food, clothing, temporary comfort, both physical and emotional are acceptable.

The Parks and Open Space Florida Forever Grant Program, managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, aims to preserve green spaces by funding local governments and eligible nonprofits for park and open space acquisitions. This initiative not only enhances outdoor recreation but also supports conservation efforts aligned with local comprehensive plans. A minimum 25% match is required from local governments, while smaller municipalities and nonprofits may have different criteria. Applications are accepted from November 3, 2025, to January 19, 2026.

The Anchor QEA Scholarship supports graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, with awards between $1,000 and $10,000. This program emphasizes helping those in financial need, particularly focusing on BIPOC students to address inequities in STEM. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to community service and possess an inclusive mindset. This initiative reflects Anchor QEA's dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable educational environment.

The FBA Community Organization Grant Program, established by the Florida Beverage Association, aims to enhance community health and sustainability. This initiative supports grants that focus on promoting nutrition, physical activity, and environmental sustainability. By fostering comprehensive programs, the FBA is dedicated to creating healthier citizens and communities, recognizing the vital connection between business success and community well-being. This is the ninth year of the program, reflecting a strong commitment to community improvement.

Impact 100 Palm Beach County empowers women to collectively fund transformative $100,000 grants for nonprofits, enhancing community initiatives in southern Palm Beach County. The grant application process includes attending a Nonprofit Grant Workshop and submitting a Letter of Intent. Successful applicants will undergo a rigorous review, leading to a formal request for a Full Proposal. The program emphasizes high-impact projects across various focus areas, promoting sustainable change in the community.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Computer Science Studies, awarded by the UNICO Foundation, offers four scholarships of $1,000 each to full-time students pursuing a degree in Computer Science at accredited U.S. colleges. Eligible applicants must reside in specific states or have a UNICO sponsor, be U.S. citizens aged 18 or older, and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. Preference is given to those demonstrating financial need.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

The Honda USA Foundation provides funding to support mobility initiatives that empower individuals, particularly those facing disabilities, by removing barriers and expanding opportunities. Focused on sustainable change in underserved communities, the Foundation encourages applications for programs in education, infrastructure, and technology that align with its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Eligible organizations must be based in the U.S. with appropriate tax-exempt status and can apply for multiple funding opportunities while adhering to specific eligibility criteria.

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: 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 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: 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: 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.

The ASCE Florida Section: Universal Engineering Sciences Scholarship, established in 2017, supports graduate students pursuing a master's degree in geotechnical engineering. With a $1,000 award, this scholarship aims to foster talent in civil engineering amidst increasing demand for infrastructure improvements. Applicants must be active ASCE members and enrolled in Florida universities, enhancing the community's engineering expertise. This initiative underscores ASCE's commitment to education and professional development in the civil engineering field.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

The Wawa Foundation offers in-kind support to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations within its six-state area, focusing on health, hunger, and everyday heroes. Organizations can request product donations, such as Wawa brand beverages, or gift baskets for fundraising events. Requests must be made at least four weeks in advance, and support is subject to availability. This initiative aims to strengthen community ties and enhance local philanthropy through meaningful contributions.

The Brown-Forman Grants aim to enhance community vitality through strategic funding focused on arts, essential living standards, and responsible living. Emphasizing support for nonprofit organizations, the Foundation prioritizes initiatives that improve well-being, education, and environmental sustainability, particularly in Louisville, Kentucky. Organizations seeking funding must align with these goals and demonstrate measurable project outcomes. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests or applications from ineligible entities, ensuring that resources are directed towards fostering impactful community engagement.

The Public Humanities Program Grants, previously known as Community Project Grants, support initiatives that preserve and share Florida's rich history and culture. They encourage projects that bring communities together to explore their heritage and current civic life. Eligible applicants include Florida-based nonprofits and governments, and projects must involve humanities scholarship. In 2025, proposals marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence will be prioritized, fostering collaboration among diverse community partners.

The Robert J. Tarte Scholarship for Italian Studies, offered by the UNICO Foundation, supports students of Italian descent pursuing a major or minor in Italian Studies or Language. Valued at $1,000, this scholarship is awarded to full-time undergraduate students attending accredited institutions in the U.S. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies through the 2026-2027 academic year, with preference given to those demonstrating financial need.

The Alleghany Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) organization in Virginia, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands through strategic funding initiatives. It seeks grant applications that address key areas such as economic transformation, educational excellence, health and wellness, community capacity, and civic leadership. By prioritizing innovative projects and supporting local organizations, the Foundation aims to foster sustainable growth and community engagement, ensuring a vibrant future for the region.

The Ocean Reef Community Foundation's Community Grants Program supports local charities addressing community issues and fostering self-sufficiency. Grants focus on innovative projects that improve community welfare, with preference given to those involving partnerships and additional funding sources. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities and demonstrate a clear impact on the defined areas. The program prioritizes initiatives that enhance services, empower individuals, and address root causes of challenges faced by the community.

Foothills Community Foundation

In 1999, the founding members of Foothills Community Foundation shared a vision for our community. They focused their time, resources, and mission to promote philanthropy and provide a catalyst for giving in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens Counties.

Today, our leaders share the same vision. We work to inspire participation in philanthropy and retain the charitable wealth in our community to positively impact lives now and for future generations.

Scholarships

Several different scholarship funds have been established by individuals, companies, and organizations wanting to assist individuals with furthering their education. All qualified applicants will be graduating high school seniors except for renewal options specifically noted. Qualifying criteria are specific to each individual scholarship.

Irvin Cauthen Scholarship

Seniors from Anderson, Oconee, or Pickens County who plan to major in business or engineering at Anderson University, Florida State University, Clemson University or Georgia Tech are qualified. This scholarship is renewable.

Scholarship funds are awarded for one academic year. A renewal application is required for each academic year with demonstration of being in good standing at their school of choice.

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.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.