Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Florida

The Charlotte Community Foundation offers unrestricted grants aimed at supporting Veterans, Seniors, and Youth in Charlotte County, FL. Established in 2024, the Mary V. Renois Family Fund provides essential operational support to nonprofit organizations meeting these populations' needs. The grants are designed to enhance the quality of life through comprehensive services, educational opportunities, and community leadership, ensuring a measurable local impact and fostering a culture of philanthropy in the region.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County offers Traditional Scholarships to support students from Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, or Charlotte counties pursuing higher education. With approximately $2 million awarded annually, these scholarships cater to diverse academic interests. Applicants must be residents or graduates of local high schools and under 24 years old by December 31st of the application year. This initiative reflects the foundation's mission to empower individuals to achieve their educational goals and make a lasting impact in the community.

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

What We Fund

Our founder, Tom Golisano, has deep and personal interest in supporting projects and initiatives that enhance the dignity and independence of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and that build inclusive communities. The Golisano Foundation is committed to improving the lives of people with IDD through transformational investments in organizations working to create inclusive communities where all citizens are valued as productive members of society.

With this in mind, the Foundation has adopted the following areas for funding consideration:

• Holds the principles of social justice in highest regard as demonstrated by agency’s mission, work and proposal; believes people with disabilities are powerful agents of change and that society as a whole benefits when all individuals reach their full potential and become contributing members of their community. 
• Supports throughout the life span and transitions for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families and caregivers including but not limited to the following areas: Educational support at various stages of development as well as life-long learning opportunities; employment services including supported, career development, vocational and life skills training; year-round preventative health services, fitness activities, physical and emotional wellness; expanded residential options for community living; caregiver respite; recreation; transportation, assistive technology, community awareness and advocacy. 
• Community-wide strategies that can grow best practices and effective programs to transformative scale; are easy to replicate and share broadly with the field. 
• Interdisciplinary and interagency alliances/collaborations/coalitions that bring together the expertise and perspectives of various disciplines including non-traditional human services providers such as businesses, higher education institutions, health systems, and government.
• Initiatives that target individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are underserved, isolated and/or have difficulty accessing services and programs; work to eliminate structural, economic or cultural barriers to services. 
• Person-directed services and planning with individuals and families involved in the selection, implementation and monitoring of one’s supports and services. 
• Applications for programs, capital projects and community planning initiatives related to the field of developmental disabilities will be given consideration.

We are willing and eager to partner with grantees, as appropriate, to achieve thes goals and maximize impact. Therefore the approval of a grant will be followed up with careful monitoring of the project as it unfolds. The devil is in the details, and to give responsibly means remaining involved as the project proceeds. While we rely on competent agency staff, outside consultants, and expert advisors to help us make reasoned decisions on funding and monitor the implementation of funded projects, we believe that the Foundation’s involvement in the details of a project is important to the beneficiary and the community we serve.

The CFNF: Future of Florida Surveying Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of North Florida, supports undergraduate students pursuing degrees in Surveying, Geomatics, or Geomatics Engineering at accredited Florida universities. This scholarship aims to enhance the quality of life in the North Florida community through charitable giving, and applicants must be members of the Florida Surveying and Mapping Society to be eligible.

The CTBF: Eager to Learn Grant Program provides essential support for college test preparation and promotes access to trade schools. Aimed at empowering students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, the program funds organizations that enhance SAT and ACT scores and offer mentorship. Grants, capped at $25,000, focus on equitable opportunities in education, ensuring all students can pursue their optimal paths, whether through college or vocational training.

The Santander Bank Charitable Giving Program is committed to enriching communities through $100 million in charitable giving. It focuses on community development, emphasizing affordable housing, small business support, and financial education. Eligible applicants must be recognized as public charities by the IRS and demonstrate the capacity to serve community needs. The program aims to foster partnerships to uplift low- and moderate-income communities across its operational footprint, ensuring a lasting impact through philanthropic efforts.

The Andrews Family Foundation offers Board Grants to public, non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Focused on enhancing communities through education, humanitarian work, and the arts, the foundation aims to foster individual growth. Established in 1993 in Chicago, it continues a legacy of community commitment. Grant proposals are reviewed quarterly, with final awards decided by the Board. Eligible organizations must have a budget between $1M and $4M and provide opportunities for board member involvement.

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 Walter F. Goodnough Trust Grant aims to support the rehabilitation of underprivileged disabled children in Florida through hospitalization services. Established by Walter F. Goodnough's will, this private trust provides an average grant size of $2,500 to $5,000, with a total annual giving of approximately $15,000. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and focus on the rehabilitation of these children, ensuring vital support for their healthcare needs.

Our Guiding Vision

A community where strong and accessible education can expand worlds and change lives.

History of the Trust

The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust comprises two generations of the Hamilton family with a long history of philanthropy in the Philadelphia region. Since 1992, the family has been committed to improving educational opportunities for children and youth, a mission established by Dorrance (Dodo) Hamilton (1928–2017), mother and grandmother of the family Trustees. The family extended their philanthropic reach to Palm Beach County, FL and Aquidneck Island, RI in 2017. The family convenes four times annually to honor this legacy, supporting myriad programs that enhance the lives of the young people they serve.

Hamilton Family Foundation Grant

Program Focus

• Data-driven literacy-based programs focused on developing robust reading and writing skills with a strong history of success.
  • These can be programs that:
    • Take place during school hours, after school, or during the summer.
    • Take place across school systems, but the funding can support only nonsectarian programming including within a religious institution.
  • Grades K-8 programs should devote at least 70 percent of their time directly to instruction and activities in reading and writing.
  • Grades 9-12 programs should provide innovative approaches to students in under-resourced areas for success in higher education, from the college admission process and acceptance through to completion.
  • Youth workforce development programs that focus on quality career exploration and preparation initiatives.
  • Recreational programs with a strong academic component.

Things To Consider

• First-time grants: generally designated for program support. The Trust rarely funds new staff positions for initial grants.
• Continuing partners: generally made for either programmatic or operational support.
• Multi-year grants: requests are typically reserved for grantees with five (5) years or more of consecutive funding from the Trust. Multi-year grants require approval prior to application submission. Approval is generally communicated in response to the LOI.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Florida provides essential funding for the development of community facilities in rural areas. This program is aimed at public bodies, non-profits, and federally recognized tribes, ensuring access to affordable services. Projects can receive funding based on population size and median income, with grants covering up to 75% of costs for eligible areas. This initiative supports infrastructure like healthcare, education, and public safety facilities, enhancing the quality of life in rural communities.

Small County Outreach Program for Municipalities and Communities (SCOP-M)

The purpose of this program is to assist small county governments in repairing or rehabilitating county bridges, paving unpaved roads, addressing road-related drainage improvements, resurfacing or reconstructing county roads, or constructing capacity or safety improvements to county roads.

Available funds are allocated to the districts based on the number of eligible counties. For example, if a district has 12 counties eligible for SCOP/Small County Economic Development (SCED) and Small County Growth Management (GRSC), and there is a total of 38 eligible counties statewide, then the district’s allocation would be approximately 31.57% of the total available funding. The Florida Department of Transportation (department) shall fund 75% of the cost of projects on county roads funded under the program. Any initial bid costs or project overruns after the letting that exceed the department’s participation as stated, will be at the county’s expense. This will help ensure that the funds are utilized on as many projects as possible.

The Citizens Grants: Financial Empowerment program supports nonprofits focused on creating measurable impacts in financial education for low to moderate income individuals and small businesses. This grant emphasizes partnerships with established 501(c)(3) organizations and encourages collaborative efforts that demonstrate alignment with funding priorities. By investing in financial literacy, Citizens aims to enhance fiscal health in underserved communities across select geographic areas.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The Florida Boating Improvement Program offers competitive grants to enhance boating access projects for motorized vessels in Florida. Funded by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, eligible applicants include county governments and municipalities. The program supports various initiatives such as constructing boat ramps, piers, and educational projects that promote boating. This funding aims to improve recreational boating opportunities and stimulate local economic development related to water activities.

The External Collaborative Research Grants by Boehringer Ingelheim support academic and clinical scientists in proposing research studies. These grants facilitate collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, which may provide intellectual and financial support. Applicants must assume full responsibility for their research while complying with regulatory standards. The funding should cover research costs, excluding salary support for the collaborative partner. Interested investigators must apply online for consideration.

The Inserra Scholarships, provided by the UNICO Foundation, aim to support students of Italian descent pursuing higher education. Two scholarships of $2,500 each are awarded annually to eligible candidates who are U.S. citizens attending accredited colleges or universities full-time. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to empowering the Italian American community through education.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is authorized by Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. It is a partnership that is designed to assist states, local governments, private non-profit organizations and Indian Tribes in implementing long-term hazard mitigation measures following a major disaster declaration.

Project Eligibility Criteria

Now that you have idea of project eligibility we can move to the final step in this primer.

Regardless of who you are, or what organization your represent, the process for applying for HMGP funds begins at the county level with each county’s LMSWG. They alone determine which eligible mitigation projects will be placed on their project priority list. They use this list to track and organize projects from across their county that they want to submit for funding consideration for the HMGP. If you would like to request that an eligible mitigation project be added to your county’s project priority list, then please use the county contact list below to get in touch with them.

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a federal grant initiative funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and administered at the state level by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The purpose of the RTP is to provide financial assistance for the development and maintenance of recreational trails, trailheads and trailside facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. 

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.

 Florida Department of Education

The Department of Education serves as the single repository of education data from school districts, state and community colleges, universities, and independent postsecondary institutions - allowing us to track student performance over time and across varying education sectors.

We administer a statewide reading initiative for Florida's public schools, and among community groups and volunteer organizations that support them, with a goal of having every child able to read at or above grade level.

Pathways to Career Opportunities – Grow Your Own Teacher Apprenticeship Program

The state funds appropriated in House Bill 5001, General Appropriations Act (GAA) (Item Number 121 – Aid to Local Governments – Grant Aids), includes a $5 million set aside for the Grow Your Own Teacher Apprenticeship Program.

The purpose of this sub-initiative is to increase the supply of qualified teachers by creating a teacher pipeline for Florida. It is designed to encourage partnerships between eligible applicants and participating employers (Florida school districts, charter schools and charter management organizations) to provide an innovative, no-cost pathway to the teaching profession for registered teacher apprentices.

The funds for this grant are appropriated in the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) as a sub initiative to the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant (PCOG).

 Florida Department of Education

The Department of Education serves as the single repository of education data from school districts, state and community colleges, universities, and independent postsecondary institutions - allowing us to track student performance over time and across varying education sectors.

We administer a statewide reading initiative for Florida's public schools, and among community groups and volunteer organizations that support them, with a goal of having every child able to read at or above grade level.

Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant (PCOG) Program

Subject to legislative approval and the governor’s signature, state funds are appropriated under the 2026-2027 state of Florida General Appropriations Act (Item Number 121 – Aid to Local Governments – Grant Aids) to establish new and operate or expand existing registered apprenticeship or preapprenticeship programs. 

Florida Department of Law Enforcement

FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. In addition, the department formally coordinates boards, councils, and commissions. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. 

Our Mission: To promote public safety and strengthen domestic security.

State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E.)

State funding is available to conduct investigations designed to combat illegal fentanyl activity. This grant provides reimbursement for approved fentanyl-related investigative operations, which may include:

• Overtime
• Relevant Travel Costs
• Purchase of Investigative Supplies
• Equipment Purchases
• Relevant Contractual Services
• Training Costs
• Other Costs Associated with Cases Focusing on Fentanyl Eradication

Awards

Available funds will be distributed based on the operational needs of each agency’s investigations as approved by the S.A.F.E. Executive Board, not to exceed a combined total of $12,902,972.

The Florida Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BIGP) Tier II offers competitive funding for transient recreational boat tie-up facilities. With an annual budget between $9 million and $14 million, it supports projects exceeding 26 feet in length. While there is no maximum project cost, federal funding is capped at $1.5 million. This program, overseen by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, encourages innovative proposals that meet stringent eligibility criteria.

Florida Constitution authorizes the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

The Florida Constitution authorizes the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to enact rules and regulations regarding the state's fish and wildlife resources. To do this, the 7 FWC Commissioners meet 4 times each year to hear staff reports, consider rule proposals and conduct other Commission business.

Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BIGP)

The Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BIGP) provides funding through competitive grants for tie-up facilities for transient recreational boats 26 feet or longer (non-trailerable). This program is funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Types of Funding Available

There are two types of grants, Tier I and Tier II

Tier I Projects

In any given funding cycle, the State of Florida may receive a total of $300,000 for Tier I projects. All Tier I projects must meet the eligibility requirements of 50 CFR 86.20. Each Tier I project cannot exceed $300,000; however, the State of Florida may select one (1) or as many Tier I projects as are eligible so long as the aggregate of these projects does not total more than that year's funding cycle allotment. Tier One projects compete against other Florida projects for funding.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.