Best Public Infrastructure Grants in Florida

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.

Florida public entities planning publicly owned, publicly used infrastructure projects can access funding through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to support economic development and recovery. Administered by Florida Commerce, this program backs infrastructure that benefits the broader public and advances economic diversification or enhancement in targeted industries across the state.

Florida public infrastructure and community nonprofits can access funding through RBC Foundation USA for programs that build job skills, expand inclusive community spaces, and support environmental sustainability. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public charities with at least three years of operation, a $100,000+ annual budget, and location in a community served by RBC Wealth Management.

Florida public agencies and tribal governments planning major surface transportation infrastructure projects can access funding through the US Department of Transportation’s BUILD Grant Program. Eligible sponsors include state and local governments, counties, transit agencies, and port authorities across the U.S., with awards up to US $25,000,000 for multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional projects with significant local or regional impact.

Federally recognized Indian Tribes in Florida and across the U.S. can seek funding to plan, design, and construct safer public bridges and related infrastructure. Focused on TTP bridges in poor condition, the Federal Highway Administration’s TTP Bridge Program supports replacement, rehabilitation, and safety improvements for BIA/Tribally and non-BIA/Tribally owned bridges.

Industrial and energy-focused organizations in Florida developing thermal or electric industrial energy storage solutions can access funding through the U.S. Department of Energy for concepts, prototypes, and validation. This three-phase national prize offers up to US $700,000 per team to advance cost-effective storage that improves industrial energy efficiency and supports cleaner, more flexible public energy infrastructure.

Researchers and research institutions in the U.S. can apply for Arnold Ventures’ Building Evidence support to conduct rigorous quasi-experimental evaluations of social programs and policies. Grants fund causal studies in areas such as public infrastructure, higher education, workforce training, reproductive health, and public finance, which may benefit Florida-focused public infrastructure research and related policy analysis.

Very small, financially distressed rural communities planning water or waste disposal infrastructure can receive funding for feasibility studies, preliminary design, and technical assistance. Focused on predevelopment for public water, sewer, solid waste, and stormwater facilities, USDA: Rural Development supports eligible Florida public entities, nonprofits, and tribes preparing larger public infrastructure projects.

Universities, research institutions, and public agencies working on transportation policy and public infrastructure in Florida can seek funding for U.S.-focused research, data, and policy development projects. With a mission to improve lives through evidence-based solutions, Arnold Ventures provides up to US $200,000 for studies and reforms that enhance transportation investment, delivery, and access nationwide.

Units of local government in small urban and rural Florida communities can seek funding for public infrastructure and community development projects, including water, sewer, streets, sidewalks, parks, and stormwater improvements. Florida Commerce’s Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program also supports housing rehabilitation, downtown and commercial revitalization, and job-creating economic development activities benefiting low- and moderate-income residents.

Public agencies planning advanced transportation and public infrastructure projects in Florida can seek up to US $12,000,000 to deploy, install, and operate innovative technologies that improve safety, mobility, and system performance. DOT Federal Highway Administration’s ATTAIN program may benefit projects involving transit, congestion management, intermodal connectivity, and pedestrian or bike-friendly infrastructure.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA: Capital Improvement Grants

Any request to support a project that seeks to improve a facility is considered a capital improvement. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Range improvements
• Berm improvements
• Clubhouse/Classroom facility improvements
• Shelter structures/covered firing lines/pavilions
• Road improvements
• Commercial-grade trap machines (see section regarding trap machines, below)
• Any other permanent improvement to an organization’s property or facility

The Grant Program considers requests for certain trap machines to be a capital improvement to the facility. Specifically, requests for commercial grade trap machines that have a capacity of 300 clays and up.

The Impact Aid Discretionary Construction Grant Program (84.041C) offers $19M in funding to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to address urgent school facility needs. This initiative supports repairs, renovations, or replacements required to maintain safe educational environments. Grants cover projects that improve accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ensure that facilities meet health standards. The program aims to enhance learning conditions by responding effectively to emergency situations.

About Boeing

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company

One of the largest employee-managed funds of its kind in the world, the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company has empowered employees to make a greater impact by pooling their tax-deductible donations for more than 60 years. Employee-led grantmaking committees at 20 Boeing sites provide combined employee donations to nonprofits in their communities through ECF grants.

Charitable or educational organizations can apply for grants from the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company.

Puget Sound Chapter

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of Boeing Puget Sound is a pooled fund consisting of recurring payroll contributions from generous Boeing employees. It funds local nonprofits that help thousands of families and individuals in the Puget Sound region where Boeing employees live and work.

ECF focus areas

ECF makes grants to 501(c)(3) Health & Human Service nonprofits such as food banks, job-training programs, shelters, transitional housing, mental health services, and low-income medical clinics. ECF seeks the direct client benefit of each grant to ensure that our employees’ contributions directly help those in need.

ECF funding criteria

ECF has two distinct grant categories – Supporting Grants and Capital Campaign Grants.

ECF of Boeing Company: Puget Sound Chapter Supporting Grants

Consideration is given to nonprofits/agencies that are performing well and are seeking to upgrade, replace or modify elements of their infrastructure.

• Supporting grants cannot exceed $50,000. The requested amount cannot be more than 10% of an agency’s gross annual revenue.
• Supporting grants will be considered only for agencies benefiting residents in the Puget Sound Region.
• Supporting grants help agencies continue to effectively provide services through enhanced direct client benefit by aiding them in procuring and/or paying for items such as:
  • Equipment (ex. office, kitchen, industrial, furniture, etc.)
  • Vehicles used to support clients and/or transport food and/or goods (cost of vehicle and accommodations, tax, and licensing only; operating expenses, such as insurance, fuel, etc. is not allowed)
  • Phone systems
  • Cell phones for direct client use
  • Remodels and/or renovations (must hold at least a 10-year lease or own the building)
  • Purchase or construction of new buildings
  • Computers or tablets for direct client benefit and/or use
  • Software for direct client benefit and/or use (ex. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device)
  • Information Technology expenses, without which procured tools would not work
  • External improvements for client safety (i.e. security system, exterior lighting, improved ADA accessibility, new or refinished pavement or concrete)
• Supporting grants which are accepted must be spent as approved within nine (9) months.

The Affordable Rural Cooperative (ARC) Energy Program, initiated by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), aims to enhance rural electric systems through substantial funding of approximately $175 million. This initiative focuses on increasing emission-free nuclear power and improving transmission infrastructure efficiency, promoting long-term reliability and affordability. Eligible entities include electric cooperatives serving rural areas and their subsidiaries. The program aligns with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, thus fostering a sustainable energy future.

The BJA FY 2026 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)—Formula Grants Program aims to support states and local governments in enhancing their DNA analysis capabilities. By providing funding for existing crime laboratories, this initiative seeks to increase the processing capacity for DNA samples, thereby reducing the backlog in forensic DNA analysis and ensuring timely entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Applications are due by November 5, 2026.

The FY 2027 Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) FAA Contract Tower Competitive Grant Program offers up to $100 million for airport traffic control tower projects. This initiative aims to support airports in modernizing and repairing aging infrastructure, ensuring safety and efficiency in air traffic management. Eligible projects may involve construction, rehabilitation, or installation of essential air traffic control equipment, enhancing the operational capabilities of the nation's airports.

The Prioritization Process Pilot Program (PPPP) Competitive Grant Program, funded by the DOT Federal Highway Administration, offers up to $26 million for innovative transportation planning in FYs 2024-2026. Grants of up to $2 million will support the development of transparent, data-driven prioritization processes for project selection in transportation plans, ensuring that funded projects deliver public benefits and meet community needs.

The Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program by the USDA's Rural Utilities Service provides funding for essential technical assistance and training aimed at resolving water and waste management issues. This program supports applicants in preparing loan and grant applications, enhancing the operational efficiency of water systems, and ensuring compliance with best practices in facility management. However, grant funds cannot be used for duplicating existing services or for capital expenditures.

Nonprofits, government entities, and tribal organizations working on traffic safety and public infrastructure in Florida can seek US $50,000 - US $200,000 through the Road to Zero Community Traffic Safety Grants. The National Safety Council supports evidence-based, innovative projects that improve mobility safety, address disparities, and can be replicated or scaled across U.S. communities.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charities and government entities working on public infrastructure and community development in Florida may be eligible for grants and product donations supporting healthier, more sustainable communities. SC Johnson Giving focuses on health, environmental sustainability, and economic and social mobility, primarily in areas where the company has major operations, and may also consider regional or national initiatives.

Local governments and community-based nonprofits in small to mid-sized U.S. cities can access up to US $25,000 to plan and implement temporary street safety demonstration projects that address divisive arterial roads. Smart Growth America supports teams, including those from Florida, focused on reconnecting neighborhoods and improving public infrastructure in historically disinvested communities.

Florida 501(c)(3) public charities serving Polk County residents can apply for Impact Polk grants to support community projects, with awards up to US $20,000. Grants from GiveWell Community Foundation help fund transportation and public infrastructure initiatives alongside education, housing, food security, and quality-of-life programs that improve access to essential services.

Tax-exempt nonprofits working on environmental activism and advocacy in Florida can apply for Ittleson Foundation’s Environmental Program Grants to launch innovative pilot, model, or demonstration projects. Funding supports efforts like training current and future environmental activists, strengthening grassroots infrastructure, and engaging new constituencies, including those focused on environmental equity, across the U.S.

The Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants support various community initiatives across North America, emphasizing education, health services, and cultural affairs. Launched post-Hurricane Katrina, the foundation aids local nonprofits, enhancing community development, public safety, and veteran support. The grants cater to organizations that address the needs of children, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, ensuring a broad impact in areas where Penn National Gaming operates. This commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering resilience.

The Entergy Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on supporting initiatives that foster thriving communities through education, poverty solutions, and environmental programs. The foundation prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities. Key areas include education development, innovative poverty solutions, and environmental restoration efforts, such as coastal wetland preservation. Organizations are encouraged to apply at least three months before funding is needed, ensuring timely support for impactful community projects.

The Fund for a Just Society Grant, offered by the Unitarian Universalist Association, supports nonprofit organizations that focus on social and economic justice through community organizing. This grant prioritizes innovative projects that seek systemic change and empower disenfranchised communities. Eligible organizations must operate with an annual budget under $500,000 and demonstrate a clear campaign for change. This funding aims to foster a more just society by addressing root causes and enhancing visibility for Unitarian Universalist principles.