Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Florida

The Conservation Connect Fellowship Program, offered by the National Forest Foundation, invites graduate students to engage in hands-on conservation projects. This fellowship provides practical experience, mentorship from conservation professionals, and training in collaborative leadership. Fellows will gain a deep understanding of forest management and expand their professional networks. With a focus on developing future conservation leaders, the program seeks students passionate about public lands and community engagement.

SC Johnson Grants aim to enhance community welfare through charitable contributions, focusing on health, sustainability, and opportunity. Since 1937, the company has committed five percent of its pretax profits to support registered charities and nonprofit organizations, especially in areas where it operates. The grant program prioritizes initiatives addressing healthcare access, environmental conservation, and educational equity, ensuring that efforts align with the values of community service and corporate responsibility.

Florida Department of Transportation

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is an executive agency and directly reports to Governor Ron DeSantis. FDOT’s continuing mission is to provide a safe statewide transportation system that promotes the efficient movement of people and goods, supports the state’s economic competitiveness, prioritizes Florida’s environment and natural resources, and preserves the quality of life and connectedness of the state’s communities. This mission is accomplished through a primary purpose to plan and develop (either directly or indirectly) Florida’s robust transportation system. 

Highway Safety Grant Programs

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) State Safety Office awards subgrants to traffic safety partners that undertake priority area programs and activities to improve traffic safety and eliminate crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities. Subgrants may be awarded for assisting in addressing traffic safety deficiencies, expansion of an ongoing activity, or development of a new program.

Subgrants are awarded as "seed" money to assist in the development and implementation of programs in traffic safety priority areas. Many types of organizations are eligible to receive traffic safety subgrant funding including government agencies, political subdivisions of state, local, city and county government agencies, law enforcement agencies, state colleges and state universities, school districts, fire departments, public emergency service providers, and certain qualified non-profit organizations (e.g., MADD, SADD, etc.).

Each applicant must develop a concept paper that identifies a traffic safety problem in the applicant’s jurisdiction. Applicants should provide documentation in the form of crash data of the traffic safety problem targeted by the subgrant. Concept papers must detail the activities of how the traffic safety problem will be addressed using subgrant funds.

Traffic Safety Priority Areas

The following are the priority areas that are available for subgrant funding: 1) Aging Road Users; 2) Community Traffic Safety Outreach; 3) Distracted Driving; 4) Drowsy Driving; 5) Impaired Driving; 6) Interstate Speeding Enforcement; 7) Motorcycle Safety; 8) Occupant Protection and Child Passenger Safety; 9) Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety; 10) Law Enforcement Liaison Program; 11) Public Traffic Safety Professionals Training; 12) Speed/Aggressive Driving; 13) Teen Driver Safety; 14) Traffic Records; 15) Traffic Records Coordinating Committee (TRCC); 16) Work Zone Safety.

Aging Road Users

Includes traffic safety programs designed to improve aging road user safety awareness, access to alternative transportation, and education. Concept papers can address areas such as education, training, surveys, and public information efforts. Items eligible for funding under this category may include, but are not limited to, overtime for outreach and education, and overtime for subgrant reimbursement and reporting. Subgrants for equipment only are not allowable. 

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

The FFLA: Children's Legal Services grant supports legal assistance for needy children in Florida, focusing on areas such as foster care, health benefits, and educational needs. Established by the Florida Bar Foundation in the 1990s, this program encourages local collaboration and matching funds. Grants range from $25,000 to $200,000, aiming to engage private attorneys in pro bono services. Applications for the 2024-25 cycle open from April 1-26.

The Improving Health Grant Program by the Florida Blue Foundation aims to enhance health equity through initiatives like food security and mental well-being. With a focus on maternal health, the program seeks to provide three- and four-year grants to nonprofit organizations that can ensure equitable access to quality maternal health services. Approximately $3 million is available, with grants ranging from $270,000 to $400,000, supporting the goal of delivering quality care to mothers and babies throughout pregnancy.

IMPACT the Palm Beaches is a philanthropic organization empowering women to fund transformative grants for nonprofits in Central and Northern Palm Beach County. Each year, members contribute to award grants totaling $100,000, fostering community growth. The organization focuses on vital areas such as Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Family, and Health & Wellness. Since 2015, over $1.9 million has been invested in impactful projects, enhancing local services and support for underserved populations.

The NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22) supports postdoctoral fellows and research trainees in the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research, facilitating their transition to independent research roles at extramural institutions. Key deadlines for applications include October 12, 2024, and February 12, 2025, among others, providing ample opportunity for qualified investigators to advance their careers.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience across a 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, the program aims to foster economic development and ensure equal access to basic necessities. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt nonprofits, government entities, and public schools, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in their community-focused efforts.

Bristol Myers Squibb is dedicated to enhancing healthcare and advancing scientific knowledge through its Corporate Giving program. By supporting various organizations, BMS aims to improve health equity and access to essential medicines for underserved populations. Their focus includes charitable donations, medical education, and community support initiatives. This commitment reflects BMS's goal to make a positive impact on patients' lives and foster strong communities where their employees work and live.

Bell's Brewery Small Grassroots Grants support projects focusing on water stewardship across the Great Lakes watershed. With grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, eligible organizations can apply for funding to improve ecosystem health, enhance public health through better water resource management, and promote resilience against climate-related water risks. This initiative highlights Bell's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support in all 50 states and DC.

Florida Department of Health

Led by the State Surgeon General, the mission of the Florida Department of Health is to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer's Disease Research Program

The program awards grants for research relating to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of Alzheimer’s disease. The Legislature has established the following goals, with priority for research designed to prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease:

• Improve the health of Floridians by researching better prevention and diagnoses of and treatments and cures for Alzheimer’s disease.
• Expand the foundation of knowledge relating to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of Alzheimer’s disease
• Stimulate economic activity in the state in areas related to Alzheimer’s disease research

Researchers at any university or research institute in Florida are eligible to apply. The following types of applications may be considered for funding:

• Investigator-initiated research grants
• Institutional research grants
• Pre-doctoral and post-doctoral research fellowships
• Collaborative research grants, including those that advance the finding of cures through basic or applied research

Priority will be given to project proposals that focus on:

• therapeutic strategies for dealing with behavioral and social needs of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers;
• the discovery and validation of a broad spectrum of potential therapeutic targets or novel therapeutic strategies, or discoveries which provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease, and/or identify novel biomarkers;
• stimulate a consortium of clinical centers to conduct high quality clinical research studies of greater breadth than described in priority two;
• epidemiologic studies to improve our understanding of genetic, epigenetic, and acquired neurodegenerative, cardiac, and vascular disorders that result in cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease and how these conditions affect Floridians; and
• support for physician or postdoctoral fellowship training in Alzheimer’s disease research. Refer to the Research Priorities section of this FOA for more information. 

Funding Information

Applicants must request funding in the grant categories outlined in this FOA for research in the areas of focus outlined in the Research Priorities section of this FOA. Specific grant funding amounts are available for each grant category.

Grant Categories

Applications in response to this FOA must align to a grant category to pursue an area of focus from the Research Priorities section of this FOA. Applications for research infrastructure grants that are reviewed and assigned exceptional scientific merit will be considered for preferential funding. 

The grant categories are: 1) Consortium Grant; 2) Standard Grant; 3) Pilot Grant; 4) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Grant

Grant Categories: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Grant

Grants support the career development of individuals who have made a commitment to focus their research endeavors on research oriented to clinical service, evaluation, neurochemistry, neurosciences, neuromedicine, neurotherapeutics, neuropharmacology, neuropathology, etc. Research organizations are eligible to apply for no more than three Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Grants. Organizations choosing to submit two or more Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Grant applications must assure that they address different focus areas (1-4) listed under Priority Area 5.

The NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship

The NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

Scholarship amount: $1,000 to $5,000

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

The Florida Blue Foundation's Mental Well-being Grant Program aims to enhance the mental health of families and communities in Florida, addressing stressors exacerbated by the pandemic and social media. This initiative focuses on supporting children, teens, and their caregivers, promoting mental health resources and increasing the pipeline of mental health professionals. By prioritizing mental well-being, the Foundation seeks to create a positive impact on the health outcomes of Floridians, fostering resilience and community support.

The Section 5310 program, managed by the Florida Department of Transportation, focuses on enhancing mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This initiative allocates funds for capital and operating expenses to develop essential transportation services tailored to the unique needs of these communities. By mandating that at least 55% of funds support traditional projects, it ensures that public transportation effectively addresses the challenges faced by seniors and individuals with disabilities, promoting accessibility and independence.

Florida Department of Health

Led by the State Surgeon General, the mission of the Florida Department of Health is to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer's Disease Research Program: Multi-Vitamin

Research Focus

The purpose of this announcement is to stimulate research activities that study the impact of daily vitamin use on the improvement of cognitive function and any associated health care cost impacts on populations over the age of 65.

Funding Information

Applicants must request funding in the following grant categories to pursue research in the area of focus outlined in the Research Focus section of this FOA. Specific grant funding amounts are available for each grant category.

Grant Categories

Applications in response to this FOA must align to a grant category to pursue the area of focus from the Research Focus section of this FOA.   

The grant categories are: 1) Consortium Grant; 2) Standard Grant; 3) Pilot Grant; 4) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Grant

Grant Categories: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Grant

Grants support the career development of individuals who have made a commitment to focus their research endeavors on research oriented to clinical service, evaluation, neurochemistry, neurosciences, neuromedicine, neurotherapeutics, neuropharmacology, neuropathology, etc. Research organizations are eligible to apply for no more than one Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Grant.

The Ronald L. Schmied GCFI Scholarship is a travel award supporting graduate students studying marine recreational fisheries. Established in memory of Ron Schmied, a dedicated fisheries biologist, this scholarship aims to assist students in attending the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute annual meeting. With at least one $1,500 scholarship awarded each year, it covers airfare, lodging, and research-related expenses, fostering the next generation of fishery professionals and promoting engagement in vital discussions within the field.

The Citizens Charitable Foundation offers grants focused on Workforce Development and Financial Empowerment. Organizations applying must be IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in specific states. The foundation seeks to partner with high-impact nonprofits to create measurable community impact through innovative programs. Funding is directed towards job training, career education, and coaching initiatives, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and volunteerism.

The Wil and Rachel Blechman Grant, established by the Florida Kiwanis Foundation, focuses on enhancing the development of children aged 0-5 years in Florida. Grants support various initiatives, including scholarships for educators, educational seminars, reading programs, and resources for families in low-income areas. By fostering early childhood development and community engagement, the foundation aims to create a lasting impact on the lives of young children and their families.

Florida Department of Transportation

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is an executive agency and directly reports to Governor Ron DeSantis. FDOT’s continuing mission is to provide a safe statewide transportation system that promotes the efficient movement of people and goods, supports the state’s economic competitiveness, prioritizes Florida’s environment and natural resources, and preserves the quality of life and connectedness of the state’s communities. This mission is accomplished through a primary purpose to plan and develop (either directly or indirectly) Florida’s robust transportation system. 

Highway Safety Grant Programs

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) State Safety Office awards subgrants to traffic safety partners that undertake priority area programs and activities to improve traffic safety and eliminate crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities. Subgrants may be awarded for assisting in addressing traffic safety deficiencies, expansion of an ongoing activity, or development of a new program.

Subgrants are awarded as "seed" money to assist in the development and implementation of programs in traffic safety priority areas. Many types of organizations are eligible to receive traffic safety subgrant funding including government agencies, political subdivisions of state, local, city and county government agencies, law enforcement agencies, state colleges and state universities, school districts, fire departments, public emergency service providers, and certain qualified non-profit organizations (e.g., MADD, SADD, etc.).

Each applicant must develop a concept paper that identifies a traffic safety problem in the applicant’s jurisdiction. Applicants should provide documentation in the form of crash data of the traffic safety problem targeted by the subgrant. Concept papers must detail the activities of how the traffic safety problem will be addressed using subgrant funds.

Traffic Safety Priority Areas

The following are the priority areas that are available for subgrant funding: 1) Aging Road Users; 2) Community Traffic Safety Outreach; 3) Distracted Driving; 4) Drowsy Driving; 5) Impaired Driving; 6) Interstate Speeding Enforcement; 7) Motorcycle Safety; 8) Occupant Protection and Child Passenger Safety; 9) Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety; 10) Law Enforcement Liaison Program; 11) Public Traffic Safety Professionals Training; 12) Speed/Aggressive Driving; 13) Teen Driver Safety; 14) Traffic Records; 15) Traffic Records Coordinating Committee (TRCC); 16) Work Zone Safety.

Traffic Records Coordinating Committee (TRCC)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awards additional funding that can only be used for Traffic Records with the condition that the distribution of these funds must be made by a TRCC. The review and approval of these subgrants goes through a separate process but is otherwise similar to the above Traffic Records priority area.

The funding can be used for projects that improve the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and uniformity of the state's six traffic records systems (citation/adjudication, crash, driver, EMS/injury surveillance system, roadway, and vehicle) or that advance the goals and objectives of Florida's TRCC as documented in the Florida Traffic Safety Information System Strategic Plan. TRCC subgrant funding to purchase third party software to provide an interface with law enforcement agencies to submit electronic citation data is not allowed. If the funding will be used to purchase a Records Management System, Case Management System, or other type of overall document management system, only the portion of the system related to traffic records (e-crash or e-citation data) can be funded. 

Agencies are encouraged to apply for both the Traffic Records and TRCC priority areas. Please note this requires the submission of two separate concept papers, which can be exactly the same. 

Florida Department of Transportation

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is an executive agency and directly reports to Governor Ron DeSantis. FDOT’s continuing mission is to provide a safe statewide transportation system that promotes the efficient movement of people and goods, supports the state’s economic competitiveness, prioritizes Florida’s environment and natural resources, and preserves the quality of life and connectedness of the state’s communities. This mission is accomplished through a primary purpose to plan and develop (either directly or indirectly) Florida’s robust transportation system. 

Highway Safety Grant Programs

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) State Safety Office awards subgrants to traffic safety partners that undertake priority area programs and activities to improve traffic safety and eliminate crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities. Subgrants may be awarded for assisting in addressing traffic safety deficiencies, expansion of an ongoing activity, or development of a new program.

Subgrants are awarded as "seed" money to assist in the development and implementation of programs in traffic safety priority areas. Many types of organizations are eligible to receive traffic safety subgrant funding including government agencies, political subdivisions of state, local, city and county government agencies, law enforcement agencies, state colleges and state universities, school districts, fire departments, public emergency service providers, and certain qualified non-profit organizations (e.g., MADD, SADD, etc.).

Each applicant must develop a concept paper that identifies a traffic safety problem in the applicant’s jurisdiction. Applicants should provide documentation in the form of crash data of the traffic safety problem targeted by the subgrant. Concept papers must detail the activities of how the traffic safety problem will be addressed using subgrant funds.

Traffic Safety Priority Areas

The following are the priority areas that are available for subgrant funding: 1) Aging Road Users; 2) Community Traffic Safety Outreach; 3) Distracted Driving; 4) Drowsy Driving; 5) Impaired Driving; 6) Interstate Speeding Enforcement; 7) Motorcycle Safety; 8) Occupant Protection and Child Passenger Safety; 9) Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety; 10) Law Enforcement Liaison Program; 11) Public Traffic Safety Professionals Training; 12) Speed/Aggressive Driving; 13) Teen Driver Safety; 14) Traffic Records; 15) Traffic Records Coordinating Committee (TRCC); 16) Work Zone Safety.

Traffic Records

Includes the addition of crash, citation, roadway, and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) data into an electronic record management system, the development of a comprehensive highway safety information system, and the automation of analytical processes. Items eligible for funding under this category may include, but are not limited to, computer software and licenses (other than citation and crash form software). Support for proprietary crash and citation software activities are not funded because the state provides a software solution that includes the Uniform Traffic Citation form, DUI citation form, long and short form crash reports and the updates to Appendix C available at no charge to all Florida law enforcement agencies. However, comprehensive data system updates can be considered. 

The Gordon J. Barnett Memorial Foundation, established in 1955, supports religious, charitable, scientific, and educational initiatives in Florida, with special focus on organizations aiding children and animals. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) exempt organizations, while grants are not available for political campaigns or individuals. The foundation emphasizes funding for community-driven efforts, ecological projects, and educational institutions, ensuring a broad impact across various sectors.

The Zollner Foundation Grant aims to support educational and charitable organizations in Fort Wayne, IN and Golden Beach, FL. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities, with preference given to local initiatives. The foundation prioritizes funding for education, health, and human services, while typically excluding liberal arts, fine arts, and certain religious organizations. Overall, the foundation seeks to enhance community well-being through targeted philanthropic efforts.

The JFNY Grant for Arts & Cultural Exchange supports U.S. non-profit organizations aiming to enhance understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Eligible projects include performances, workshops, and exhibitions, with priority given to those with additional funding and in areas with limited access to cultural events. Applications must be submitted at least one month prior for online projects and three months for others. The grant covers expenses like travel, publicity, and artist fees, and is reimbursed upon project completion.

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Florida Cancer Innovation Fund

The Florida Legislature created the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund in 2024 within the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, with oversight by the Florida Cancer Connect Collaborative, to support innovative cancer research and treatment models, including emerging trends that may serve as catalysts for further research and treatments.

In Fiscal Year 2025-26, a total of $60 million is available for Florida cancer innovation research.

This year’s grant funding represents an expanded commitment to comprehensive cancer prevention and treatment innovation, including dedicated support for clinical trials, nutrition-based prevention research, and generic drug repurposing initiatives.

The purpose of this effort is to energize collaborations between oncologists, cutting edge researchers and cancer facilities and to provide a plausible route for expedited funding to bolster competitiveness for extramural cancer research funding. The aim is to provide opportunities to break down longstanding silos between researchers, cancer facilities, and medical providers to improve cancer research and treatment through rapid (12-month) innovative approaches to cancer research.

This opportunity supports groundbreaking research and innovative approaches aimed at combating cancer and improving patient outcomes across Florida. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the next wave of cancer innovation.

Florida Department of Transportation

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is an executive agency and directly reports to Governor Ron DeSantis. FDOT’s continuing mission is to provide a safe statewide transportation system that promotes the efficient movement of people and goods, supports the state’s economic competitiveness, prioritizes Florida’s environment and natural resources, and preserves the quality of life and connectedness of the state’s communities. This mission is accomplished through a primary purpose to plan and develop (either directly or indirectly) Florida’s robust transportation system. 

Highway Safety Grant Programs

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) State Safety Office awards subgrants to traffic safety partners that undertake priority area programs and activities to improve traffic safety and eliminate crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities. Subgrants may be awarded for assisting in addressing traffic safety deficiencies, expansion of an ongoing activity, or development of a new program.

Subgrants are awarded as "seed" money to assist in the development and implementation of programs in traffic safety priority areas. Many types of organizations are eligible to receive traffic safety subgrant funding including government agencies, political subdivisions of state, local, city and county government agencies, law enforcement agencies, state colleges and state universities, school districts, fire departments, public emergency service providers, and certain qualified non-profit organizations (e.g., MADD, SADD, etc.).

Each applicant must develop a concept paper that identifies a traffic safety problem in the applicant’s jurisdiction. Applicants should provide documentation in the form of crash data of the traffic safety problem targeted by the subgrant. Concept papers must detail the activities of how the traffic safety problem will be addressed using subgrant funds.

Traffic Safety Priority Areas

The following are the priority areas that are available for subgrant funding: 1) Aging Road Users; 2) Community Traffic Safety Outreach; 3) Distracted Driving; 4) Drowsy Driving; 5) Impaired Driving; 6) Interstate Speeding Enforcement; 7) Motorcycle Safety; 8) Occupant Protection and Child Passenger Safety; 9) Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety; 10) Law Enforcement Liaison Program; 11) Public Traffic Safety Professionals Training; 12) Speed/Aggressive Driving; 13) Teen Driver Safety; 14) Traffic Records; 15) Traffic Records Coordinating Committee (TRCC); 16) Work Zone Safety.

Occupant Protection and Child Passenger Safety

Includes safety belt use awareness, safety belt and child restraint enforcement, expanding child passenger safety fitting stations, and other occupant protection educational programs. Concept papers can address areas such as training, enforcement, surveys, and public information and education materials. Items eligible for funding under this category may include, but are not limited to, overtime for enforcement, overtime for outreach and education, overtime for dispatchers (as needed for larger agencies), overtime for subgrant reimbursement and reporting, vehicle wraps, portable message boards, seatbelt convincers, and USB drives.