Best Environmental Education Grants in Florida

The Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation offers general grants aimed at promoting arts, education, and environmental initiatives. Currently, they are not accepting applications for 2025 but will reopen in January 2026. Eligible organizations must be IRS-registered 501(c)(3) entities serving specific regions, with a focus on environmental, medical, and veterans initiatives. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with its mission and provides opportunities for quality arts programming.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Duke Energy Foundation offers Local Impact Grants of up to $20,000 aimed at promoting vibrant economies, climate resiliency, and justice, equity, and inclusion. These grants are available year-round and support workforce development, community revitalization, and environmental projects. Eligible organizations must have tax-exempt status and serve communities in Florida counties served by Duke Energy, while ensuring non-discrimination and measurable community impact.

The First Horizon Foundation, a private charitable organization established in 1993, has committed over $100 million to various community initiatives. Focused on areas such as arts, education, environment, and health, it aims to address pressing community needs, particularly in Florida. Eligible entities include organizations in specified counties, while support is not available for individuals or certain types of organizations. The foundation's recent efforts also extend to the newly formed Louisiana First Horizon Foundation.

• Glenn W. Bailey: STEM Scholars Grant
• Glenn W. Bailey Foundation STEM Sprouts
• Glenn W. Bailey Foundation STEM Stars
• Glenn W. Bailey Foundation Teen Tech Competition

Our Mission

Our Mission is to foster pathways to success in globally competitive STEM careers for students in the United States.

We want to help ensure that the United States remains a global thought leader in all forms of science, math, and technology by promoting projects which encourage, enhance and advance STEM education in this country and to promote projects which provide career opportunities for individuals with STEM education backgrounds.

The Foundation, formed in 2022, seeks to give students and educators more resources for developing and participating in STEM-based, hands-on learning. As a Foundation, we want to support STEM education programs that are making a difference for students regardless of their background or resources. We want every student in America to have enough exposure to STEM from an early age and to transform our attitudes around STEM subjects. We are working towards changing the narrative that promotes STEM subjects as challenging and difficult to the idea that a broad knowledge of STEM education is imperative for socioeconomic and economic freedom as an adult, for all.

Programs & Partners

STEM Encouragement 

It all begins with an idea. We support educational opportunities ranging in age from children through post-doctoral candidates and beyond to promote STEM learning and initiatives that seek to increase awareness and success in STEM careers in the United States.

Environmental & Climate

We will support Innovative Environmental Projects (IEPs) that utilize interdisciplinary research to identify and address critical environmental problems with cutting-edge, innovative solutions that are scalable and replicable.

Scientific Research

Contribute to advancements in biomedical research and innovation to accelerate the progress in medical research and drug treatment development - specifically for high-mortality, under-funded areas of need such as pancreatic and colon cancers.

Urban & Community Entrepreneurship

Advancing entrepreneurship in moderate-income and underserved communities to help business leaders of today and tomorrow prosper. The focus of this program is to help foster economic empowerment by investing in organizations focusing on one individual, one job, and one business at a time.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The HTR Foundation Grant supports the preservation of American Civil War sites and educational projects related to this heritage. Grants are available to tax-exempt organizations and government agencies, focusing on land acquisition and public engagement while excluding endowments, individual support, and local interest projects. This initiative promotes the historical, cultural, and environmental legacy of the United States, ensuring the continued education and awareness of the Civil War's significance.

Our Mission

We are dedicated to empowering organizations that promote the arts and develop programs designed to inspire, educate, and engage. Our vision is a world where the arts are not viewed as a luxury or elective, but as a vital part of every individual’s development and well-being.

Through strong community partnerships, we harness the transformative power of the arts to elevate educational outcomes, foster creativity, and enhance quality of life.

We believe in the synergy that arises when artists, educators, advocates, and creatives from all disciplines—musicians, museum professionals, actors, writers, and teachers—come together and collaborate. It is scientifically proven that the arts play a fundamental role in youth development, nurturing healthy brain function, social growth, and emotional resilience.

Aligned with our mission, we also support initiatives that protect and utilize nature as a source of enrichment and healing. Conservation and beautification efforts are not only essential to environmental health but also to individual and community well-being. Research consistently shows that time spent in nature supports both physical and mental health, especially for children. We are committed to partnering with organizations that recognize the vital connection between a thriving natural environment and a thriving population.

Equally important is our dedication to supporting veterans. We recognize the sacrifices made by servicemen and women and believe they deserve meaningful pathways to recovery, healing, and renewed purpose. That’s why we invest in programs that provide therapeutic support, service animals, respite opportunities, and community-centered initiatives that help veterans and their families thrive. Veterans’ well-being is not only a moral imperative but also a cornerstone of a strong, resilient community.

As a charitable foundation, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that drive progress, improve lives, and create lasting, positive impact across the arts, the environment, education, and veteran support.

The P/Arts Program

The P/Arts Program was created to strengthen connections between the philanthropic, arts, and education communities, fostering meaningful collaborations that enrich learning and inspire growth.

Eligible applicants must be accredited 501(c)(3) organizations that integrate visual and/or performing arts education into their work. Through P/Arts, we seek to support programs that:

• Revitalize learning by enhancing and transforming outdated public school curricula.
• Motivate and inspire students of all ages, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.
• Empower educators by deepening professional development opportunities for teachers, professors, and childcare providers.
• Bridge the gap between school and home, creating continuity in learning and support for children and families.
• Apply evidence-based, arts-based instruction proven to strengthen both academic and personal outcomes.
• Address inequities in education by helping to close the achievement gap and expand access to high-quality learning opportunities.

At its heart, the P/Arts Program reflects our belief that the arts are a powerful driver of educational transformation, unlocking potential not just in the classroom but in entire communities.

The Peacock Foundation Inc. grants support the health and well-being of South Florida's children and families through contributions to eligible 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes proposals that address human services, education, health, youth, elderly care, disabilities, arts for educational purposes, and environmental education. All applicants must submit a letter of inquiry detailing their mission, project description, community served, and funding request. The foundation does not fund capital campaigns, individuals, or lobbying efforts.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Southern Partners Fund's Discretionary Fund Grant aims to support grassroots community organizing for social, economic, and environmental justice in the Southeastern United States. It provides financial resources and technical assistance to rural organizations and leaders focused on transformative change. Eligible applicants include self-governed rural groups engaging in advocacy and community development. The fund prioritizes education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement, allowing up to two requests per year, with a maximum award of $3,500.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

IMPACT 100 of Northwest Florida offers grants to nonprofit organizations in Okaloosa and Walton Counties, aiming to fund high-impact projects that transform lives. Grants start at $100,000, with specific focus areas including education, environment, family, health & recreation, and arts & culture. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and serve local communities. The grant process encourages collaboration among nonprofits, fostering innovative solutions for community needs.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The St. Joe Community Foundation, established in 1999, aims to enhance the quality of life in Northwest Florida through grants to 501(c)(3) organizations. Focused on education, environmental stewardship, health, and cultural arts, the foundation prioritizes projects that promise long-term community benefits. Organizations based in Bay and Walton Counties are eligible to apply, fostering sustainable civic infrastructure to support the unique character and heritage of the region.

The Cutler Bay Community Fund aims to enhance the quality of life in Cutler Bay by supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Established in 2013, it prioritizes educational, aesthetic, environmental, cultural, and social services projects. Grant amounts range from $500 to $2,500, focusing on local initiatives that meet evolving community needs. The Fund is managed by a Board of Directors, including the Mayor and Town Council, ensuring strategic oversight and community engagement.

The SECO Energy Foundation Grant aims to improve community quality of life through charitable initiatives. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it supports educational, environmental, energy-related, veteran, public safety, and health projects. Grants are available in two tiers: Community Grants, up to $25,000, and Mini-Grants, up to $5,000. Eligible organizations must serve SECO territories in Florida and meet specific criteria, ensuring that funding directly benefits local residents.

The Florida Association for Water Quality Control (FAWQC) Environmental Education (E2) Fund supports environmental education projects in Florida. Grants, up to $1,000, are awarded to schools and community organizations for initiatives that enhance awareness of water issues, promote student involvement, and apply sound scientific principles. The FAWQC, established in 1978, relies on donations and event proceeds to fund these important educational efforts aimed at improving Florida's water quality.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation (FBCF) offers the Scientific Research Grant - Pilot Program, providing up to $100,000 for innovative breast cancer research. This initiative emphasizes collaborative projects that address critical areas such as environmental links to breast cancer, translational research, and psycho-immunological studies. FBCF aims to support new investigators and multidisciplinary teams to transform breast cancer treatment and understanding, ultimately striving for a significant impact on outcomes for patients in Florida.

The Richard I. Stessel Waste Management Award, presented annually by the Air & Waste Management Association, honors outstanding achievements in waste management. This prestigious award acknowledges individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the science and practice of waste management, including technological advancements, waste regulation, and educational excellence. Named after Professor Richard I. Stessel, the award promotes innovative solutions for environmental sustainability, encouraging professionals to serve as role models in the field.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Florida Specialty Crop Block Grant Program aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and horticulture products. This program encourages innovative projects that promote marketing, research, and accessibility of specialty crops while addressing industry challenges. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and government agencies. The program prioritizes economic benefits, feasibility, and alignment with budgetary constraints, ensuring a positive impact on Florida's agricultural landscape.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

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.