Best Hillsborough County Grants for Nonprofits in Florida

The DeBartolo Family Foundation is dedicated to uplifting underserved communities in the Tampa Bay area through educational scholarships, grassroots support, and financial assistance programs. Over the past two decades, they have made significant contributions to local youth, veterans, and organizations, exemplifying their commitment to community enrichment. Their initiatives, such as the Spirit of Humanity Award, recognize and honor those making a difference. This foundation invites organizations aligned with their mission to apply for Community Grants.

Hillsborough County, Florida nonprofits serving children, youth, families in poverty, or the elderly can access funding through the Broadrick Family Foundation for local, grassroots, fiscally responsible programs. Grants may support mentoring, children’s health, pediatric cancer research, scholarships, arts education, mental health, disability services, and other efforts that make a lasting difference for at-risk children and those in need.

2025 Urban & Community Forestry Natural Disaster and Recovery Supplement

The scope of this program is designed to improve and reestablish urban forests in 56 peninsular Florida counties that were negatively impacted by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton. These efforts will emphasize not just tree planting but also pruning and efforts to enhance urban forest resiliency through strong planning methods. The primary purpose is to not just replace lost canopy, but to ensure that the urban forest is more resilient to future storms, enhancing the likelihood of long-term recovery. The State of Florida anticipates an allocation of $1,500,000 to applicants through this funding opportunity.

The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation Grant Program aims to enhance the education, health, and emotional well-being of children within the community. Funded entirely by the Suncoast Credit Union, it supports local initiatives through a unique program where every debit or credit card purchase contributes to the foundation. Since its establishment in 1990, it has allocated over $53 million in funding and scholarships, emphasizing measurable results and compliance with anti-discrimination laws for eligible organizations.

Hillsborough County, Florida 501(c)(3) mental health and suicide prevention nonprofits can access funding through Community Foundation of Tampa Bay for programs addressing suicidality and stigma. Eligible projects must impact the Tampa Bay area, including Hillsborough County, and may include prevention initiatives, stigma reduction, treatment and therapy supports, or care provider compassion resiliency efforts.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charities working in STEM education or supporting military personnel, families, and veterans, including those serving Hillsborough County, Florida, can seek community investment funding for programs. BAE Systems provides grants to organizations with strong financial health that engage young people in science, engineering, technology, and math or advance military and veteran well-being.

Franklin's Friends offers Animal Welfare Grants to support local nonprofits and government agencies in Central Florida. Our mission emphasizes shelter and rescue, spay and neuter, and community education. We aim to assist organizations that can demonstrate financial responsibility and align with our mission. Eligible applicants must be local 501(c)(3) entities or government agencies, ensuring funds are used for the intended purposes to continue vital animal welfare efforts.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

The BMS Community Giving program supports IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations addressing unmet medical needs, promoting STEM education, and providing essential services. Eligible organizations must serve communities in the U.S. where BMS employees reside. Applications are accepted year-round, with a recommendation to submit at least eight weeks in advance. The program prioritizes health-related public missions and requests that fit within BMS's therapeutic interests, while excluding political, discriminatory, and sectarian organizations.

The CNL Charitable Foundation Grants, initiated by CNL Financial Group founder Jim Seneff, aim to enhance community well-being in Central Florida. These grants support 501(c)(3) charities and government institutions, focusing on education, leadership and entrepreneurship, arts and culture, and homelessness and poverty. With a commitment to community transformation, CNL prioritizes organizations that foster broad funding and engage CNL associates, reflecting a dedication to sustainable and impactful philanthropic efforts.

The Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.

Viasat Corporate Giving focuses on enhancing community strength through various initiatives. Their commitment includes support for military and veteran outreach, skills-based volunteering, and promoting STEAM education, particularly for underserved communities. By engaging employees in these programs, Viasat aims to create meaningful connections and empower individuals, ensuring that families and service members thrive. This holistic approach not only fosters community growth but also inspires the next generation of STEM leaders.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving at-risk individuals and families in Hillsborough County, Florida can seek project funding of more than US $1,000 to address specific community needs. Grants from Florida Medical Clinic Foundation of Caring help established agencies deliver creative, measurable human and social services within the clinic’s Hillsborough and Pasco County service areas.

The White Family Foundation provides grants to enhance education, healthcare, and religious initiatives in Florida. With a focus on the Tampa Bay area, the Foundation supports organizations that foster self-reliance and personal responsibility, offering funding up to $25,000 per year. Priority is given to those with operating budgets under $5 million. By partnering with local entities, they aim to make a lasting positive impact on individuals and families in the community.

The Mabel and Ellsworth Simmons Charitable Foundation, established in 1998, focuses on enhancing the welfare of youth, families, and seniors in Hillsborough County, Florida, particularly in the South Shore community. They support charitable and educational organizations that align with their mission. The Foundation operates with a Board of Directors made up of the Simmons family and accepts applications year-round, meeting quarterly to review requests. This commitment fosters community development and support.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Hillsborough County, Florida and eight neighboring counties can apply for Rays Baseball Foundation’s Community Fund Grant, awarding US $5,000 to enhance existing community-based programs. Funding supports youth empowerment, education, and critical community needs, including children’s health, mental health, disabilities, and child welfare services.

The Longleaf Landscape Stewardship Fund Grant, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), provides funding for projects aimed at restoring and conserving longleaf pine and bottomland hardwood forests. With approximately $30 million available for 2024, grants range from $250,000 to $3,000,000. This initiative, supported by various federal and private entities, emphasizes the importance of ecological preservation and sustainable land management practices.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits expanding access to healthcare or promoting economic mobility in Hillsborough County, Florida can receive up to US $20,000 in flexible operating support over two years. Grants from Allegany Franciscan Ministries prioritize organizations serving and led by BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, or immigrant communities and aligned with Catholic Social Teaching.

The Tampa Bay Sports Commission (TBSC) Grant provides financial assistance to event organizers who generate significant hotel visitor room nights in Hillsborough County. Applications must be submitted at least 45 days before the event. TBSC aims to create a social and economic impact in the region by supporting events that align with its mission. Funding is based on the number of hotel room nights generated, promoting the use of local accommodations to enhance community benefits.

Tides Foundation

Tides is a partner for justice in the social sector, working closely with doers and donors to build the power of historically excluded groups who face systemic barriers. We provide fiscal sponsorship, donor advised funds, impact investing, and a variety of grantmaking solutions to advance social justice and equity. 

Through Tides Foundation, we partner with individuals and families, foundations, corporations, and social change leaders to design and deliver social impact initiatives that shift decision-making power back to the communities we serve. Our mission is our North Star — and a beacon for those who share our commitment to social justice. Together, we work to shift resources and power to communities historically denied both, so they can create a just and equitable future.

Voter Mobilization & Civic Innovation Fund

This fund is designed for organizations that are deeply rooted in community, testing bold or emerging strategies, and able to adapt quickly to changing on-the-ground conditions. The Southern Voter Mobilization & Innovation Fund is a 12-36 month, election-cycle investment designed to support organizations that are: 

• Closest to communities facing the most barriers to political participation
• Testing bold, creative, or unproven civic engagement strategies
• Shifting power to local groups participating in civic engagement
• Responding rapidly to on-the-ground conditions during the 2026 midterms 

Tier 1: SPLC Priority Counties  

Vote Your Voice is most interested in boosting turnout amongst communities historically denied voting access. It has identified the following counties as priorities where turnout among sub-demographic groups is below the state-wide average (especially Black men). We intentionally did not include some counties in major metros areas because of our desire to increase voter engagement activity in other parts of the states.  

The Community Foundation Tampa Bay offers a Common Scholarship application allowing students to apply for over 30 scholarship awards through a single submission. This opportunity is available for those pursuing post-secondary education, including degrees and certifications at accredited institutions. Scholarships can be applied to the Fall 2026, Spring 2027, or Summer 2027 academic terms, ensuring broad support for various educational paths.

Tampa Bay Rays In-Kind Donation Requests

The purpose of our donation program is to assist organizations in raising necessary funds for their respective causes. Should your request be approved, you will receive all donation items within two weeks of your event date.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving health, wellness, and basic needs in marginalized communities in Hillsborough County, Florida can access funding through Allegany Franciscan Ministries. Grants up to US $10,000 support short-term program or general operating needs for organizations directly affiliated with the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, Allegany Franciscan Associates, or Trinity Health.