Best Hillsborough County Grants for Nonprofits in Florida

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Debartolo Family Foundation

The Debartolo Family Foundation was founded in 2001 with one goal in mind: To channel the same level of care, compassion and dedication that has allowed the DeBartolo family to find success in real estate, sports, and other ventures, into efforts that help serve the underserved communities of Tampa Bay.

For nearly two decades, we have strengthened the community by helping youth, veterans, animals, and local grassroots organizations that share our mission and values. The Foundation annually awards scholarships to students, provides back to school grants to local teachers, adopts Bay Area families during the holidays, and three times each year presents the Spirit of Humanity Award – a $25,000 donation that honors the most outstanding local philanthropic outreach programs. Since 2002, the DeBartolo Family Foundation has given nearly $17 million to strengthen Tampa Bay by bringing people together through its passion for giving back.

Spirit of Humanity Award

The DeBartolo Family Foundation’s Spirit of Humanity Award honors local nonprofit organizations that impact the Tampa Bay community in a meaningful way. Recipients of this award create unity, demonstrate hard work, and extend their outreach by helping people in need to overcome obstacles that are beyond their control. Since 2002, 60+ recipients have been recognized with the $25,000 Spirit of Humanity Award, awarded three times annually.

If you believe your organization, or an organization that you support, would be a candidate for this award, please submit the nomination form. 

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.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

Crown Automotive Charities/Hawkins Family Foundation Grant

The Crown Automotive Charities/Hawkins Family Foundation supports a wide range of non-profit initiatives, including healthcare, animal welfare, education, veterans' services, the arts, community and economic development, housing, and special needs. The Foundation primarily funds organizations in the communities where they operate: Chattanooga, Tennessee, Dublin/Columbus, Ohio, and the Tampa Bay area in Florida.

After an application is submitted, the review process usually takes four to six weeks. However, depending on the specifics of the request or if additional information is needed, the process may take longer.

There are two types of Applications: Grants; and Sponsorships.

Sponsorship Application

This is for requesting support for fundraising events or initiatives that include public visibility, recognition, or promotional opportunities (e.g., galas, golf tournaments, charity walks, benefit dinners). Sponsorships are typically event-based and may include logo placement or other marketing benefits.

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.

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.

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 TD Charitable Foundation has been dedicated to improving community quality of life since 2002, contributing over $254 million to non-profit organizations. They fund initiatives aligned with their corporate citizenship goals, focusing on Better Health, Connected Communities, Financial Security, and Vibrant Planet. Special consideration is given to programs that support inclusivity for diverse and historically underserved communities. Their commitment to enhancing lives through targeted grants reflects their core values and social responsibility.

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.

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 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.

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 promoting economic mobility in Hillsborough County, Florida can receive up to US $20,000 in unrestricted general operating support, including infrastructure, staffing, and capacity-building needs. Allegany Franciscan Ministries prioritizes organizations led by and serving BIPOC, LGBTQ+, immigrants, and people with disabilities, with at least half of participants and a quarter of leadership from these communities.

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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3), (c)(4), and (c)(6) organizations can seek up to US $100,000 to support arts and cultural events in Hillsborough County, Florida that highlight local cultural assets and drive community and economic benefits. With a mission to strengthen cultural assets, Hillsborough County Florida provides sponsorship-style support for inclusive, publicly accessible festivals and special events.

Nonprofit owners of designated local landmarks in Hillsborough County, Florida can receive US $1,050 - US $17,500 to support exterior historic preservation and restoration projects. Hillsborough County Florida supports work such as foundation repairs, roofing, structural stabilization, and related architectural or engineering services through this matching grant, which requires a 100% cash or in-kind match.