Best Lake County Grants for Nonprofits in Florida

About The Community Foundation

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is a community-based social impact investor whose mission is to engage, invest, and lead—working toward a vision of community vibrancy with opportunity for all. Our team of experienced staff and dedicated trustees is committed to boldly leading and supporting transformational community investments. We channel charitable contributions from donors through nonprofit partners that are meeting current community needs and steward community resources responsibly to ensure greater capacity for the future.

Adirondack League Club Scholarship

Established by Adirondack League Club to award scholarships to students in the Central Adirondack region of the Adirondack Park.

Candidates are identified by a committee.

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 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 Community Foundation of South Lake County offers the CFSLC Community Impact Grants to support local non-profits in various focus areas such as affordable housing, education, and health. With over $9 million granted in the past 27 years, the foundation emphasizes the importance of serving residents in the South Lake County tax district. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and a minimum of three years of program data to apply for funding.

Our Mission

Our mission is to serve as the connection between our community and public education, evaluating needs and securing resources to enhance the quality of education.

Originally established in 1987 as the Dial-A-Teacher program in Lake County, Florida, by local business leaders in collaboration with the Lake County School District. The primary objective was to provide homework assistance to students, particularly those facing academic challenges. In 1988, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was renamed the Education Foundation of Lake County, Inc. This rebranding marked a broader commitment to enhancing public education in the community. Today, the foundation continues to serve as a vital link between the community and public education, offering various programs and initiatives to support students and educators throughout Lake County. We are a member of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations.

Teacher Grants

Each year, the Education Foundation funds projects that directly support students, teachers and classrooms in the Lake County School District. We’re especially excited to back initiatives focused on:

• Career & technical education
• Graduation and literacy improvement
• Financial education
• STEM programs
• Support for struggling students

Are you a teacher or support staff member with an innovative project idea that needs funding? The Education Foundation works with our community of supporters to help make that idea a reality. Through our easy-to-use online grant application, educators are encouraged to submit their proposed ideas to secure funding. 

For grants over $2,000, applicants need to get approval from their Principal and the Superintendent (or her designee). 

For Curriculum or Capital Expenses? Get approval by your Media Specialist and Principal.

The CFSLC Small Grant by the Community Foundation of South Lake County aims to enhance community welfare by supporting nonprofit organizations that serve the residents of the former South Lake County tax district. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) entities with a budget not exceeding $3 million and a commitment to sustainability. The grant focuses on connecting resources, empowering local initiatives, and fostering lasting impact in Clermont, Groveland, Mascotte, Minneola, and Montverde.

The Friends of South Lake Grant, managed by the Community Foundation of South Lake County, focuses on enhancing water safety by providing swim lessons to underserved adults and children. With over $9 million granted in 27 years, this initiative aims to foster community well-being and support local nonprofits. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a measurable impact on the community and adhere to specific financial and operational criteria. This grant encourages innovative solutions to critical needs in South Lake County.

The UACF Operating Support Grants offered by United Arts of Central Florida provide essential funding to nonprofit cultural organizations that have been operational for at least three years. These grants aim to enhance the diversity of cultural experiences available to the Central Florida community, recognizing the importance of arts and culture. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and meet specific criteria, including a commitment to public programming and equal opportunity in employment.

The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF) aims to empower at-risk children in Central Florida through funding programs that focus on arts, education, health, and homelessness. Over its 35-year history, OMYF has distributed over $30 million to local nonprofits and hosts community fundraising events. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)3 status, serve youth or families in specific counties, and demonstrate strong measurable outcomes. Ineligible requests include capital campaigns and public schools.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

The PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion initiative by Burns & McDonnell aims to enhance access to STEM education in U.S. schools. This program focuses on empowering students by providing real-world learning experiences and essential skills. Grants will support schools in expanding PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting students from underserved communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of STEM, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

The Linda Landman Gonzalez Leadership Grant, established by the Orlando Magic Leadership team, aims to empower emerging non-profit leaders by providing essential resources and support. This grant honors Linda's significant contributions to the community, offering enrollment in a prestigious leadership certificate program, travel reimbursements, and funding for professional development. Recipients will leave a lasting impact on the non-profit sector, continuing Linda's legacy of dedication and excellence in leadership.

The Rapier Education Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports high school seniors and college students pursuing degrees in the USA. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be enrolled full-time. The fund covers tuition, fees, and books, and is renewable for up to three years. Since 1964, the foundation has awarded millions in grants to enhance community living through education and other initiatives, making a lasting impact on the San Antonio area.

The Community Foundation of South Lake County Scholarship supports non-traditional students pursuing education at Lake-Sumter State College. Established in 1995, the foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and promote community development. Award amounts can reach up to $1000 per year, with a focus on those who demonstrate financial need and reside in South Lake County. This scholarship fosters personal growth and allows recipients to reapply for future funding cycles.

The Don Wickham Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of South Lake County, supports residents pursuing degrees in Nursing or Health Care. This need-blind scholarship honors Don Wickham's commitment to community health and welfare. With a focus on educational empowerment, it opens doors for students at accredited vocational-technical schools, community colleges, and universities. Donations help continue his legacy of improving healthcare access in South Lake County, benefiting both students and the broader community.

The Frank B. Farr Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of South Lake County, provides financial assistance to students who have a connection to Groveland High School. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and can reapply for up to three years while enrolled full-time. This scholarship supports educational pursuits at various accredited institutions, promoting academic and vocational opportunities within the community.

The Judith Hovis Nursing Scholarship, established by Denise in memory of her mother, supports aspiring nurses who are also parents. Funded by the Community Foundation of South Lake County, this scholarship reflects its mission to enhance educational opportunities and foster community growth. The foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has been active since 1995, connecting resources with philanthropic efforts to strengthen South Lake County. This scholarship honors Judy's legacy while empowering future nursing professionals.

The Bill Hayes Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Educational Foundation of Lake County, supports graduating seniors from Lake County Schools pursuing careers in culinary arts or hospitality. With a GPA of 2.5 or higher, applicants must provide proof of enrollment in a culinary program. This scholarship aims to empower students financially, enabling them to achieve their educational goals and contribute to their communities.

The Dodge Fund Scholarship, established by the Education Foundation of Lake County, supports two graduates from Eustis, Mount Dora, or Tavares High School, one focused on Performing Arts and the other on Visual Arts. Applicants need a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must be actively involved in their chosen art discipline during high school. This scholarship empowers students to pursue higher education, facilitating access to college or vocational training, with awards ranging between $500 and $20,000.

The Edmond Amateis Foundation Scholarship supports Lake County seniors demonstrating financial need and maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Established by the Educational Foundation of Lake County, it is part of a broader mission to enhance public education through various initiatives. Annually, scholarships ranging from $500 to $20,000 are awarded to empower students in pursuing post-secondary education, thus contributing to their academic and professional success.

The Herbert Lehner Charitable Trust Vocational Scholarship supports Eustis, Mount Dora, or Tavares High School graduates pursuing vocational education at Lake Technical College. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and submit a 250-word essay along with a photograph. Scholarships range from $500 to $20,000, empowering students to achieve their educational goals and enhancing workforce readiness in the community.

The Amy Heryford Ousley and James Heryford Ousley Educational Fund, established in 2005, provides scholarships to Klamath and Lake County students attending nonprofit colleges in the U.S. The fund, initially valued at $6.5 million, has awarded over $2.5 million in scholarships. Eligible students must have attended a Klamath County high school for four years, maintain a minimum GPA, and enroll as full-time students. Scholarships can reach up to $3,000 annually for up to five years.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

John R Stockman Scholarship

The John R. Stockman Scholarship was created to provide a life-advancement opportunity to an ambitious, driven young person who may require financial assistance to achieve higher education.

The Women’s Giving Alliance of South Lake, part of the Community Foundation of South Lake County, aims to inspire women to become strategic philanthropists. This initiative focuses on improving the lives of women and children in South Lake County through innovative solutions and measurable impacts. Local nonprofits are encouraged to apply for grants that will facilitate systemic change and address critical needs within the community. This program seeks to create a lasting positive influence on those served.