Best Okaloosa County Grants for Nonprofits in Florida

The Leiber & Stoller Music Scholarship, funded by The ASCAP Foundation, offers $2,500 annually for four years to high school seniors pursuing a music major. Aspiring songwriters, musicians, and vocalists are encouraged to apply. The selection process evaluates music and lyric writing, overall craftsmanship, and artistry. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or residents and meet specific criteria. The scholarship is aimed at nurturing the next generation of music creators, ensuring their educational journey is supported.

The Michael Masser Scholarship, established by the late composer Michael Masser, supports talented students in music. It offers $3,000 to recipients for educational advancement, with nominations made by ASCAP representatives. Eligible nominees must demonstrate exceptional talent in music composition or performance and be entering a collegiate music program. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of music creators and enrich the arts community through financial assistance.

The Clinical Investigator Career Development Award offered by the Lymphoma Research Foundation aims to support early-career physician researchers in developing new lymphoma therapies. With a total funding of $375,000 over three years, the program provides salary support and incidental funds for research supplies and professional development. Eligible candidates must have no more than six years of experience post-training, focusing on clinical research design and implementation to enhance their skills and career trajectory.

The Lymphoma Research Foundation's Postdoctoral Fellowship Grants support early career researchers dedicated to lymphoma research. Awarding a total of $195,000 over three years, the grant focuses on hypothesis-driven studies relevant to Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Eligible projects include laboratory and clinical research, with a strong emphasis on significant contributions to understanding lymphoma's etiology, immunology, and treatment. Grantees are expected to dedicate 80% of their time to research, ensuring impactful advancements in the field.

The Lymphoma Scientific Research Mentoring Program (LSRMP), offered by the Lymphoma Research Foundation, provides essential mentorship and education for clinical fellows and junior faculty focusing on lymphoma research. With two tracks, one clinical and one laboratory/translational, the program aims to cultivate research skills and foster collaborations. Participants will receive guidance on project development, statistical analysis, and grant submission, ensuring they are well-equipped for future research endeavors in lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

The Folke H. Peterson Foundation Grant aims to prevent cruelty to animals and enhance their welfare. It provides funding for organizations focused on animal protection, medical assistance, and food supplies, ensuring these efforts directly benefit animals. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations within the United States. Notably, the foundation will not support any organization involved in euthanizing healthy animals, reinforcing its commitment to animal welfare.

The Abelard Foundation, established in 1958, supports progressive social change projects located east of the Mississippi River. With an average grant size of $12,000, they prioritize new initiatives with budgets under $350,000. The foundation emphasizes community organizing, civil rights, and empowering marginalized groups. Eligible applicants must be associated with a nonprofit organization and demonstrate a commitment to local leadership and broader policy connections. The board meets biannually to decide on approximately 15 grants per year, focusing mainly on general support.

The Owen Family Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations primarily in East Texas and the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, focusing on health, education, human services, and religious initiatives. Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and past funding is required for Twin Cities applicants. The foundation is committed to promoting philanthropy and ensuring access to funding for eligible charities, while maintaining a non-discriminatory policy.

The Ray Rowe Trusts for Animals Grant provides funding for programs aimed at the welfare of animals, particularly dogs, and the protection of wildlife habitats, especially for canid species. There are no application deadlines; grants are distributed from early March until the year's funding is exhausted, typically by the end of November. To apply, organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status, while general administrative costs are generally not supported.

The Elizabeth Nash Foundation Scholarship supports individuals affected by cystic fibrosis (CF) in their pursuit of higher education. Since its inception in 2005, over 200 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 have been awarded to undergraduates and graduates at accredited U.S. institutions. The selection process considers academic performance, character, leadership, community service, and financial need. To qualify, applicants must have a CF diagnosis and be U.S. citizens.

The Career Guidance for Trainees Grant, offered by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, aims to enhance the career development of early career administrators focused on PhD scientists. This grant supports a workshop that equips participants with research evaluation skills to create impactful career-focused interventions. Participants will receive a $15,000 grant to implement their projects, develop networks, and share findings at national meetings, fostering a diverse scientific workforce essential for research innovation and public service.

The Ittleson Foundation, established in 1932, focuses on enhancing mental health, AIDS prevention, and environmental initiatives. It funds not-for-profit organizations aiming to improve public policy and the lives of citizens. The Foundation is particularly interested in innovative projects addressing mental health stigma, advancing preventative efforts, and supporting underserved populations. While it funds new initiatives, it does not typically support capital projects, endowments, or direct service programs outside New York City.

The Conagra Brands Foundation offers Community Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in the USA that address food insecurity and promote healthy lifestyles. Eligible organizations must align with core focus areas like food access, nutrition education, and cooking skills. Grants support initiatives that foster community engagement and provide entrepreneurial skills. Nonprofits must uphold a non-discrimination policy protecting various characteristics. Applications are accepted through a Letter of Intent from January 1 to February 15, 2025.

The AAD Annual Meeting Registration Scholarship Program offers scholarships to international dermatologists, excluding those from the U.S. and Canada, to support their attendance at the AAD's Annual Meeting. Each country can nominate up to two applicants, who will receive complimentary registration, access to a post-graduate session, and an invitation to the International Scholarship Recipient Reception. This initiative promotes global participation in dermatology.

The Clarence S. Livingood, MD, Memorial Award and Lectureship recognizes outstanding contributions to dermatology. Established by the Department of Dermatology at Henry Ford Hospital, it honors Dr. Livingood's legacy. The award includes a $10,000 cash prize and the opportunity to present a lecture at the AAD Annual Meeting. Nominations are accepted annually until January 15, remaining active for five years, and are open to experts beyond dermatologists, emphasizing communication and expertise in relevant issues.

The Everett C. Fox, MD, Memorial Lectureship honors a distinguished dermatologist and offers a $10,000 award to the selected lecturer, who will present a 30-minute lecture at the AAD's Innovation Academy. Nominations are open until June 15 for the upcoming selection cycle, with entries held for five years. Candidates must be practicing clinical dermatologists with proven communication skills, ensuring the recognition of expertise within the field.

The AAD Young Investigator Awards recognize promising dermatology researchers in the U.S. and Canada, offering a $6,000 prize and plaque for outstanding research in either basic/translational or clinical tracks. Eligible applicants must have a DO, MD, or PhD, and their research should be completed and submitted for publication. The application window is open from June 1 to September 1, encouraging diversity within research topics and applicants.

The Donaghue Foundation's Another Look Grant focuses on enhancing health and well-being for older adults in long-term care facilities. It prioritizes research that utilizes existing datasets and includes stakeholders to inform project development. High-priority topics include improving palliative care, workforce innovations, and addressing disparities in care quality. This program is open to PhD investigators from tax-exempt institutions in the U.S., aiming to foster impactful health-related research that enhances care quality for seniors.

The Donaghue Foundation's Greater Value Portfolio Grant Program aims to enhance healthcare value by funding innovative research projects for two years, with awards up to $400,000. It encourages proposals that address issues such as high costs, disparities, and inefficiencies in care. Eligible applicants include Ph.D. researchers at nonprofit institutions partnered with healthcare organizations. The program seeks actionable solutions to improve patient care and reduce the burden of low-value healthcare on communities.

The North Central Soybean Research Grant Program (NCSRP) aims to enhance soybean production through collaborative research and outreach. By investing in innovative projects, it addresses key challenges in soybean yield, profitability, and environmental sustainability. The program encourages proposals that focus on genetic improvement, pest control, and production practices tailored for the North Central region. Funded projects are expected to deliver practical benefits to soybean farmers while fostering communication and collaboration among stakeholders in the industry.

The Truist Foundation Grants aim to empower communities by providing resources for economic mobility and supporting small businesses, particularly those owned by racially and ethnically diverse individuals. The foundation focuses on enhancing job navigation for disadvantaged workers and building sustainable business ecosystems through collaboration and innovation. By addressing barriers to growth and promoting access to capital and education, the Truist Foundation strives to create equitable opportunities for all.

The Gerber Foundation provides research grants focused on enhancing the health and nutrition of infants and young children, particularly those aged 0-3. The foundation seeks innovative projects that address critical health issues and improve developmental outcomes. Grants support applied research, diagnostic tools, and treatment regimens that promise significant advancements in pediatric health. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations, emphasizing a commitment to projects with a direct impact on children's well-being in the U.S.

The Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award in Aging (K76)

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), The John A. Hartford Foundation, and the National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS) are collaborating on this initiative to develop of a cadre of talented scientists prepared and willing to take an active leadership role in transformative change that will lead to improved health care outcomes.

Emerging leaders are clinically trained (primarily physician) early-stage investigators who have begun to establish research careers and have shown signs of leadership potential who will use this award to further develop the tools, skills and resources to have a significant impact in their field of expertise. 

The National Institute on Aging is pursuing this initiative to recruit talented new investigators who have begun to establish research programs and through this award will be ready to assume leadership roles in their field of expertise and well poised to change theory, practice and health outcomes related to the health of older individuals. Unlike other mentored K awards candidates for this award must have received competitively awarded research support as a PD/PI at the faculty level and have had prior leadership responsibilities in the clinical or research domain.

It is anticipated that seven to ten awards will be granted in 2017, up to 5 years of funding limited to $225,000 in direct costs per year. 

The Link Foundation offers a one-year renewable fellowship of $35,000 for PhD students focusing on Modeling, Simulation, and Training. This funding aims to support advanced research and allow students to work full-time on their projects. Eligibility includes being enrolled in a PhD program at a U.S. or Canadian university, with no citizenship restrictions. Preference is given to candidates who are in candidacy and have a well-defined thesis, ensuring impactful research outcomes.

Singing for Change Grant Program

Singing for Change empowers people to become more self-sufficient.

Singing for Change supports nonprofit organizations that inspire, empower, and equip people to become more self-sufficient.

Our grantees encourage personal growth among people who are marginalized. They care about the community as a whole, as well as promote the belief that collectively, people can bring about positive change and sustainable self-sufficiency through connected, diverse communities.

Most likely to be considered are organizations that keep their overhead low and collaborate with other groups in their community to find innovative ways of solving a common problem.

Singing for Change (aka SFC Charitable Foundation, Inc.) was created by Jimmy Buffett in 1995, and receives one dollar from each ticket Jimmy sells at his shows. We envision a world where nonprofit organizations, large and small, provide compelling opportunities for individuals to discover their power to make a difference. The foundation promotes work on the forefront of social change - helping people and communities become smarter, safer, stronger, healthier, and whole. 

Singing for Change (SFC) partners with progressive, community-based organizations addressing the root causes of social or environmental problems. We recently narrowed our focus to projects designed to promote self-sufficiency. 

Specifically, we look for groups that are: 

• Working to engage individuals in their communities 
• Helping people realize their full potential
• Creating lasting change in the communities they serve

We will fund operating expenses for those organizations that we feel are accomplishing these goals.

Areas Of Interest:

Children and families: Grants are awarded to programs fostering self-sufficiency and stability. Individual therapy is not funded, nor are therapeutic or recreational camps or wish-fulfillment programs.

Disenfranchised groups: SFC defines these groups as people who have been marginalized in society because of their low levels of skill, education or income, people with disabilities, and people who are homeless. 

Grants range in size from $1,000.00 to $10,000.00.

The Rachael and Ben Vaughan Foundation offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 for projects focused on animal rights, education, environmental preservation, poverty reduction, and religious initiatives. The foundation prioritizes local Texas projects but accepts applications from outside the state. Grants are awarded only to tax-exempt organizations, and projects should be completed within twelve months. The foundation aims to support initiatives that benefit local communities without duplicating existing efforts.

The Jim Moran Foundation Grant supports innovative programs aimed at improving the quality of life for youth and families in Florida. Priority is given to initiatives focused on education, elder care, family strengthening, and youth transitional living. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, and grants are primarily awarded for programs benefiting at-risk and economically disadvantaged individuals in Broward, Palm Beach, and Duval counties. Note: New Letters of Inquiry will not be accepted until January 2, 2026.