Best Orange County Grants for Nonprofits in Florida

The Mayor's Matching Grant Program, initiated in 1994, supports Orange County Public Schools and nonprofit organizations by funding projects that enhance community engagement, education, and youth development. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 are available, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match from applicants. This initiative fosters collaboration among community members and organizations, aiming to create safe environments and improve academic outcomes for youth in Orlando.

The Ryman Hospitality Properties Foundation Grant supports organizations that focus on the arts, education, and youth enrichment in communities impacted by Ryman's assets. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under IRS guidelines and align with the foundation's focus areas. The foundation aims to enhance cultural education and provide opportunities for disadvantaged children through various programs, ensuring compliance with federal and local laws.

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 Dr. Phillips Charities Grant Program supports not-for-profit organizations in Central Florida, focusing on impactful capital projects and innovative community programs. With a commitment to the legacy of the Phillips family, grants are awarded to organizations that demonstrate a significant potential for ongoing support. Key areas of funding include education, health, arts, and social services, ensuring that contributions help empower communities and preserve vital services in Orange and Osceola Counties.

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 Florida Forest Legacy Grant Program aims to conserve critical forest areas threatened by development. It encourages landowners to maintain forested lands through economic incentives, ensuring sustainable management practices. Participation can involve selling property or retaining ownership with conservation easements. Funded by the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the program receives support from the Great American Outdoors Act, which secures ongoing financial resources for land conservation efforts benefiting all Americans.

The CVTSS Impact Award, offered by the Society of Toxicology, recognizes outstanding papers in cardiovascular toxicology. Eligible submissions must be authored by CVTSS members and published in peer-reviewed journals within the specified timeframe. The winner will receive a plaque and a $500 cash award, highlighting their contribution to scientific advancement. This award emphasizes the importance of impactful research in the field and fosters recognition among peers.

The CVTSS Trainee Award, presented by the Society of Toxicology, recognizes exceptional contributions from graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in cardiovascular toxicology. This award includes an achievement plaque and a cash prize of $500 for awardees, who will be honored at the CVTSS Reception. To be eligible, candidates must have a first-author abstract accepted for the SOT meeting and demonstrate scientific merit and need.

The NorCal SOT Graduate Student Achievement Award is designed for graduate students engaged in toxicology research. Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program, be SOT and NorCal SOT members, and present an accepted abstract at the annual meeting. The award is based on merit, evaluating the quality, impact, and novelty of the submitted research. This initiative aims to support emerging scientists in their academic and professional endeavors.

The Union Home Foundation Grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote economic self-sufficiency through financial literacy and housing initiatives. Established in 2015, this grant has awarded over $2 million to various nonprofits across the U.S. Grants typically start at $1,000 and are available for a one-year period. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and can only apply once per year, following specific eligibility criteria.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

The Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.

Our Mission

UNCF envisions a nation where all Americans have equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship and service to our nation.

UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates and to ensure that our network of member institutions is a respected model of best practice in moving students to and through college.

Publix Cares Scholarship 

Publix Cares Scholarship for eligible students attending in one of the following institutions: Benedict College, Bethune-Cookman University, Clark Atlanta University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Morehouse College, Savanah State University, Spelman College, Tennessee State University, University of Central Florida, & Virginia State University.

The Piedmont Natural Gas Company Grant Program, part of the Duke Energy Foundation, supports community vitality through grants of $20,000 or less. Focus areas include vibrant economies, climate resiliency, and promoting opportunity and inclusion. Eligible organizations must have tax-exempt status and serve communities without discrimination. The foundation prioritizes measurable community impact and does not fund certain entities, including for-profits and religious organizations. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis.

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 Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Dr. P. Phillips Legacy Microgrant Program, supported by Dr. Phillips Charities, offers annual grants of $5,000 to 15 nonprofit organizations in Central Florida. Prioritizing projects that alleviate economic pressures on low-income families or enhance literacy, it seeks to foster community support and lasting impact. Eligible nonprofits must be based in Orange or Osceola Counties and have been operational for at least two years. This initiative honors the Phillips family's legacy of helping others help themselves.

The Emeril Lagasse Foundation offers Community Grants aimed at supporting 501c3 non-profit organizations that focus on culinary, nutrition, and arts education, with an emphasis on life skills development. Grants are available to organizations in communities where the foundation operates, including Greater New Orleans, Austin, and Southern California. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and align with the foundation's vision of empowering youth to reach their full potential.

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.

2026-27 Innovative Service Development (ISD) Grant Opportunity

The Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged is pleased to announce the release of the Innovative Service Development (ISD) Grant Program application package for Fiscal Year 2026–2027.

This is a competitive grant program for Community Transportation Coordinators and Non-Traditional Transportation Service Providers. Anticipated total available funding is $6 million, contingent upon legislative authority and Governor’s approval.

This funding opportunity supports projects that test new transportation services that improve the cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and accessibility of transportation services for transportation disadvantaged individuals.

Introduction

The Transportation Disadvantaged Trust Fund is administered by the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged (CTD) in accordance with Section 427.0159, Florida Statutes (F.S.). The Trust Fund provides a dedicated funding source to support the Commission’s statutory responsibilities and is appropriated annually by the Legislature for the state fiscal year (July–June).

For Fiscal Year 2026–2027, the Commission anticipates a $6 million appropriation to support the Innovative Service Development (ISD) Grant Program.

The ISD Grant Program supports projects that improve the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of transportation services. Grant funds are limited to reimbursing a portion of eligible transportation disadvantaged passenger trips. Grantees must provide services prior to submitting invoices for reimbursement, which will be issued on a per-trip and/or mileage basis.

Funded projects may include, but are not limited to:

• Expanding service availability (e.g., evenings, weekends or level of service)
• Serving currently underserved populations
• Enhancing regional or cross-county mobility
• Reducing barriers to accessing public transportation 

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 UACF Project Grants, previously known as Mini-Grants, offer competitive funding for arts, culture, science, and history projects in Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. These grants aim to enhance community access and participation, foster positive change, and amplify diverse voices through various public events, performances, and educational programs. Professional artists are required to be involved, ensuring high-quality execution and community impact.

The OMYF Micro Grants program, initiated by the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, aims to support small organizations dedicated to enhancing the lives of youth in Central Florida. By providing grants of up to $10,000, the program focuses on grassroots initiatives in areas such as arts, education, health & wellness, and homelessness. This funding is essential for organizations with operational budgets under $500,000, allowing them to bring their impactful projects to life.

The GSF Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that enhance the lives of children and families in need. Applications must be submitted by a current GSF Associate who nominates the organization and its project. Since 2002, the foundation has funded over 600 organizations nationwide. It emphasizes personal involvement and contributions from associates, focusing on essential needs such as education tools, food, and shoes for children. Grants are reviewed at local and national meetings.

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 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.