Best Grants for After School Programs in Florida

Florida after-school and out-of-school youth programs run by 501(c)(3) nonprofits or schools, as well as food banks and pantries, can access funding through Aldi Foundation’s Community Gift Card Program. Awards of US $100 - US $1,000 provide gift cards to purchase essential products for youth development and to address food insecurity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running after-school or youth development programs for at-risk children in Florida can apply for funding to support specific projects. Grants from Hobbs Foundation help Florida after school and summer educational programs, child welfare services, and related supports that improve stability, mental health, and educational outcomes for vulnerable youth.

Wabtec Foundation provides Florida after-school and summer education nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $10,000 to run programs that boost academic success, literacy, and workforce readiness. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations near Wabtec operations that emphasize measurable outcomes and welcome employee volunteerism may be especially competitive for this education- and environment-focused funding.

After-school and youth-serving organizations working with low-income, at-risk children in Florida can access free ticketed educational and cultural experiences through this program. Grants from Tickets For Kids Foundation help agency partners enhance after-school, summer, mentoring, and enrichment programming with no-cost tickets, following a 2–4 week agency partnership approval process.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and eligible governmental organizations serving school-age children in Charlotte County can seek support for afterschool and other educational programs, workforce development, and related equipment. Focused on youth education, Charlotte Community Foundation invites Florida after-school and summer programs to apply for funding that benefits Charlotte County residents and demonstrates clear community impact and sustainability.

Schools and community-based organizations running K–12 health, fitness, nutrition, or enrichment programs in Florida’s Indian River County can apply for Kids in Motion grants to start or grow after-school activities. With a mission to empower children through healthy habits, the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation funds programs that incorporate tennis, life skills, and its Six Healthy Habits framework.

Florida 501(c)(3) organizations running after-school or summer educational programs for economically or educationally disadvantaged youth can access funding through the Erich & Hannah Sachs Foundation to strengthen self-sustaining community initiatives. Support may include grants or low-interest program-related investments for education, youth services, housing, health, and broader community development in the U.S. and developing regions.

State education affiliates supporting K–12 and after-school learning in Florida and nationwide can apply for the National Education Association Staff Organization’s ARP Implementation Network Grant, with awards up to US $100,000. Funding reimburses compensation to hire or backfill a coordinator to implement American Rescue Plan and related federal recovery efforts for public education.

Florida after-school and summer educational programs for grades 3–8 that integrate physical activity with academic enrichment can access donated Walking Classroom sets from Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Public school teachers serving socioeconomically or academically high-need students may receive materials, training, and resources to support evidence-based “Walk, Listen, and Learn” instruction.

Florida after-school and youth education nonprofits serving Cutler Bay residents can access funding through the Town of Cutler Bay for programs that boost student achievement and provide out-of-school learning. Grants up to US $2,500 also support related priorities like social services, cultural activities, environmental projects, and community beautification benefiting local youth and families.

Out-of-school time and afterschool programs serving middle school youth in Florida and nationwide can receive general operating support to strengthen academic and social-emotional outcomes. New York Life Foundation’s Aim High one-year grants provide US $20,000 for OST programs in low-income or disadvantaged communities that help students successfully transition from 8th to 9th grade.

Nonprofit organizations offering STEAM workshops or ad-hoc tech learning for youth ages 13–19 can apply for up to US $24,999 to deliver Mini Tech Skills Workshops through Best Buy Teen Tech Centers. Focused on after-school and summer educational programs, this Best Buy Foundation opportunity serves select communities, including Broward and Orange counties in Florida.

High school students from economically disadvantaged families in Florida interested in chemistry-focused summer learning can apply for American Chemical Society’s Project SEED Fellowship, which offers up to US $20,000 in stipends and scholarships. Participants complete 8–10 week paid lab internships, receive mentoring, and may continue for additional summers and college scholarships in STEM fields.

Undergraduate, graduate, and medical students interested in pediatric oncology research can receive summer stipends to work in a clinical or research setting, including in Florida. With a mission to support childhood cancer research, St. Baldricks Foundation provides a US $5,000 award paid to the mentor’s institution for the fellowship term.

After-school and youth sports educators supporting girls and women may be eligible for $1,000 to fund research, leadership development, or program activities in Florida and nationwide. SHAPE America’s NAGWS Legacy Award recognizes current members whose proposals expand opportunities for girls and women in sport, including after-school programs, conferences, graduate projects, or speaker support.

Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofits, religious organizations, and public schools that provide food to people in need can receive ongoing donations of unsold baked goods through the Day-End Dough-Nation program. Panera Bread Foundation partners with after school programs and other community services that commit to weekly pickup and distribution to underserved or at-risk individuals.

Florida-based 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and families can apply for Amscot’s funding to expand education, enrichment, and safety programs. Eligible nonprofits must be at least one year old and operate in Florida communities where Amscot has locations, including those running after-school or summer educational programs and related youth initiatives.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

Pathway to Careers, a Sedona/Verde Valley CTE Scholarship Summer Courses

This fund is designed to meet the employment needs of the Sedona/Verde Valley area communities through the establishment of a new career pathway. The Fund supports any Sedona/Verde Valley high school graduate currently residing in Sedona/Verde Valley who is already attending, or plans to attend, an accredited community college or technical/vocational school in pursuit of an Associate's degree, license, or certificate.

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded $304 million in scholarships to more than 3,400 students from 8th grade through graduate school, along with comprehensive academic advising, career pathway counseling and other support services. The Foundation has also provided $136 million in grants to organizations that serve such students.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s scholarship programs are designed to encourage and support outstanding students who work hard and have financial need. Our scholarships provide financial assistance and academic support to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. In addition to the monetary award, students join a thriving network of more than 3,400 Cooke Scholars.

Young Scholars Program

The Cooke Young Scholars Program is a selective five-year, pre-college scholarship for exceptionally promising 7th grade students with financial need. It provides comprehensive academic and college advising, as well as financial support for school, Cooke-sponsored summer programs, internships, and other learning enrichment opportunities.

Program Experience

Educational Advisers support Young Scholars to maximize high school experiences and to go on to thrive at the nation’s top-performing colleges. Our programming and support may include:

• Identifying an appropriately rigorous high school.
• Engaging in four-year planning and goal-setting.
• Funding for academic and extracurricular opportunities, such as music and art lessons, supplemental academic classes and technology.
• Annual summer programs, including two required Young Scholar programs.
• Year-round Young Scholars community programming.
• Networking opportunities with a high-achieving peer community.

Hungry for Music

The Hungry for Music story began in 1992, when Founder and Director Jeff Campbell (in photo) organized a street musician concert to benefit the homeless. Within three years, he formed a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to expanding opportunities in music for children.

Since then, Hungry for Music has placed more than 27,000 instruments into the hands of aspiring musicians. Children whose trajectory has been altered by the uplifting and life-changing gift of music.

We've delivered everything from guitars and trombones to violins and xylophones to kids in 50 states and 35 countries.

We collect and redistribute more than 2,000 instruments annually and, in our 31-year journey, we've become a full-time force for good in the musical community.

Request an Instrument

Hungry for Music collects and distributes instruments including brass, woodwinds, strings, electric keyboards, drums and other percussion, as well as amps and accessories.

Who Hungry for Music Helps

• Music teachers at Title One schools who identify children who cannot participate because of lack of funding.
• Music directors at innovative after-school music programs.
• Social workers who have young clients who would benefit from music therapy.

We only accept requests from public school music teachers, administrators, after-school/summer music program directors, and social workers. 

In our history, we have supported music programs in 40 different countries through stateside sponsors (i.e. business, school, church). We do not accept requests directly from international programs.

After-School & Summer Programs

Hungry for Music supports more than three dozen after-school/summer music programs annually across the United States. To be added to our distribution, a site visit is required.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

There are more than 800 Community Foundations in the US, each devoted to a specific region. We operate independently, with a common goal in mind: to be a platform for local people who want to pay it forward. To deliver resources to effective charitable programs. And to make our communities stronger and more successful by doing these two things.

Among our peers, Napa Valley Community Foundation ranks first on several key measures of donor satisfaction and impact, according to a recent donor survey conducted by the Center for Effective Philanthropy. Our donors say that we deeply understand their interests, and deeply understand the needs of Napa Valley. That, in a nutshell, is our job.

Coppola Family Travel Scholarship

The Coppola Family Travel Scholarship benefits Napa County High School students in grades 10-12 who have a desire to explore the world. This one-time award (“educational enrichment grant”) can be used to pay for tuition and associated costs for participation in a summer enrichment program in the United States or in Europe. Applicants must show a commitment to hard work and diligence in the pursuit of their goals. 

Napa Valley Community Foundation

There are more than 800 Community Foundations in the US, each devoted to a specific region. We operate independently, with a common goal in mind: to be a platform for local people who want to pay it forward. To deliver resources to effective charitable programs. And to make our communities stronger and more successful by doing these two things.

Among our peers, Napa Valley Community Foundation ranks first on several key measures of donor satisfaction and impact, according to a recent donor survey conducted by the Center for Effective Philanthropy. Our donors say that we deeply understand their interests, and deeply understand the needs of Napa Valley. That, in a nutshell, is our job.

Ted Kohler Music Scholarship

The Ted Kohler Music Scholarship benefits Calistoga students who are committed to music and wish to advance their musical development. The scholarship can be used to pay for activities such as music lessons or summer camp, or for college tuition (where the student demonstrates their desire to continue their musical education). The Ted Kohler Scholarship was established in 1997 to promote musical participation and aspirations in honor of Ted, who upon retirement from San Francisco State University, became a full-time musician and leader of the Napa Valley Jazz Band. He encouraged people of all ages to express themselves musically.

Naples Children Foundation

Grant Guidelines:

The Naples Children Foundation (NCF) was established in 2000 to transform the lives of vulnerable children in Collier County by investing in, and partnering with, proven programs that bridge gaps in education, health care and child advocacy to deliver measurable results.

In 2005, we commissioned The Study of Child Wellbeing, an assessment of the needs of children in Collier County that found significant shortfalls in basic services including pediatric oral health, early childhood education, child advocacy, pediatric medical services and out-of-school services. In 2010, a follow up study was conducted identifying additional voids including childhood hunger, which is now a key area of focus. Further studies conducted in 2017 and 2022 confirmed the persistent need for targeted initiatives to bridge these gaps. These studies led to the development of — and reinforce — the following seven NCF Strategic Initiatives, each designed to address specific areas of need:

• Healthcare and Oral Health (est. 2006)
• Early Learning (est. 2008)
• Hunger (est. 2011)
• Mental Health, Vision and Out-of-School (est. 2012)

Every dollar we generate fuels high-impact solutions and, since its inception, NCF has transformed entire communities and positively impacted the lives of 385,000 children through its strategic investments in close to 90 nonprofit organizations. Every organization considered for funding undergoes a rigorous vetting process to ensure alignment with our mission and efficient use of resources. Post-award, every outcome is tracked to ensure measurable and lasting benefits for the children of Collier County.

Our Approach

The Naples Children Foundation will make two types of investments: Program Support and Capacity Building.

Funding that supports the direct delivery of programs and services to 3 beneficiaries.

The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation provides grants focused on education, human services, and health and medicine. They support high-performing educational institutions, scholarships, and nonprofits that enhance learning experiences. In human services, they assist organizations tackling hunger, shelter, and mental health issues. Their health initiatives include funding for medical research and treatment services. All support is by invitation only, ensuring that funding aligns with their mission to reduce suffering and promote community well-being.

Our Guiding Vision

A community where strong and accessible education can expand worlds and change lives.

History of the Trust

The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust comprises two generations of the Hamilton family with a long history of philanthropy in the Philadelphia region. Since 1992, the family has been committed to improving educational opportunities for children and youth, a mission established by Dorrance (Dodo) Hamilton (1928–2017), mother and grandmother of the family Trustees. The family extended their philanthropic reach to Palm Beach County, FL and Aquidneck Island, RI in 2017. The family convenes four times annually to honor this legacy, supporting myriad programs that enhance the lives of the young people they serve.

Hamilton Family Foundation Grant

Program Focus

• Data-driven literacy-based programs focused on developing robust reading and writing skills with a strong history of success.
  • These can be programs that:
    • Take place during school hours, after school, or during the summer.
    • Take place across school systems, but the funding can support only nonsectarian programming including within a religious institution.
  • Grades K-8 programs should devote at least 70 percent of their time directly to instruction and activities in reading and writing.
  • Grades 9-12 programs should provide innovative approaches to students in under-resourced areas for success in higher education, from the college admission process and acceptance through to completion.
  • Youth workforce development programs that focus on quality career exploration and preparation initiatives.
  • Recreational programs with a strong academic component.

Things To Consider

• First-time grants: generally designated for program support. The Trust rarely funds new staff positions for initial grants.
• Continuing partners: generally made for either programmatic or operational support.
• Multi-year grants: requests are typically reserved for grantees with five (5) years or more of consecutive funding from the Trust. Multi-year grants require approval prior to application submission. Approval is generally communicated in response to the LOI.

The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation offers Academic Enrichment Grants to support innovative educational programs that enhance student learning for low-income children. These grants, up to $10,000 per year for two years, aim to foster creativity and critical thinking in K-12 education. Applications are accepted from educators at nonprofit organizations who engage with students directly. The initiative emphasizes collaboration and seeks projects that enrich academic experiences and inspire student curiosity.