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.

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.

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.

Florida after-school and summer educational nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, at least two years of operations, and budgets under $200,000 can seek up to US $5,000 for community projects and capacity-building needs. Cape Coral Community Foundation prioritizes programs in Southwest Florida counties that address basic needs, underserved youth, aging adults, and community-building efforts.

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.

After-school and summer educational programs in Florida that support STEM/STEAM learning can receive US $1,000 in professional development support to advance equitable STEM environments. Focused on STEM/STEAM education, Techbridge Girls invites OST program managers and leaders into a national learning community to build culturally responsive, gender-equitable STEM programming for Black, Indigenous, Latina, and gender-expansive youth.

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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit organizations serving youth in Florida can apply for the Community Foundation of Broward’s Education & Youth Enrichment funding to support K–12 academic achievement, after school and summer educational programs, and work-based learning. Programs in Broward County that offer tutoring, mentoring, exposure to new opportunities, or vocational and internship experiences may be especially competitive.

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.

The Venable Foundation, a corporate funder, provides grants averaging $10,000 to nonprofits focused on human services, legal support, education, workforce development, youth impact, health, environment, and arts. Funding is targeted at organizations in specific regions, including Washington, DC, Baltimore, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, and Denver, reinforcing equitable opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals.

The Impact Polk Grants, administered by the GiveWell Community Foundation, aim to address diverse community needs in Polk County, Florida. This annual competitive grant program supports initiatives in six key areas: economic opportunities, education, food security, housing, quality of life, and transportation. By focusing on enhancing residents' quality of life, the program targets systemic barriers and fosters equitable access to essential services, thereby promoting community resilience and growth.

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in 11 markets, providing $225,000 to support local programs addressing community issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a revenue exceeding $100,000 and must operate in one of the specified television markets. The grants aim to empower youth through education, promote diverse storytelling, and enhance community engagement. This initiative underscores Comcast's commitment to fostering inclusion and equitable opportunities for underserved communities.