Best Grants for Community Centers in Florida

The Book Festival Grants, offered by Florida Humanities, support public humanities programs at various book festivals across Florida. Since 2022, these grants have facilitated literary events that promote reading and engage communities through author talks, workshops, and family activities. Eligible Florida-based nonprofits and governments can apply for funding up to $10,000 to enhance audience reach and accessibility via diverse programming. This initiative celebrates Florida's literary heritage while fostering connections between authors and readers.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Florida provides essential funding for the development of community facilities in rural areas. This program is aimed at public bodies, non-profits, and federally recognized tribes, ensuring access to affordable services. Projects can receive funding based on population size and median income, with grants covering up to 75% of costs for eligible areas. This initiative supports infrastructure like healthcare, education, and public safety facilities, enhancing the quality of life in rural communities.

The Florida Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Funds program, managed by the Agency for Health Care Administration, aims to enhance the quality of care and life for nursing home residents through innovative projects. Funded by monetary penalties imposed on non-compliant nursing homes, these funds support initiatives that exceed minimum standards, including resident relocation assistance and improvements in facility operations. Organizations such as advocacy groups and long-term care facilities can apply, provided they adhere to CMS regulations.

The Health Foundation of South Florida Grants aim to enhance the health of South Florida communities, particularly for vulnerable populations. The foundation invites nonprofit organizations and government agencies to submit proposals that align with its mission, focusing on access to care, social needs, and thriving communities. Preference is given to projects that demonstrate clear needs and measurable outcomes, especially those serving low-income and disadvantaged communities. Funding can support innovative collaborations and systems changes to improve healthcare access and outcomes.

Honda’s Community Event Sponsorship aims to support local, regional, and national events that enhance community engagement and celebrate diverse cultures. Organizations must be U.S.-based and tax-exempt, focusing on projects that serve communities where Honda associates are active. Eligible events include parades, festivals, and educational initiatives. Honda evaluates requests based on community needs and available funding, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and community enhancement.

South Arts, Inc. offers Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations to enhance the skills and knowledge of Southern arts entities. These grants aim to support operational stability and growth, focusing on organizations with budgets of $500,000 or less. Eligible applicants include a range of arts organizations within South Arts' nine-state service area. The program emphasizes first-time opportunities and requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match, ensuring a commitment to professional development in the arts.

The Santander Charitable Sponsorship Program focuses on supporting low- to moderate-income communities primarily in the Northeast and Florida. With a commitment of $100 million in charitable giving, the program addresses key community development needs, including affordable housing, job creation, financial education, and disaster relief. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status or be public agencies, demonstrating capacity to meet community needs. Unsolicited applications are not accepted.

All In Credit Union, founded in 1966, has evolved from a small financial institution to a full-service credit union serving over 197,000 members across Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi. With a commitment to community support, they have contributed nearly $2 million to local charities since 2018 and awarded significant scholarships. The annual All In Grant Program offers essential funding to 501(c)(3) organizations to enhance community services, reflecting their dedication to making a positive impact in the areas they serve.

The Stellar Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations focused on enhancing healthcare, education, cultural events, and community services. Established by the Stellar Foundation in 2006, these grants encourage employee engagement in philanthropy and community development. Applications are accepted quarterly, with a focus on projects that demonstrate clear goals and community impact. Organizations must possess the necessary resources to implement their initiatives effectively.

The Southern Circuit Screening Partner Grant invites nonprofit, educational, or governmental organizations in the South Arts region to host screenings of independent documentaries. This initiative promotes diverse filmmakers, including those from historically marginalized communities. Partners engage audiences through strategic marketing and provide logistical support for filmmakers. The program emphasizes collaboration during film selection and aims to foster meaningful conversations about the art of filmmaking while making the events accessible to all community members.

The Hancock Whitney Opportunity Grant, in collaboration with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, invites applications from eligible nonprofits starting October 7, 2025. This grant aims to enhance capacity building and sustainability for organizations focused on food insecurity, workforce development, and youth programs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations serving low to moderate-income communities within Hancock Whitney's service areas, fostering impactful changes with AmeriCorps support.

The Coastal Partnership Initiative Grant Program provides competitive funding from the NOAA to support Florida's coastal counties and municipalities in managing coastal resources effectively. Eligible applicants include local governments, public colleges, and nonprofits, focusing on climate resilience, resource stewardship, public access, and waterfront revitalization. The program aims to enhance community preparedness against natural hazards, promote environmental awareness, and improve coastal infrastructure, ensuring sustainable development and protection of Florida's unique coastal ecosystems.

The Orange County Venue Subsidy Grant for Arts and Culture, facilitated by United Arts of Central Florida, aims to support 501(c)(3) nonprofits in presenting cultural programming at accessible venues in Orange County. This program covers up to 50% of venue rental costs, allowing organizations to elevate the production value of their exhibitions or performances. Priority is given to those serving underserved and diverse communities, enhancing the cultural landscape of the region.

The American Honda Foundation provides programmatic support to nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S., empowering impactful initiatives aligned with community needs. Funding opportunities are available through Honda corporate and Honda USA Foundation, focusing on projects that enhance education and community welfare. Eligible organizations must have nonprofit status or be recognized educational institutions. The application process opens each fall, with funding decisions announced the following spring, ensuring alignment with Honda's commitment to social responsibility.

The Programmatic Support - Education Pillar Award by Honda aims to enhance workforce readiness in the manufacturing sector. It supports nonprofit organizations and schools focused on hands-on programs in design, software/data analytics, and AI/machine learning. Eligible applicants must be US-based and have 501(c)(3) status. The initiative prioritizes projects that train individuals for manufacturing roles, develop technical skills, and introduce automation to prepare for evolving industry demands, ultimately fostering economic prosperity in local communities.

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

Florida Department of Health

Led by the State Surgeon General, the mission of the Florida Department of Health is to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer's Disease Research Program

The program awards grants for research relating to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of Alzheimer’s disease. The Legislature has established the following goals, with priority for research designed to prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease:

• Improve the health of Floridians by researching better prevention and diagnoses of and treatments and cures for Alzheimer’s disease.
• Expand the foundation of knowledge relating to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of Alzheimer’s disease
• Stimulate economic activity in the state in areas related to Alzheimer’s disease research

Researchers at any university or research institute in Florida are eligible to apply. The following types of applications may be considered for funding:

• Investigator-initiated research grants
• Institutional research grants
• Pre-doctoral and post-doctoral research fellowships
• Collaborative research grants, including those that advance the finding of cures through basic or applied research

Priority will be given to project proposals that focus on:

• therapeutic strategies for dealing with behavioral and social needs of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers;
• the discovery and validation of a broad spectrum of potential therapeutic targets or novel therapeutic strategies, or discoveries which provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease, and/or identify novel biomarkers;
• stimulate a consortium of clinical centers to conduct high quality clinical research studies of greater breadth than described in priority two;
• epidemiologic studies to improve our understanding of genetic, epigenetic, and acquired neurodegenerative, cardiac, and vascular disorders that result in cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease and how these conditions affect Floridians; and
• support for physician or postdoctoral fellowship training in Alzheimer’s disease research. Refer to the Research Priorities section of this FOA for more information. 

Funding Information

Applicants must request funding in the grant categories outlined in this FOA for research in the areas of focus outlined in the Research Priorities section of this FOA. Specific grant funding amounts are available for each grant category.

Grant Categories

Applications in response to this FOA must align to a grant category to pursue an area of focus from the Research Priorities section of this FOA. Applications for research infrastructure grants that are reviewed and assigned exceptional scientific merit will be considered for preferential funding. 

The grant categories are: 1) Consortium Grant; 2) Standard Grant; 3) Pilot Grant; 4) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Grant

Grant Categories: Consortium Grant

Grants will stimulate a consortium of clinical, basic, translational and underrepresented research institutions/centers to conduct high quality grantsupported research. The consortium should involve partnerships to be developed among investigators across the state of Florida, with the award made to the lead organization. The lead organization of the consortium must perform a substantive role in conducting the planned research including providing oversight of all scientific, programmatic, financial, and administrative matters related to the grant. The collaborating organizations must have well-defined roles that contribute to the common scientifically rigorous research goals, and include sound background information, hypotheses, protocols, and promising practices that address clearly one or more areas of research interest. A letter of commitment from all collaborating organizations is recommended. The consortium must support the exploration of the focus areas listed within Priority Areas 1 and 3. Grants may range from discovery science to more mature projects that are attempting to advance a therapeutic approach or concept.

Florida Department of Health

Led by the State Surgeon General, the mission of the Florida Department of Health is to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer's Disease Research Program

The program awards grants for research relating to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of Alzheimer’s disease. The Legislature has established the following goals, with priority for research designed to prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease:

• Improve the health of Floridians by researching better prevention and diagnoses of and treatments and cures for Alzheimer’s disease.
• Expand the foundation of knowledge relating to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of Alzheimer’s disease
• Stimulate economic activity in the state in areas related to Alzheimer’s disease research

Researchers at any university or research institute in Florida are eligible to apply. The following types of applications may be considered for funding:

• Investigator-initiated research grants
• Institutional research grants
• Pre-doctoral and post-doctoral research fellowships
• Collaborative research grants, including those that advance the finding of cures through basic or applied research

Priority will be given to project proposals that focus on:

• therapeutic strategies for dealing with behavioral and social needs of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers;
• the discovery and validation of a broad spectrum of potential therapeutic targets or novel therapeutic strategies, or discoveries which provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease, and/or identify novel biomarkers;
• stimulate a consortium of clinical centers to conduct high quality clinical research studies of greater breadth than described in priority two;
• epidemiologic studies to improve our understanding of genetic, epigenetic, and acquired neurodegenerative, cardiac, and vascular disorders that result in cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease and how these conditions affect Floridians; and
• support for physician or postdoctoral fellowship training in Alzheimer’s disease research. Refer to the Research Priorities section of this FOA for more information. 

Funding Information

Applicants must request funding in the grant categories outlined in this FOA for research in the areas of focus outlined in the Research Priorities section of this FOA. Specific grant funding amounts are available for each grant category.

Grant Categories

Applications in response to this FOA must align to a grant category to pursue an area of focus from the Research Priorities section of this FOA. Applications for research infrastructure grants that are reviewed and assigned exceptional scientific merit will be considered for preferential funding. 

The grant categories are: 1) Consortium Grant; 2) Standard Grant; 3) Pilot Grant; 4) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Grant

Grant Categories: Pilot Grant

Grants for exploratory, novel studies that break new ground or extend previous discoveries toward new directions or applications. No preliminary data are required but may be included if available. Research organizations are eligible to apply for no more than four Pilot Grants that address one of the five Priority Areas.

Florida Department of Health

Led by the State Surgeon General, the mission of the Florida Department of Health is to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer's Disease Research Program

The program awards grants for research relating to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of Alzheimer’s disease. The Legislature has established the following goals, with priority for research designed to prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease:

• Improve the health of Floridians by researching better prevention and diagnoses of and treatments and cures for Alzheimer’s disease.
• Expand the foundation of knowledge relating to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of Alzheimer’s disease
• Stimulate economic activity in the state in areas related to Alzheimer’s disease research

Researchers at any university or research institute in Florida are eligible to apply. The following types of applications may be considered for funding:

• Investigator-initiated research grants
• Institutional research grants
• Pre-doctoral and post-doctoral research fellowships
• Collaborative research grants, including those that advance the finding of cures through basic or applied research

Priority will be given to project proposals that focus on:

• therapeutic strategies for dealing with behavioral and social needs of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers;
• the discovery and validation of a broad spectrum of potential therapeutic targets or novel therapeutic strategies, or discoveries which provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease, and/or identify novel biomarkers;
• stimulate a consortium of clinical centers to conduct high quality clinical research studies of greater breadth than described in priority two;
• epidemiologic studies to improve our understanding of genetic, epigenetic, and acquired neurodegenerative, cardiac, and vascular disorders that result in cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease and how these conditions affect Floridians; and
• support for physician or postdoctoral fellowship training in Alzheimer’s disease research. Refer to the Research Priorities section of this FOA for more information. 

Funding Information

Applicants must request funding in the grant categories outlined in this FOA for research in the areas of focus outlined in the Research Priorities section of this FOA. Specific grant funding amounts are available for each grant category.

Grant Categories

Applications in response to this FOA must align to a grant category to pursue an area of focus from the Research Priorities section of this FOA. Applications for research infrastructure grants that are reviewed and assigned exceptional scientific merit will be considered for preferential funding. 

The grant categories are: 1) Consortium Grant; 2) Standard Grant; 3) Pilot Grant; 4) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Grant

Grant Categories: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Grant

Grants support the career development of individuals who have made a commitment to focus their research endeavors on research oriented to clinical service, evaluation, neurochemistry, neurosciences, neuromedicine, neurotherapeutics, neuropharmacology, neuropathology, etc. Research organizations are eligible to apply for no more than three Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Grants. Organizations choosing to submit two or more Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Grant applications must assure that they address different focus areas (1-4) listed under Priority Area 5.

Florida Department of Health

Led by the State Surgeon General, the mission of the Florida Department of Health is to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer's Disease Research Program

The program awards grants for research relating to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of Alzheimer’s disease. The Legislature has established the following goals, with priority for research designed to prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease:

• Improve the health of Floridians by researching better prevention and diagnoses of and treatments and cures for Alzheimer’s disease.
• Expand the foundation of knowledge relating to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of Alzheimer’s disease
• Stimulate economic activity in the state in areas related to Alzheimer’s disease research

Researchers at any university or research institute in Florida are eligible to apply. The following types of applications may be considered for funding:

• Investigator-initiated research grants
• Institutional research grants
• Pre-doctoral and post-doctoral research fellowships
• Collaborative research grants, including those that advance the finding of cures through basic or applied research

Priority will be given to project proposals that focus on:

• therapeutic strategies for dealing with behavioral and social needs of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers;
• the discovery and validation of a broad spectrum of potential therapeutic targets or novel therapeutic strategies, or discoveries which provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease, and/or identify novel biomarkers;
• stimulate a consortium of clinical centers to conduct high quality clinical research studies of greater breadth than described in priority two;
• epidemiologic studies to improve our understanding of genetic, epigenetic, and acquired neurodegenerative, cardiac, and vascular disorders that result in cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease and how these conditions affect Floridians; and
• support for physician or postdoctoral fellowship training in Alzheimer’s disease research. Refer to the Research Priorities section of this FOA for more information. 

Funding Information

Applicants must request funding in the grant categories outlined in this FOA for research in the areas of focus outlined in the Research Priorities section of this FOA. Specific grant funding amounts are available for each grant category.

Grant Categories

Applications in response to this FOA must align to a grant category to pursue an area of focus from the Research Priorities section of this FOA. Applications for research infrastructure grants that are reviewed and assigned exceptional scientific merit will be considered for preferential funding. 

The grant categories are: 1) Consortium Grant; 2) Standard Grant; 3) Pilot Grant; 4) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Grant

Grant Categories: Standard Grant

Grants for research projects that are fully developed, scientifically rigorous, and include sound background information, hypotheses, and promising preliminary results or supporting data. Research organizations are eligible to apply for no more than seven Standard Grants that address the five priority areas.

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 Excellence in Education Award, presented by the Florida Literacy Coalition, recognizes organizations showcasing exceptional leadership and innovation in adult and family literacy education. This prestigious award includes a $100 gift certificate from New Readers Press and a $2,500 grant to support the recipient's initiatives. Eligible organizations include community-based volunteer literacy programs and local educational agencies, all contributing to enhancing literacy services across Florida.

The Florida Blue Foundation's Driver of Health: Food Security Grants aim to enhance food security for families in vulnerable communities. By improving access to affordable, nutritious food, the initiative seeks to mitigate health risks associated with food insecurity. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and community agencies in Florida, focusing on educational programs that promote self-sufficiency. Priority will be given to areas with high food insecurity, ensuring that targeted populations receive essential support.

 Florida Department of Education

The Department of Education serves as the single repository of education data from school districts, state and community colleges, universities, and independent postsecondary institutions - allowing us to track student performance over time and across varying education sectors.

We administer a statewide reading initiative for Florida's public schools, and among community groups and volunteer organizations that support them, with a goal of having every child able to read at or above grade level.

Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant (PCOG) Program

Subject to legislative approval and the governor’s signature, state funds are appropriated under the 2026-2027 state of Florida General Appropriations Act (Item Number 121 – Aid to Local Governments – Grant Aids) to establish new and operate or expand existing registered apprenticeship or preapprenticeship programs. 

The Competitive Grants program by the Community Foundation for Brevard empowers local nonprofits to address pressing community needs through targeted funding in areas like education, health, and environmental stewardship. With a focus on supporting organizations that enrich community life, this initiative fosters collaboration and innovation. Grants are available to eligible nonprofits that have been operational for at least two years and meet specific criteria. This funding aims to enhance the quality of life in Brevard County and promote sustainable community development.

The Pérez CreARTE Grants, funded by the Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation, aim to enhance South Florida's vibrant arts scene. With over $1.5 million available, the program supports Miami-Dade organizations focusing on arts access, education, and artist fellowships. Grants range from $100,000 to $250,000 over two years, prioritizing innovative proposals that promote arts equity and community engagement. This initiative seeks to cultivate local talent and ensure access to diverse artistic experiences for all residents.