Best Sarasota County Grants for Nonprofits in Florida

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can seek community grants from State Farm Companies Foundation to support safety, education, and community development initiatives in the U.S., including Sarasota County, Florida. Funding may support auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, job training, financial literacy, STEM, and college and career pathways.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

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.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services in Sarasota County, Florida may be eligible for support to aid marginalized and vulnerable communities. With a mission to empower the disaffected, Semnani Family Foundation provides nonprofits with funding for healthcare access, disaster relief, child welfare, women and girls’ services, and related human and social services locally and worldwide.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Sarasota County, Florida can apply for Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship support to advance economic mobility and social progress. Funding may support basic needs, workforce development and education, community development, arts and culture, environmental initiatives, sports, housing and shelters, and diversity and inclusion programs in low- and moderate-income communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with programs in Sarasota County, Florida and nearby counties can seek up to US $25,000 to advance family economic stability, health, education, and workforce readiness. Focused on economic mobility, Community Foundation of Sarasota County invites applicants addressing health, social capital, workforce training, and educational access, with an optional capacity-building component in the same application.

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits headquartered and serving in Sarasota County, Florida or nearby Tampa Bay counties can receive US $50,000 directed by a selected Lightning Community Hero to support their local work. Community-focused organizations with strong leadership, solid finances, and proven results may be chosen as designated charities through the Lightning Foundation’s Lightning Community Hero Nonprofit Grant program.

Our Story

As a public charity dedicated to serving the needs of our region, everything we do here is about the community.

The notion of a community caring for its own is written in our organizational DNA. Our foundation was created in 1995 with proceeds from the sale of The Venice Hospital, a community hospital that had been founded by local citizens more than four decades earlier. We are a collection of charitable funds created by individuals, families, organizations, and corporations to support their favorite causes in our region and around the world. Over 850 generous philanthropists call Gulf Coast home. Together with our donors, we have invested over $650 million in grants and impact in the areas of health and human services, civic and economic development, education, arts and culture, and the environment.

GCCF: Catalytic Grants

Supporting bold, collaborative projects that create lasting regional impact. These grants typically exceed $25,000. 

Funding areas include: Arts & Culture, Civic & Economic Development, Education, Environment, and Health & Human Services

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Sarasota County, Florida can request up to US $25,000 to support community programs in health and human services, education, arts and culture, environment, and civic or economic development. With a mission to transform the region, Gulf Coast Community Foundation accepts rolling applications, including those submitted through local school districts.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least two years of operations and budgets under $200,000 serving Sarasota County, Florida can apply for Cape Coral Community Foundation’s one-time grants up to US $5,000 for community projects or organizational strengthening. Priority may go to programs addressing basic needs, seniors, underserved youth, community building, and leadership or staff development.

Grants from Community Foundation of Sarasota County help Sarasota County, Florida nonprofits strengthen internal capacity, resilience, and long-term sustainability for the 2026 Giving Challenge, with awards up to US $15,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities must serve Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, or DeSoto counties and may fund leadership development, strategic planning, evaluation, fundraising, and financial management support.

Nonprofit organizations in Sarasota County, Florida that support women, children, and families can apply for the Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle grant to fund their programs and services. Eligible 501(c)(3)s must have a location in Sarasota or Manatee County and submit a new application each grant cycle.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries seeking general operating or program support for environmental or human services work in Sarasota County, Florida may be eligible for this opportunity, with awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000. The Lawrence Foundation provides unrestricted grants to U.S.-headquartered groups working locally or internationally in its priority areas.

Florida-based nonprofit organizations, local governments, and tribal governments can seek up to US $10,000 for public programs exploring human–environment relationships and local environmental heritage in Sarasota County, Florida and statewide. Florida Humanities Council supports collaborative, cross-disciplinary environmental humanities projects that engage diverse audiences, especially in underserved, rural, or economically distressed communities, including those in Sarasota County.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with budgets over $300,000 seeking capital support for buildings, technology, vehicles, equipment, or websites in Sarasota County, Florida can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $50,000. William G. and Marie Selby Foundation supports community and economic development projects through twice-yearly traditional grant cycles, with a required pre-grant meeting.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

Paul and Linda Mulligan Scholarship for Business

This scholarship provides financial support to a graduate or graduating senior of a Henderson County public high school or Venice High School in Sarasota, Florida who is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business at either a public or a private (non-profit) college or university. 

The schlarship is renewable.

Sarasota County, Florida adult students pursuing college, university, or technical degrees can access funding through Manatee Community Foundation to continue their higher or vocational education. Applicants must be at least 25, demonstrate financial need, meet GPA and credit/hour requirements, and be legal residents of Manatee or Sarasota County attending accredited institutions.

Students who are U.S. citizens in Sarasota County, Florida pursuing education or technical/vocational training in building construction or the building trades can apply for the Lloyd Williams Scholarship Fund. Focused on higher and vocational education, Manatee Community Foundation supports local residents preparing for construction-related careers.

Students pursuing vocational training or college degrees in Sarasota County, Florida can access funding through Manatee Community Foundation’s Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch Scholarship Fund. Residents of Manatee or Sarasota County accepted into accredited vocational, 2-year, or 4-year institutions may be supported, with preference for those involved in Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch programs.

Individuals pursuing property management or construction-related education in Sarasota County, Florida can access funding for vocational training, certificates, or 2- and 4-year degree programs. Sarasota County residents who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and are CAI West Florida Chapter members or their relatives may be eligible for this Manatee Community Foundation scholarship.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth and families in Sarasota County, Florida can apply for Rays Baseball Foundation’s Community Fund Grant to enhance existing programs in education, youth services, and children’s health. Focused on youth empowerment and critical community needs, this program awards US $5,000 grants to community-based organizations across the Tampa Bay region.

501(c)(3) nonprofits with transformational projects in Sarasota County, Florida can seek more than US $100,000 to launch or expand high-impact initiatives. Impact 100 SRQ supports clearly defined, sustainable projects in arts, education, environment, recreation, animal welfare, family services, and health that primarily benefit Sarasota and/or Manatee County residents within a 24‑month grant period.