Best Sarasota County Grants for Nonprofits in Florida

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth in Sarasota County, Florida can seek funding for programs that support children’s health, education, development, and welfare. Grants from Dan Paul Foundation help Sarasota County nonprofits provide early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, environmental education, and related youth-focused initiatives, with awards up to US $15,000.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

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.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

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.

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

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.

The Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation Community Grants program aims to enhance health-related services in Sarasota County, Florida. It supports nonprofit organizations that provide free or affordable outpatient medical care to low-income individuals, including children and adults. The initiative seeks to minimize the non-emergency use of the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System by linking residents to essential community resources. Grants are awarded biannually, with a focus on impactful health programs that can demonstrate significant community benefits.

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.

With a mission to support vulnerable families and children, TJX Foundation provides Sarasota County, Florida nonprofits with project funding for basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must be within 15 miles of a TJX location, align with its community mission, and complete an eligibility questionnaire before submitting a letter of inquiry.

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.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

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.

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.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

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.

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.