Best Sarasota Grants for Nonprofits in Florida

The West Florida Chapter CAI Scholarship Fund, established by the Manatee Community Foundation, aims to foster interest and excellence in property management and construction. This scholarship supports U.S. citizens or documented residents from Manatee or Sarasota Counties who are members of the Community Associations Institute or related to a member. It assists applicants seeking vocational training or pursuing degrees in relevant fields, considering their interests, activities, experience, and financial needs.

The GCCF Community Grants, offered by Gulf Coast Community Foundation, aim to enhance community well-being through strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations. With a focus on health, education, and cultural development, these grants support 501(c)(3) organizations that benefit residents in Sarasota, Charlotte, and Boca Grande. Grant requests are accepted on a rolling basis, ensuring timely support for impactful projects. Individual schools and booster clubs are not eligible for funding, as the foundation prioritizes broader community initiatives.

Sarasota, Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofits advancing economic opportunity or stable housing can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Eligible organizations in Sarasota County receive a two-year leadership development experience plus a capacity-building grant to strengthen income creation, workforce readiness, small business resiliency, or affordable housing and homeownership efforts.

Tampa Bay Rays In-Kind Donation Requests

The purpose of our donation program is to assist organizations in raising necessary funds for their respective causes. Should your request be approved, you will receive all donation items within two weeks of your event date.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

James M. Doss Sr. Charitable Foundation

Mission Statement: 

The purpose of the James M. Doss Sr. Charitable Foundation is to provide funds through a direct grant or matching grant to charitable organizations, including but not limited to Catholic faith-based organizations, college athletics programs, and children’s health and human services agencies.

Grant Guideline

The Foundation provides grants to non-profit Catholic faith-based organizations, college athletics programs, and children’s health and human services agencies. If a qualifying organization experiences a special need outside the grant cycle, consideration may be given. Grants to organizations outside the identified focus areas are awarded only in Florida’s west coast area or western North Carolina.

The Education Foundation of Sarasota County Scholarship offers a one-time, nonrenewable award of $1,000 to 2025 or recent graduates from Sarasota County public schools. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college or vocational school, be under 24 years old, and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to prior recipients of Education Foundation scholarships. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and supporting students in their pursuit of higher education.

501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, income creation, stable housing, or community empowerment in Sarasota, Florida can apply for Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s local funding. Eligible organizations must serve low- and moderate-income communities within designated markets, focusing on economic mobility and vulnerable populations such as working families, youth, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.

The Cordelia Lee Beattie Foundation, established in 1973, focuses on supporting Sarasota County, Florida, through scholarships for deserving individuals regardless of race or background. It particularly emphasizes opportunities in music and fine arts, aligning with Cordelia Beattie's passions. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and grants are specifically targeted for cultural initiatives within Sarasota County. The foundation encourages applications that promote education, health, and the arts, ensuring a broad impact on the community.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public educational institutions supporting college students in Sarasota, Florida can access funding via Scheidel Foundation to boost college completion and career readiness. Programs that emphasize students in the academic middle and track outcomes like persistence, graduation, and post-college transitions may be invited to apply.

The Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Sarasota, Florida supporting children’s services, education, or hunger relief can request monetary or in-kind dining certificate support. Brinker International provides Sarasota nonprofits with one donation per year when applications are submitted online at least six weeks before an event, focusing on helping kids, addressing hunger, and supporting education.

The Manasota ASALH Scholarship offers financial support to Black high school seniors in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate leadership within their school and community. Successful candidates will undergo an interview process and must provide proof of enrollment in an accredited four-year institution to receive funds. This scholarship promotes academic achievement and community involvement among deserving students.

Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and families, including those in Sarasota, Florida, can apply for Amscot’s funding to support education, enrichment, and safety programs. Eligible organizations must be at least one year old and operate in communities where Amscot has locations, with a focus on expanding opportunities for Florida’s children.

The Bank of America Client Foundation Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations in Sarasota, FL and Delaware, focusing on arts, education, historic preservation, and human services. Grants range from $5,000 to $40,000, averaging around $20,000. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities and generally receive one-year grants. The foundation prioritizes program-related funding, while avoiding grants to individuals and for general operating expenses.

Adult students pursuing accredited post-secondary education can receive scholarship support, including for professional certificates, technical, vocational, trade, and college degrees. Community Foundation of Sarasota County provides Sarasota, Florida learners and residents of nearby counties, age 24 or older and living locally at least one year, with funding opportunities to further their education and future potential.

The 2Gen Parent Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, supports low-income parents from four Title 1 Elementary Schools in Sarasota County. This initiative aims to empower parents by providing access to educational opportunities that enhance their skills and social capital, ultimately leading to family-sustaining wages. The scholarship is designed for residents with children enrolled in these schools, promoting a two-generation approach to education and support.

Mobile Beacon's Connect for Success program addresses the digital divide by providing schools with essential technology resources. This initiative offers up to 25 laptops and 4G devices with 12 months of complimentary high-speed internet service. By targeting students and communities facing digital inequities, the program ensures that all students can complete homework and access educational content from home. With ongoing support options available post-grant, Mobile Beacon is committed to fostering equitable learning environments and empowering educators to enhance digital inclusion.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

Focused on financial literacy and housing, The Union Home Foundation invites Sarasota, Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for grants supporting family economic self-sufficiency. Eligible organizations in Sarasota County working on financial education, equitable and affordable housing, or supportive housing and shelters can seek awards of more than US $1,000, with applications accepted quarterly.

The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch Scholarship Fund, established by the Manatee Community Foundation, aims to support residents of Manatee or Sarasota County in pursuing vocational and educational training. Eligible applicants must be accepted into accredited institutions and are evaluated based on academic performance, financial need, community involvement, and career goals. Preference is given to students engaged in programs sponsored by the Rotary Club, fostering local talent and community development.

The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch MTI East Scholarship Fund, established by the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch, aims to support residents of Manatee County pursuing vocational training at the MTI East Campus. Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, financial need, community engagement, educational involvement, and career aspirations. This initiative reflects the commitment of the Manatee Community Foundation to enhance lives through philanthropy and community service.

The Lloyd Williams Scholarship Fund, established by the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association, honors Lloyd Williams by providing scholarships to U.S. citizens in Manatee or Sarasota County. This initiative supports students pursuing education or vocational training in building construction and related trades. With over 25 years of philanthropic efforts, the Manatee Community Foundation remains committed to enhancing community quality of life through education, service, and informed giving.

The Lewis K. Cooksey Educational Fund, managed by the Manatee Community Foundation, supports students pursuing higher education, vocational training, or technical skills. This fund is dedicated to providing financial assistance based on character, need, and academic performance, requiring recipients to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. With a mission to enhance community well-being through education and philanthropy, this scholarship promotes sustainable growth and opportunity for local students.

The Bradenton Branch AAUW Scholarship Foundation Fund, managed by the Manatee Community Foundation, supports adult students aged 25 and older pursuing education. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00, and have completed required college credits. This initiative strengthens local community ties and promotes educational advancement, ensuring a brighter future for residents of Manatee and Sarasota counties.

The National Estuary Program Watersheds Grant Program, administered by Restore America’s Estuaries and supported by the EPA, funds competitive projects addressing critical threats to estuaries. Key priorities include habitat restoration, enhancing coastal resilience against extreme weather, managing nutrient impacts, and mitigating stormwater runoff. Established in 1987, the program aims to improve ecological integrity and water quality in 28 estuaries nationwide, providing essential funding and guidance to local initiatives.

The Longleaf Landscape Stewardship Fund Grant, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), provides funding for projects aimed at restoring and conserving longleaf pine and bottomland hardwood forests. With approximately $30 million available for 2024, grants range from $250,000 to $3,000,000. This initiative, supported by various federal and private entities, emphasizes the importance of ecological preservation and sustainable land management practices.