Best Sarasota Grants for Nonprofits in Florida

The Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education Grants, offered by the Woman's Exchange Inc of Sarasota, aim to support local visual and performing arts initiatives for K-12 students. These grants fund projects such as workshops, performances, and educational trips that occur during school hours. Eligible applicants must collaborate with a tax-exempt arts organization and demonstrate the project's cultural merit. Priority is given to community-oriented projects, enhancing arts education in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in Sarasota County and other eligible Tampa Bay counties can apply for Rays Baseball Foundation’s Community Fund Grant, awarding US $5,000 to enhance existing programs. Funding supports youth empowerment, education, and critical community needs, including children’s health, mental health, disabilities, and welfare services.

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.

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.

Deaf individuals with severe or profound hearing loss who reside in Sarasota County, Florida can receive scholarship support for post-secondary education and job-skill training. Grants from William G. and Marie Selby Foundation help Sarasota, Florida students pursue certifications or degrees, with applications accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.

The India Benton Lesser Foundation Grant supports qualified 501(c)3 organizations in Bibb County, Georgia, and surrounding areas, emphasizing healthcare initiatives, educational development, family services, and youth welfare. This grant reflects a legacy of community involvement and generosity, aiming to enhance the quality of life for residents across Central and Northeast Georgia. Organizations from Bibb, Hall, Clarke, and Sarasota Counties are encouraged to apply for funding to address local needs.

Sarasota County class of 2025 high school graduates pursuing local workforce degrees or certifications can receive funding for tuition, fees, uniforms, supplies, and tools in approved technical programs in Sarasota, Florida. Education Foundation of Sarasota County supports students with financial need attending Suncoast, Manatee, or Charlotte Technical Colleges in fields like EMT, fire science, nursing, automotive, and more.

The Paddock Foundation Grant, established by the Jerome and Mildred Paddock Foundation in 1967, focuses on supporting vulnerable seniors and children with disabilities. The foundation prioritizes applicants addressing essential needs, including healthcare and economic equity, particularly in Sarasota County. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and aligned with the foundation's mission. Grants are not available for political advocacy or individuals, ensuring that support goes directly to those in need.

Sarasota, Florida arts and cultural nonprofits can access funding through Woman's Exchange to support and enrich local visual and performing arts programs in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Organizations running arts initiatives for the community may be eligible for these program grants focused on strengthening the local arts ecosystem.

With a mission to support visual and performing arts, Woman's Exchange provides Sarasota, Florida students with scholarships for higher education in these fields. Local high school and college students who are residents of Sarasota or Manatee County and pursuing visual or performing arts studies may be eligible to apply.

The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation Grant Program aims to enhance the education, health, and emotional well-being of children within the community. Funded entirely by the Suncoast Credit Union, it supports local initiatives through a unique program where every debit or credit card purchase contributes to the foundation. Since its establishment in 1990, it has allocated over $53 million in funding and scholarships, emphasizing measurable results and compliance with anti-discrimination laws for eligible organizations.

Gulf Coast Leadership Institute

For aspiring, emerging, and experienced leaders to grow to become action-oriented individuals in their communities.

About Gulf Coast Leadership Institute

At Gulf Coast, we believe that leadership is the foundation of community. Our Gulf Coast Leadership Institute taps, trains, and connects emerging and experienced community leaders—over 425 so far—from across the Gulf Coast region. The result is a growing network of skilled, action-oriented leaders who are committed to using their new skills to help transform their communities through service.

Our Mission:

To identify and develop aspiring, emerging, and experienced leaders who reflect the diversity of our region. The program spans two months where participants take part in in-person, experiential small and large group activities that prepare them to become knowledgeable, skilled, and action-oriented leaders in their communities.

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.

The Susan Terry Foundation Grant Program

Empowering Communities, One Grant at a Time

The Susan Terry Foundation Proudly supports local opportunities and initiatives through community-focused grants in Tampa Bay and Sarasota.

The Susan Terry Foundation is committed to strengthening communities by supporting innovative, impactful projects that serve the public good. Through our grant program, we provide funding to individuals, organizations, and research teams working on non-event initiatives that align with our mission of community enrichment and positive change.

We invite applicants with clearly defined goals, thoughtful planning, and a strong commitment to making a difference. Whether you’re launching a new program, conducting meaningful research, or developing a long-term community initiative, we encourage you to apply. This program does not fund event sponsorships or promotional activities.

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.

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.

2025 Urban & Community Forestry Natural Disaster and Recovery Supplement

The scope of this program is designed to improve and reestablish urban forests in 56 peninsular Florida counties that were negatively impacted by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton. These efforts will emphasize not just tree planting but also pruning and efforts to enhance urban forest resiliency through strong planning methods. The primary purpose is to not just replace lost canopy, but to ensure that the urban forest is more resilient to future storms, enhancing the likelihood of long-term recovery. The State of Florida anticipates an allocation of $1,500,000 to applicants through this funding opportunity.

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 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 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 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 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 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 Woman’s Club of Palmetto Scholarship Fund, established by the Manatee Community Foundation, provides annual scholarships to deserving female graduates of Palmetto High School attending the State College of Florida. This initiative supports students demonstrating financial need and leadership potential, ensuring access to higher education for women in the community. By fostering educational opportunities, the fund aims to empower future generations and enhance the quality of life in Manatee County.

The JetBlue Foundation is dedicated to enhancing aviation-related education and STEM initiatives, aiming to inspire future aviation leaders. Offering grants up to $50,000, it supports educational organizations that focus on aviation technology, engineering, operations, and maintenance. The foundation prioritizes programs benefiting under-represented communities in aviation, including veterans, women, and diverse groups, ensuring a broader range of voices in the industry.

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.

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.