Best Sarasota Grants for Nonprofits in Florida

The Sarasota County Bar Association Richard R. Garland Scholarship aims to support second-year law students from underrepresented backgrounds, providing them with opportunities in the Sarasota County legal community. This $10,000 scholarship includes a required summer internship, fostering professional development through mentorship. The program encourages applicants from Florida and out-of-state law schools with ties to Sarasota County, promoting diversity and inclusion within the legal profession.

The IMA Foundation Grant focuses on empowering communities by supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to workforce development, financial security for families, and enhancing emergency preparedness. With a mission to provide philanthropic assistance, the foundation seeks partners that align with its vision and operational reach. Organizations must be 501c3 nonprofits and serve areas where IMA has offices, ensuring that their initiatives directly impact youth under 26 years of age.

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.

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 Andrew Vincent Messina Scholarship and Elsie Bird Davies Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, aims to provide music education to children in Sarasota and Manatee counties who are financially disadvantaged. Preference is given to students aged 6-18 who have been studying music for at least one year. This initiative embodies the belief that everyone can contribute to their community through philanthropy, fostering a love for music among youth.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering youth education, development, or enrichment programs in Sarasota, Florida may be eligible for this funding. Grants from Seneca Foods Foundation help communities where the company operates, with priority for groups connected to Seneca employees or facilities and working in areas like academics, youth development, and health and wellness.

The Andrew Monroe Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Andrew Monroe, who tragically lost his life in 2011. This scholarship awards three $1,000 scholarships annually to graduating senior soccer players in Sarasota County, Florida. Administered by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, it supports students who demonstrate financial need and community involvement. Applicants must write an essay and plan to pursue further education, making this scholarship a meaningful opportunity for aspiring athletes.

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 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 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.

The White Family Foundation provides grants to enhance education, healthcare, and religious initiatives in Florida. With a focus on the Tampa Bay area, the Foundation supports organizations that foster self-reliance and personal responsibility, offering funding up to $25,000 per year. Priority is given to those with operating budgets under $5 million. By partnering with local entities, they aim to make a lasting positive impact on individuals and families in the community.

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.

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 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.

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 Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

The Selby Mission

By investing in people through academic scholarships and supporting capital projects of local organizations, we look beyond what is and enable change for what can be.

Traditional Grants

The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation awards “traditional grants” twice each year.

Organizations with budgets greater than $300,000 that primarily serve Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties have the opportunity to apply.

The Selby Foundation invests in capital support that will help nonprofits achieve more for those they serve.

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.

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.

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.

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 Suncoast Nursing Action Coalition BSN Scholarship supports aspiring nurses in the Sarasota, Charlotte, Manatee, and Desoto Counties. Established by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, it aims to enhance the number of bachelor’s prepared nurses in the region. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need and be accepted into an accredited nursing program. Award amounts vary, with a minimum of $2,500 based on individual circumstances, fostering a new generation of healthcare professionals.

Sarasota, Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on community and economic development can receive US $50,000 when selected as a designated charity of a Lightning Community Hero. Grants from Lightning Foundation support locally headquartered organizations serving Sarasota County and other nearby Florida counties that demonstrate strong leadership, solid finances, and proven program results.

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.

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.

Nonprofit organizations serving Sarasota, Florida with programs in youth, education, hunger, arts, homelessness, environment, veterans, or physical and mental health can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $5,000. Grants from Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation help Sarasota County charities improve the lives of vulnerable neighbors through mission-aligned projects.