Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Florida

The Leo Goodwin Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations that enrich lives, inspire hope, and promote good health in the community. By providing financial contributions, the foundation focuses on areas such as children's services, education, the arts, health, and human services. Eligible organizations must be classified as 501(c)(3) charitable entities and demonstrate a strong mission and fiscal responsibility, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most. Grants are awarded year-round to foster community growth and well-being.

The Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Charitable Foundation, established in 1985, supports various charitable initiatives focusing on arts, culture, humanities, and education. It primarily benefits organizations in Memphis, Miami, and New York City. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) exempt organizations and seek project sponsorships. The foundation does not fund general operating costs or capital campaigns, and requests over $50,000 are generally discouraged. Proposals must be for projects commencing at least a year after submission.

The Jim Moran Foundation Grant supports innovative programs aimed at improving the quality of life for youth and families in Florida. Priority is given to initiatives focused on education, elder care, family strengthening, and youth transitional living. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, and grants are primarily awarded for programs benefiting at-risk and economically disadvantaged individuals in Broward, Palm Beach, and Duval counties. Note: New Letters of Inquiry will not be accepted until January 2, 2026.

South Arts, Inc. offers Literary Arts Grants to support Southern independent publishers and small presses with funding up to $5,000. These grants aim to amplify contemporary literary arts and foster community engagement through projects like reading series and festivals. Eligible applicants must be based in the South Arts Region and demonstrate a commitment to advancing literary traditions. This initiative enhances access to the arts and promotes cultural vitality across the Southern states.

The Book Festival Grants, offered by Florida Humanities, support public humanities programs at various book festivals across Florida. Since 2022, these grants have facilitated literary events that promote reading and engage communities through author talks, workshops, and family activities. Eligible Florida-based nonprofits and governments can apply for funding up to $10,000 to enhance audience reach and accessibility via diverse programming. This initiative celebrates Florida's literary heritage while fostering connections between authors and readers.

South Arts Inc. is offering Literary Arts Grants to support writers, independent publishers, and literary organizations focusing on contemporary literature in the Southern U.S. Grants of up to $5,000 will fund projects in poetry, fiction, and other genres. Eligible applicants must be full-time residents of the South Arts region. The initiative aims to amplify the literary traditions of the American South, fostering creativity and community engagement through diverse literary projects.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience across a 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, the program aims to foster economic development and ensure equal access to basic necessities. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt nonprofits, government entities, and public schools, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in their community-focused efforts.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Safety First Grant Program aims to enhance community safety across its 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, it supports organizations that provide safety services or promote safe behavior. This program reflects Norfolk Southern's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, empowering employees to engage locally. By investing in safety and workforce development, Norfolk Southern fosters thriving communities, demonstrating its dedication to social responsibility and community well-being.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

The Florida Blue Foundation's Mental Well-being Grant Program aims to enhance the mental health of families and communities in Florida, addressing stressors exacerbated by the pandemic and social media. This initiative focuses on supporting children, teens, and their caregivers, promoting mental health resources and increasing the pipeline of mental health professionals. By prioritizing mental well-being, the Foundation seeks to create a positive impact on the health outcomes of Floridians, fostering resilience and community support.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

The Florida Blue Foundation's Driver of Health: Food Security Grants aim to enhance food security for families in vulnerable communities. By improving access to affordable, nutritious food, the initiative seeks to mitigate health risks associated with food insecurity. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and community agencies in Florida, focusing on educational programs that promote self-sufficiency. Priority will be given to areas with high food insecurity, ensuring that targeted populations receive essential support.

The Improving Health Grant Program by the Florida Blue Foundation aims to enhance health equity through initiatives like food security and mental well-being. With a focus on maternal health, the program seeks to provide three- and four-year grants to nonprofit organizations that can ensure equitable access to quality maternal health services. Approximately $3 million is available, with grants ranging from $270,000 to $400,000, supporting the goal of delivering quality care to mothers and babies throughout pregnancy.

The South Carolina Biennial Sea Grant Program, managed by the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, aims to enhance coastal conservation and sustainable development through research. With approximately $500,000 available annually for one- to two-year projects, grants typically range from $30,000 to $80,000. The program encourages collaboration among faculty from member institutions and supports initiatives that improve the social and economic well-being of coastal residents while conserving marine resources.

The Parks and Open Space Florida Forever Grant Program, managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, aims to preserve green spaces by funding local governments and eligible nonprofits for park and open space acquisitions. This initiative not only enhances outdoor recreation but also supports conservation efforts aligned with local comprehensive plans. A minimum 25% match is required from local governments, while smaller municipalities and nonprofits may have different criteria. Applications are accepted from November 3, 2025, to January 19, 2026.

2026-27 Innovative Service Development (ISD) Grant Opportunity

The Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged is pleased to announce the release of the Innovative Service Development (ISD) Grant Program application package for Fiscal Year 2026–2027.

This is a competitive grant program for Community Transportation Coordinators and Non-Traditional Transportation Service Providers. Anticipated total available funding is $6 million, contingent upon legislative authority and Governor’s approval.

This funding opportunity supports projects that test new transportation services that improve the cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and accessibility of transportation services for transportation disadvantaged individuals.

Introduction

The Transportation Disadvantaged Trust Fund is administered by the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged (CTD) in accordance with Section 427.0159, Florida Statutes (F.S.). The Trust Fund provides a dedicated funding source to support the Commission’s statutory responsibilities and is appropriated annually by the Legislature for the state fiscal year (July–June).

For Fiscal Year 2026–2027, the Commission anticipates a $6 million appropriation to support the Innovative Service Development (ISD) Grant Program.

The ISD Grant Program supports projects that improve the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of transportation services. Grant funds are limited to reimbursing a portion of eligible transportation disadvantaged passenger trips. Grantees must provide services prior to submitting invoices for reimbursement, which will be issued on a per-trip and/or mileage basis.

Funded projects may include, but are not limited to:

• Expanding service availability (e.g., evenings, weekends or level of service)
• Serving currently underserved populations
• Enhancing regional or cross-county mobility
• Reducing barriers to accessing public transportation 

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

South Arts Inc

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, South Arts is a nonprofit regional arts organization empowering artists, organizations, and communities, and increasing access to arts and culture.

In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the State Arts Agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee — with additional funding from other public and private donors such as the Doris Duke Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and Mellon Foundation — South Arts supports artists and organizations through a rich and responsive portfolio of grants, fellowships, and programs. Why? Because South Arts believes that the arts elevate the region, increasing connectedness and inspiring meaningful change in the process.

Our mission: Advancing Southern vitality through the arts.

Arts in Community Grants

Program Description

Arts in Community Grants are designed to support deeper engagements between Southern communities and artists. Through these grants supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, we aim to increase access to the arts, expand audiences for artists, and broaden our reach. Eligible projects require a Southern artist/company visiting another Southern state for public activities, offering access to arts programming by professional artists. Funding supports Southern film directors, traditional artists, visual artists, performing artists, or writers:

• film (documentary, fiction, experimental, and animation),
• traditional arts (music, dance, storytelling, and visual arts/crafts),
• visual arts (crafts, drawing, experimental, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media),
• performing arts (theater, music, opera, musical theater, and dance), and
• literary arts (fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry).

Projects require an artist or artist ensemble and a host or partner organization. Project must include at least two in-person or live, virtual public activities – both a public presentation (a film screening, performance, reading, or exhibition) and an educational/community engagement activity (a workshop, demonstration, lecture, facilitated discussion, or master class). The grant requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match.

The Coastal Partnership Initiative Grant Program provides competitive funding from the NOAA to support Florida's coastal counties and municipalities in managing coastal resources effectively. Eligible applicants include local governments, public colleges, and nonprofits, focusing on climate resilience, resource stewardship, public access, and waterfront revitalization. The program aims to enhance community preparedness against natural hazards, promote environmental awareness, and improve coastal infrastructure, ensuring sustainable development and protection of Florida's unique coastal ecosystems.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provides annual funding through the Invasive Plant Management Section to support research and outreach projects aimed at managing invasive plant species. Eligible projects can include studies on herbicide efficacy, seed bank viability, and the development of biological control methods. Collaboration with other agencies is encouraged, and funding typically ranges from $20,000 to $40,000, with a maximum administrative overhead of 10%. This initiative is crucial for maintaining Florida's ecosystems.

The Florida Specialty Crop Block Grant Program aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and horticulture products. This program encourages innovative projects that promote marketing, research, and accessibility of specialty crops while addressing industry challenges. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and government agencies. The program prioritizes economic benefits, feasibility, and alignment with budgetary constraints, ensuring a positive impact on Florida's agricultural landscape.

The Environmental Grantmaking Program at the Educational Foundation of America (EFA) aims to support projects that facilitate a transition to a net-zero electricity system. Focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the program emphasizes initiatives that enhance access to affordable clean energy, accelerate regional transitions, and strengthen financial investment in electric utilities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 public charities, academic institutions, and government entities committed to sustainable energy solutions.