Best Sarasota Grants for Nonprofits in Florida

The Minnesota Twins Community Fund, established in 1991, has significantly impacted youth sports in Twins Territory by providing over $24 million in support. Through grants and donations, they empower young athletes, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and personal growth. The fund focuses on 501c3 nonprofits in their region, ensuring that initiatives foster both athletic skills and character development. With strict guidelines for donations, the Twins continue to enhance community engagement and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Animal welfare nonprofits needing emergency veterinary care or major medical equipment in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, or DeSoto Counties can seek up to US $25,000 for local programs. With a mission to connect donor passions to community needs, Community Foundation of Sarasota County supports 501(c)(3) charities meeting its Giving Partner profile requirements.

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.

The St. Boniface Episcopal Church Grant aims to assist non-profit organizations in continuing Christ's ministry. By fostering partnerships, it provides financial aid and encourages parish involvement in projects that address hunger, homelessness, and children's education. The grant prioritizes works of mercy consistent with the Baptismal covenant and emphasizes programs that promote community support and engagement, aiming to build lasting relationships with recipients to respond effectively to local and global needs.

The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle empowers women through collective giving to positively impact Sarasota and Manatee communities. By supporting organizations that cater to the needs of women, children, and families, the Circle fosters awareness and mobilizes resources for lasting change. Organizations in these counties can apply for grants, provided they meet eligibility requirements, including nonprofit status verification. This initiative aims to uplift and transform communities through dedicated support.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

501(c)(3) public charities with locally impactful, ticketed events in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, or DeSoto counties can seek sponsorship support to advance their missions. Focused on civic affairs and philanthropy, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County invites nonprofits with an approved Giving Partner profile to apply for fair, regionally balanced sponsorship opportunities.

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 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.

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.

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.

The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation offers traditional grants twice a year to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations with budgets over $300,000 serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties. Grants support capital expenditures such as building renovations, technology, and equipment. The Foundation does not fund operating expenses, completed projects, or travel. It encourages organizations to contact the Foundation for preliminary discussions before applying.

The Emeril Lagasse Foundation offers Community Grants aimed at supporting 501c3 non-profit organizations that focus on culinary, nutrition, and arts education, with an emphasis on life skills development. Grants are available to organizations in communities where the foundation operates, including Greater New Orleans, Austin, and Southern California. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and align with the foundation's vision of empowering youth to reach their full potential.

The Father Connie Dougherty Memorial Scholarship, established in 1975, supports Sarasota County students under 24 years old who are graduating from local high schools. Aimed at fostering education regardless of background, this scholarship is a tribute to Father Connie Dougherty's dedication to youth programs. Eligible candidates must pursue an undergraduate degree at an accredited institution, ensuring that deserving students can reach their full potential through higher education.

The First Horizon Foundation, a private charitable organization established in 1993, has committed over $100 million to various community initiatives. Focused on areas such as arts, education, environment, and health, it aims to address pressing community needs, particularly in Florida. Eligible entities include organizations in specified counties, while support is not available for individuals or certain types of organizations. The foundation's recent efforts also extend to the newly formed Louisiana First Horizon Foundation.

INTRODUCING “SAM” (SMALL AND MIGHTY)

The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation is excited to introduce SAM (Small And Mighty) grant program!

This program was developed to meet the needs of small-scale, non-profit organizations within our community (Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties), and be responsive and reactive to those needs.

To qualify for this program, organizations must have less than $300,000 in annual operating expenses. Additionally, the request must be for a capital expenditure(s).

Highlights of SAM Include:

• The application portal will be available three times per year for a one-month period. The portal will open on the first day of February, June, and October, and close on the first business day of the following month.
• Notification of award/declination will occur within 90 days of the portal closing.
• Organizations that have been in operation for more than one year are eligible.
• Maximum amount that can be requested is $20,000; minimum requested amount is $5,000.
• Any single item over $10,000 requires submittal of two bids (or quotes); each item less than $10,000 requires one bid or quote.
• The purpose of SAM grants is to invest in larger capital expenses that small organizations may find challenging to purchase. We are unable to fund lists of items that should reasonably be purchased by organizations through operating dollars. 
• If awarded, funds must be spent within six months and a final report submitted detailing the impact of the grant.
• Organizations are eligible to apply six months following approval of their final report.

Areas of Interest

The Selby Foundation specializes in supporting area non-profits with capital grants. Capital grants support the construction, acquisition and/or renovation of facilities, as well as the purchase of equipment or software. They may also include the costs of related technical services. Projects focusing on education, human services, arts and community projects including history, science, and/or the environment will be given top priority.

Selby funding is generally intended to assist organizations in pursuing strategic goals by leveraging support from a broad base of constituents. As such, applicants who can demonstrate a variety of other funding sources for their project, and/or those who request less than 10% of the total project cost are usually given priority for approval. Organizations are encouraged to compile a list of their future needs and meet with Foundation staff to explore possible fits.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations advancing early childhood education or community and economic development may be eligible for funding that can benefit Sarasota, Florida, if PNC has a significant local presence. With a mission to strengthen communities, PNC Foundation provides support for education, affordable housing, small business development, human services, arts, and neighborhood revitalization initiatives serving low- and moderate-income populations.

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 Sarasota Bay Estuary Grant Program offers competitive awards up to $10,000 for projects in the Sarasota Bay watershed, focusing on habitat restoration, water quality improvement, and community engagement. With a priority on addressing climate change and resilience, the program encourages innovative solutions to combat rising sea levels and changing weather patterns. Projects that align with these goals are highly encouraged, even if they extend beyond the listed priorities.

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.