Best Sarasota Grants for Nonprofits in Florida

The Changemakers in Family Planning Grant Program aims to address institutionalized racism in the field of family planning by providing essential support to scholars of color. Recognizing that diversity and equity are crucial for advancing research in abortion and contraception, this initiative seeks to foster an inclusive community that empowers underrepresented voices in science. The Society of Family Planning is dedicated to creating a just environment where all scholars can contribute to meaningful advancements in family planning research.

The Emerging Scholars in Family Planning Grant, offered by the Society of Family Planning, aims to support early-career researchers in developing a family planning research portfolio. This grant provides funding for publishable scholarly research projects, including thesis or dissertation work, fostering the next generation of scholars in abortion and contraception research. By promoting diversity and inclusion, the grant seeks to build a multidisciplinary community dedicated to advancing family planning science.

The Robert and Joan Dircks Foundation Grant Program supports non-profit organizations in New Jersey that provide opportunities for disadvantaged individuals. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, the foundation focuses on innovative programs that solve critical issues rather than operational needs. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The foundation does not fund political activities, cultural projects, or operating budgets, ensuring resources directly benefit those in need.

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 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 Sustainable Slopes Grant Program, initiated by the National Ski Areas Association in 2009, supports NSAA member ski areas in their sustainability efforts. With over $890,000 awarded, the program facilitates projects that enhance energy efficiency, protect natural habitats, and promote recycling. This year, applicants can apply for Cash Grants, the Herman K. Dupré Sustainable Snowmaking Grant, or the new Recycling Grant, all aimed at reducing environmental footprints and achieving sustainability goals.

The St. Baldrick's Foundation offers Infrastructure Awards to support institutions in enhancing their capacity for childhood cancer clinical trials. These grants are aimed at smaller entities lacking necessary resources, enabling them to hire personnel and acquire vital tools to increase participation. Since 2005, the Foundation has invested over $356 million in childhood cancer research, focusing on collaboration and innovation to find cures. Institutions in the U.S. are eligible, promoting broader access to crucial clinical trials.

The AACAP Educational Outreach Program for General Psychiatry Residents offers a unique opportunity for residents to gain insights into child and adolescent psychiatry. Participants will network with mentors and peers, attend the 71st AACAP Annual Meeting from October 14-19, 2024, and receive a stipend of up to $1,200 post-meeting. This program prioritizes first-time applicants, ensuring a valuable experience in a supportive environment while expanding professional connections.

Family Medicine Cares USA offers grants up to $25,000 to support the establishment of new free clinics. Eligible applicants must either have opened or plan to open within six months of the application deadline and hold the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics Seal of Excellence. Priority is given to clinics with an AAFP member as medical director and those engaging Family Medicine residents or medical students as volunteers. Applications are accepted annually from March 15 to July 15.

The Family Medicine Cares USA Free Health Clinic Grants support existing clinics in providing care to the uninsured. Grants of up to $10,000 are available if funds permit, prioritizing clinics with AAFP members in leadership roles. The program emphasizes the involvement of Family Medicine residents or medical students as volunteers, aiming to enhance healthcare access in underserved communities.

The Gilead Research Scholars Program in Oncology supports innovative research from emerging investigators worldwide, focusing on scientific understanding and progress in cancer treatment. Launched in 2008, it offers financial support of up to $180,000 over two years to junior faculty who meet eligibility criteria. The program emphasizes diversity and aims to reduce barriers for underrepresented groups in research, fostering a more inclusive landscape in addressing unmet medical needs.

The AGA-R. Robert & Sally Funderburg Research Award in Gastric Cancer aims to support established investigators in gastric cancer research. This award focuses on enhancing the understanding of gastric cancer pathobiology and developing strategies for prevention, treatment, and cure. Eligibility includes holding an MD or PhD, with specific experience requirements. The American Gastroenterological Association encourages applications, particularly from underrepresented groups in biomedical research, to foster diversity in the field.

The PEN America: Phyllis Naylor Grant for Children’s and Young Adult Novelists awards $5,000 annually to authors of children's or young adult fiction. This grant supports writers at critical stages in their careers, specifically for a novel-in-progress. Candidates must have published works that received positive critical reception but limited sales. Self-published works and collaborative manuscripts are ineligible, ensuring that the grant focuses on authors with established literary merit.

The Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Research Fund Grant, established by the Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation, aims to enhance research and treatment of MDS and related blood disorders. This fund supports innovative projects addressing etiology, biology, genetics, prognosis, treatment, symptom management, and quality of life. It offers up to $125,000 for Early Career Awards and $250,000 for Established Investigator Awards, facilitating significant advancements in the field.

The SC Ministry Foundation provides annual grants aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations aligned with the mission of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. These grants can be used for core programs, planning, and program expansion. Eligible organizations must demonstrate financial sustainability and avoid duplication of services. The application process starts with a pre-application survey, and funding decisions are typically made by June 30. Priority is given to projects in education, healthcare, and social services.

Stealth Biotherapeutics offers grants and sponsorships aimed at enhancing healthcare education for providers and patient communities. These funding opportunities focus on innovative programs that address rare genetic disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and ophthalmic disorders. To apply, requests must be submitted 60 days prior to the funding start date, ensuring alignment with the therapeutic interests of the organization while providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals.

Stealth Biotherapeutics is dedicated to supporting innovative programs that enhance disease awareness and therapeutic management. Their charitable contributions focus on accredited institutions, promoting educational initiatives for health care providers and patient communities. Funding is prioritized for unique and cost-effective projects that align with their therapeutic interests, including rare genetic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and ophthalmic conditions. By fostering community awareness, they aim to make a significant impact in the healthcare landscape.

Who We Are

The Unitarian Universalist Funding Program (UUFP) is a denominational grantmaking program of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Inspired by the richness and diversity of our liberal religious tradition, the mission of the UUFP is to promote the influence of Unitarian Universalist principles through grantmaking.

With funds generously provided by the Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Rock, the UUFP awards grants to Unitarian Universalist (UU) and non-UU projects and organizations. Grants are made that:

• Support the work of social justice.
• Strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions.
• Transform gratitude for being into generosity of living.

Get Out The Vote - 2026

The Fund for UU Social Responsibility has increased funding for grants to UU congregations and organizations working to Get Out The Vote in 2026. Grants of up to $1,000 will be made on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.  

Please note that funds must go to a UU congregation or organization for the work by UUs of the organization. The funds may not be passed through to another organization. Collaboration and partnerships are encouraged.

UU congregations and organizations frequently support the democratic process in an election cycle in a non-partisan* manner by participating in voter registration drives, organizing to stop voter suppression, providing non-partisan educational materials or forums for voters, or by volunteering to help registered voters get to the polls on election day.

The Officers’ Research Grants on Reducing Inequality support studies aimed at understanding and addressing inequalities affecting youth ages 5-25 in the U.S. This initiative funds descriptive, intervention, and measurement development studies focused on academic, social, behavioral, and economic outcomes. The William T. Grant Foundation encourages research that identifies specific inequalities and explores effective programs or policies to mitigate these disparities while addressing systemic issues such as racism and structural inequality.

The McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience offers Scholar Awards to early-career neuroscientists focusing on learning and memory disorders. The awards provide up to $225,000 over three years, emphasizing research that could lead to significant clinical advancements. Eligible candidates must work as independent investigators at U.S. non-profit institutions, hold an Assistant Professor position for less than four years, and demonstrate their research program's potential. The program aims to foster innovative solutions in neuroscience.

The JA Community Foundation focuses on funding solutions that address the needs of the Japanese American and broader Asian American communities. They prioritize programs that enhance senior health, promote history, arts, culture, and support youth. Eligible applicants must be registered 501c3 organizations and can apply from all 50 states. However, organizations with open grants cannot submit new applications until their current grants are closed.

The ACT on Health Equity Community Solutions Challenge Grant, backed by the Astrazeneca Foundation, aims to enhance health equity by funding community-based nonprofit programs. Since its inception in 2021, it has allocated over $2.6 million to initiatives addressing nutrition, healthcare access, and lung health for historically marginalized populations. Eligible US-based 501(c) organizations can apply, with a focus on projects serving underserved communities and improving health outcomes through targeted support.

The Craig Newmark Philanthropies Grants, established in partnership with the Bob Woodruff Foundation, aim to support military and veteran communities through funding initiatives that enhance health and well-being. Since 2020, this program has positively impacted over 1.6 million veterans, service members, and their families. The grants focus on improving health determinants, increasing access to healthcare, and facilitating veterans' successful transitions to civilian life.

The Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants, administered by the New York Foundation for the Arts, provide one-time funding up to $5,000 for artists facing unexpected medical emergencies. This program aims to alleviate financial burdens caused by medical costs, ensuring that artists can receive necessary care without delay. Eligible applicants must be practicing artists in visual arts, film, or choreography, and demonstrate financial need. This initiative supports artists of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those outside major coastal cities.

The Petco Foundation offers disaster relief support for animal welfare organizations affected by disasters. Eligible applicants include authorized members of IRS-designated 501c3 nonprofits, government agency representatives with operational insight, and invited for-profit entities focused on animal welfare. However, the foundation does not fund individuals, organizations outside the U.S., or those whose primary mission does not relate to animal welfare. This initiative aims to provide critical assistance during times of crisis.

We are living in a time of intensified state violence and mass criminalization. The current political climate has doubled down on surveillance, policing, incarceration, and the criminalization of protest, migration, and mutual aid. For directly impacted communities, the trauma is relentless — and those of us committed to resistance are feeling the weight of outrage fatigue.

But we know: the antidote to outrage fatigue is movement response. The expansion of state violence and mass incarceration often forces organizations to respond quickly to unanticipated events despite lacking the necessary resources or capacity.

The Strategic Opportunities Support (SOS) Fund-CJI’s rapid-response fund-is designed to support bold, strategic, and immediate actions by grassroots organizations on the front lines of resistance. The Fund awards grants up to $7,500 and enables organizations to move quickly and collaboratively in response to emerging threats and seize opportunities to advance justice, healing, and systemic transformation.

The Disability Inclusion Fund Grant, managed by Borealis Philanthropy, aims to support organizations advocating for disability inclusion, rights, and justice. As a partner in philanthropy, Borealis facilitates donor collaboratives to maximize impact across various communities and movements. Organizations interested in applying for this grant are encouraged to review the detailed FAQ for further information. This initiative is a vital step towards fostering inclusivity and promoting the rights of individuals with disabilities.