Best Sarasota Grants for Nonprofits in Florida

The NCF Foundation Scholarship at New College of Florida supports students through academic merit and financial need-based funding. Established by generous donors, it aims to make higher education accessible, with nearly all students receiving some form of scholarship. Eligible applicants include incoming freshmen, transfer students, and currently enrolled students with an @ncf.edu email. A yearly scholarship application and FAFSA completion are required to ensure funding opportunities.

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.

The Zimmer Family Foundation Local Grants support religious, educational, and social programs aimed at assisting the less fortunate. Based in Sarasota, Florida, the foundation primarily funds short-term pilot projects with a local focus in the greater Sarasota area. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) IRS Tax exempt organizations. Notably, funding for scholarships, capital support for land, and general operating expenses are generally excluded from consideration.

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.

The TD Charitable Foundation has been dedicated to improving community quality of life since 2002, contributing over $254 million to non-profit organizations. They fund initiatives aligned with their corporate citizenship goals, focusing on Better Health, Connected Communities, Financial Security, and Vibrant Planet. Special consideration is given to programs that support inclusivity for diverse and historically underserved communities. Their commitment to enhancing lives through targeted grants reflects their core values and social responsibility.

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.

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.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Sarasota, Florida and Manatee County can apply for Impact 100 SRQ’s competitive grants of more than US $100,000 to launch or significantly expand high-impact initiatives. Funding supports clearly defined, sustainable projects in arts and culture, education, environment and recreation, animal welfare, family services, and health and wellness.

The Community Impact Grants by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County aim to empower nonprofits working towards economic stability for families and children. Grants up to $25,000 support initiatives that enhance community well-being, with a focus on health, social capital, workforce training, and education. The program also offers capacity-building funding to strengthen organizational effectiveness. Priority is given to projects addressing systemic barriers and fostering holistic support for families, ensuring sustainable community growth.

The Manasota ASALH Scholarship offers financial support to Black high school seniors in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate leadership within their school and community. Successful candidates will undergo an interview process and must provide proof of enrollment in an accredited four-year institution to receive funds. This scholarship promotes academic achievement and community involvement among deserving students.

The CFSC Capacity Building Grants aim to empower local nonprofits by enhancing their internal capabilities and sustainability in preparation for the upcoming Giving Challenge. Open to eligible organizations participating in the challenge, these grants provide essential training and resources to strengthen fundraising efforts and foster long-term growth. The application period runs for 30 days, with information sessions available to guide applicants. This funding opportunity is crucial for nonprofits seeking to maximize their impact and engagement.

Adult students pursuing accredited post-secondary education can receive scholarship support, including for professional certificates, technical, vocational, trade, and college degrees. Community Foundation of Sarasota County provides Sarasota, Florida learners and residents of nearby counties, age 24 or older and living locally at least one year, with funding opportunities to further their education and future potential.

Adult education, ESOL, and family literacy programs in Sarasota, Florida can apply for the Florida Literacy Coalition’s Florida Financial Literacy Initiative, with awards up to US $5,000 to integrate financial education into literacy and math instruction. Eligible programs include those offering parent literacy, parent–child learning activities, and age-appropriate education for children.

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 PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

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 NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public educational institutions supporting college students in Sarasota, Florida can access funding via Scheidel Foundation to boost college completion and career readiness. Programs that emphasize students in the academic middle and track outcomes like persistence, graduation, and post-college transitions may be invited to apply.

Warrior Assist Foundation

Founded in 2020, Warrior Assist Foundation is dedicated to supporting those who serve or have served in the U.S. armed forces and their families.

Grants

Warrior Assist Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations that dedicate at least 85% of their annual expenditures to provide assistance to active duty and reserve military personnel, their spouses and children, veterans, or spouses and children of veterans.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Mathilda & Carolyn Gallmeyer Scholarship

Open to students who are residents of Kent County for 5+ years, studying fine arts and with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Margery J. Seeger Scholarship

Open to students who are residents of Kent County. 

Western Michigan University

Mission: We are an access-oriented institution that provides an impactful and inclusive education that integrates discovery and fosters holistic growth and well-being "so that all may learn."

Vision: We empower every person to grow, thrive and belong. We contribute to making the world a better place through creativity, research, innovation and compassion.

CEHD Scholarships

At the College of Education and Human Development, we are dedicated to supporting our students' academic and professional goals. On average, we award close to one million in scholarship dollars annually to help make education more affordable.

Whether you're a prospective student, a current undergraduate, or a graduate student, CEHD scholarships are here to help you succeed.

Scholarship America Essential Visionaries Fund

The Essential Visionaries Scholarship Fund offers renewable scholarships to undergraduate students pursuing degrees or certificates in education, counseling, psychology, or nursing through college or vocational school programs. This program is dedicated to empowering future professionals committed to making a meaningful impact, particularly within K-12 school systems and healthcare fields.

This program is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarships and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations, and individuals.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Turlock Irrigation District Energy Scholarship

Open to high school seniors attending a high school within the TID District territory planning to pursue a career in the Energy Utility Sector. (i.e. Engineering, Environmental Science, Electrical, Lineman etc.). Must plan to attend an accredited trade school or college/university and demonstrate financial need. The household must be a TID customer.

Award Amount:

• $2,500