Best Washington County Grants for Nonprofits in Florida

The Francis Grants, established by Catholic Extension, offer funding for significant events in poor mission dioceses, such as the ordination of new Bishops, anniversaries, or papal visits. These grants also support educational endeavors for Bishops. Named in honor of Francis Clement Kelly, Francis Cardinal George OMI, and Pope Francis, the program aims to strengthen the Catholic faith across the U.S. Since 1905, Catholic Extension has invested over $500 million to assist communities in need.

The Florida Financial Literacy Initiative Grants, established by the Florida Literacy Coalition in partnership with Wells Fargo, aim to enhance financial literacy among participants in adult education and family literacy programs. Grants of up to $5,000 will support these programs in integrating financial education into their curricula. By focusing on parent-child interactive literacy activities and providing essential training for parents, the initiative promotes lifelong financial skills and well-being within communities across Florida.

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.

The Catholic School Leadership Development Grant Program aims to cultivate and retain promising leaders within the Catholic school system. In partnership with Loyola Marymount University, this initiative offers a graduate-level online Certificate in Catholic School Administration, covering 80% of tuition costs and providing funding for essential travel. The one-year program focuses on mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership, requiring participants to serve two years in their diocese post-completion, thereby enhancing local educational leadership.

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 Stellar Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations focused on enhancing healthcare, education, cultural events, and community services. Established by the Stellar Foundation in 2006, these grants encourage employee engagement in philanthropy and community development. Applications are accepted quarterly, with a focus on projects that demonstrate clear goals and community impact. Organizations must possess the necessary resources to implement their initiatives effectively.

Catholic Extension's Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Grants aim to empower the church to broaden its outreach and foster societal transformation through targeted pastoral and social initiatives. This program supports specific elements of the church's ministerial efforts, including funding for catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, and social outreach for vulnerable populations. By investing in these areas, Catholic Extension seeks to enhance the church's role in communities, especially following disasters.

The St. Joe Community Foundation, established in 1999, aims to enhance the quality of life in Northwest Florida through grants to 501(c)(3) organizations. Focused on education, environmental stewardship, health, and cultural arts, the foundation prioritizes projects that promise long-term community benefits. Organizations based in Bay and Walton Counties are eligible to apply, fostering sustainable civic infrastructure to support the unique character and heritage of the region.

The Building Capacity Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the financial and operational capabilities of dioceses. This initiative focuses on funding projects that promote efficiency, financial stability, and effective fiscal management, ultimately fostering a self-sustaining community. Eligible programs include fundraising development initiatives and operational assessments, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently while supporting professional development for church leadership. This grant empowers dioceses to strengthen their foundations for future growth.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services supports and promotes Florida agriculture, protects the environment, safeguards consumers, and ensures the safety and wholesomeness of food. Our programs and activities are so varied and extensive, they touch the life of just about every Floridian.

Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program

The Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program is offered to eligible non-industrial private forest landowners by the Florida Forest Service through temporary grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service.

Periodic southern pine beetle outbreaks in Florida have resulted in millions of cubic feet of pine timber killed on thousands of acres. The goal of this program is to minimize southern pine beetle damage in Florida by helping forest landowners conduct management practices that can make their pine stands less susceptible to this destructive insect pest.

Forest management practices such as thinning, prescribed burning, other competition control, and use of less-susceptible pine species can improve the health of pine stands and decrease their likelihood of developing southern pine beetle

All payments are made at specified per-acre or per-seedling rates.

The Southeast Aquatics Grant, offered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), aims to enhance aquatic habitats in the southeastern U.S. This funding opportunity supports projects focused on improving water quality, instream and riparian conditions, and, in select areas, aquatic connectivity and species recovery. Grant amounts range from $150,000 to $500,000, depending on project scale and duration. Interested applicants should consult with program staff for projects outside this funding range.

The Florida Forest Legacy Grant Program aims to conserve critical forest areas threatened by development. It encourages landowners to maintain forested lands through economic incentives, ensuring sustainable management practices. Participation can involve selling property or retaining ownership with conservation easements. Funded by the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the program receives support from the Great American Outdoors Act, which secures ongoing financial resources for land conservation efforts benefiting all Americans.

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 

The Bear Family Foundation Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations in Northwest Florida, continuing a tradition of philanthropy through financial donations and volunteerism. It focuses on enhancing the quality of life for individuals in need within the community. Eligible organizations must have a valid 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. The foundation emphasizes responsible fund allocation to ensure project success and community impact.

The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.

The Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.

Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program

Overview

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is a federal program that provides funding for housing and community development activities. Congress created the program when it passed the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.

The program, which is administered by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), consists of two components:

FloridaCommerce administers the State Program in Florida through the Small Cities CDBG Program. This is a competitive grant program that awards funds to units of local government in small urban and rural areas. FloridaCommerce receives between 18 and 26 million dollars annually from HUD to award subgrants to eligible units of local government.

The program provides an excellent opportunity for communities to obtain funds for projects that they cannot otherwise afford. CDBG funds can also provide administrative support for local governments that may not have the staffing resources necessary to administer their projects. Examples of CDBG-funded projects include:

• Water and Sewer Improvements,
• Rehabilitation of Substandard Housing,
• Street and Sidewalk Improvements,
• Economic Development Activities that Create Jobs for Low-and Moderate-Income People,
• Downtown Revitalization, including Facade Improvements, Streetscaping, and Underground Utilities,
• Park Facilities and Community Centers, and
• Drainage / Stormwater Improvements.

Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Application Cycle

Funding is available for the Neighborhood Revitalization, Housing Rehabilitation, and Commercial Revitalization program areas. Non-entitlement units of local government are eligible to apply for funding in any of the three program areas if they have an open CDBG subgrant in one of the three areas.

FloridaCommerce also has funding available in the Economic Development program area for job creation and/or retention activities. Non-entitlement units of local government that have an open Neighborhood Revitalization, Housing Rehabilitation, Commercial Revitalization, or Economic Development subgrant are eligible to apply for Economic Development funding.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

The Northwest Florida Grant, previously known as Gulf Power Foundation Grants, is supported by NextEra Energy Foundation. It focuses on enhancing communities in Northwest Florida, promoting sustainability and innovation. Eligible nonprofit organizations must operate within specific counties, be 501(c)(3) certified, and not have received a quarterly grant in the past year. This initiative aims to foster opportunities and safety for diverse communities.

The Impact100 Gulf Coast Grant empowers women to make a significant difference in their community by awarding large grants to qualifying organizations. Focus areas include arts, environment, health, education, and family initiatives that enhance lives in the Panhandle. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt charities operating in specific Florida counties and adhere to grant guidelines. Funds must be fully expended within 24 months to ensure impactful community transformation.

Strategic Giving Pillars 

VyStar Foundation gives to organizations that share our strategic priorities and are working toward the broader goal of doing good in the regions served by VyStar Credit Union. We support impactful work, ideas and innovative solutions.

VyStar Foundation: Military Grant

Ensuring military members, veterans and their families receive the social services they need and the recognition they deserve. 

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

Rural Infrastructure Fund

The Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF) facilitates planning, preparing, and financing of infrastructure projects in rural communities to encourage job creation, capital investment and the strengthening and diversification of rural economies. RIF funds are often used by rural communities as a match for other infrastructure funding programs, such as those offered by the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant, United States Department of Agriculture - Rural Development, and the United States Department of Commerce - Economic Development Administration.

Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027 RIF Available Funding

A total of $27 million in funding is available through RIF for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027. Funding in the amount of $22 million is available for eligible rural communities statewide. Additionally, $5 million is available to Panhandle Specific counties including Calhoun, Gadsden, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, and Washington.

Up to $300,000 can be awarded for infrastructure feasibility studies, design and engineering activities, or other infrastructure planning and preparation activities.

• Projects located outside a Rural Area of Opportunity - $75,000 with 50% local funds match.
• Projects located within a Rural Area of Opportunity - $300,000
• Projects located within a catalyst site (as defined in Section 288.0656, Florida Statutes): maximum amounts same as above. Local funds match requirements may be waived pursuant to the process in Section 288.06561, Florida Statutes.

The Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants to support communities in the U.S. and Canada where the company operates. Focused on affordable housing, education, environmental stewardship, and more, the fund emphasizes projects that meet local needs and demonstrate community support. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round with a deadline for 2025 on September 30. National initiatives related to working forests are funded by invitation only.

The Lucas Allen Erin’s Elderberries Scholarship Fund, established by a local entrepreneur, supports Fauquier County High School students pursuing their career goals. This $1,000 award requires applicants to be in good academic standing, demonstrate initiative, and provide a letter of recommendation from their employer. Priority is given to those exhibiting financial need and a work history. Managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, this fund aims to empower local students and enhance their educational journeys.

The Lois R. Snead Arts & Crafts Scholarship Fund, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports students in Rappahannock County who are pursuing education in arts or crafts. Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors and demonstrate community service and academic initiative. Priority is given to first-generation students in financial need, ensuring that local talent can thrive in creative fields. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering community and artistic growth.

The Lane E. Warren Scholarship Fund, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, offers a $1,000 award to a Madison County resident who is a high school graduate or graduating this year. This scholarship honors Lane E. Warren, a promising student whose life was tragically cut short. The selection criteria emphasize financial need and community service, supporting students pursuing college or certificate programs in their educational endeavors.