Grants
Through partnerships with local nonprofit organizations, Gulf Coast Community Foundation seeks to transform our region through bold and proactive philanthropy. Gulf Coast’s grantmaking is designed to make the greatest positive impact in our communities.
Funding areas include: Health and Human Services, Arts and Culture, Civic and Economic Development, Education, and the Environment.
Grant Eligibility
Organizations located in Sarasota County, Charlotte County, DeSoto County, Boca Grande, Lakewood Ranch, and Longboat Key, Florida that are classified as tax-exempt public charities by the Internal Revenue Service are eligible to receive funding.
Regarding education related grants: Individual schools, booster clubs, and/or classrooms are not eligible for funding. Only grant requests submitted by the Sarasota County, Charlotte County, and DeSoto County School Districts will be considered.
Preference will be given to projects addressing Gulf Coast’s current priorities of Affordable Housing, Water Quality & Access to Green Space, and Mental Health. Learn more about Gulf Coast's priority areas in our 2023 Regional Scan.
First-time applicants, please contact us for guidance prior to completing an application at communityleadership@gulfcoastcf.org
Our Grant Opportunities
Community GrantsGulf Coast provides support to nonprofit partners as they initiate projects or plan events that will have a positive impact for the organization and our communities. |
Requirements: Funding may not exceed $25,000 per organization per fiscal year. We request one application per organization for each fiscal year (July 1 - June 30). The application should include all programs, projects, and/or events you would like Gulf Coast to consider funding. Timeline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed monthly. |
Leveraged GrantsGulf Coast's grant making is designed to make the greatest positive impact in our communities. Leveraged grant requests should clearly target regional priorities, utilize creative strategies, provide measurable data to assess impact, and include strategies for sustainability.
|
Requirements: Funding exceeds $25,000 and clearly targets one or more of Gulf Coast’s funding areas with preference given to projects addressing a priority area. A Leveraged Grant does not exceed 50% of the total project or program cost. Applicant contributes at least half of the total project cost (through donors, other grants, etc.). Prior to applying for a Leveraged Grant the organization must submit a Leveraged Grant inquiry. Timeline: Current Leveraged Grant inquiry deadline is March 7, 2025. Application deadline is April 7, 2025. |