Best Hillsborough County Grants for Nonprofits in Florida

The Mabel and Ellsworth Simmons Charitable Foundation, established in 1998, focuses on enhancing the welfare of youth, families, and seniors in Hillsborough County, Florida, particularly in the South Shore community. They support charitable and educational organizations that align with their mission. The Foundation operates with a Board of Directors made up of the Simmons family and accepts applications year-round, meeting quarterly to review requests. This commitment fosters community development and support.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The BMS Community Giving program supports IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations addressing unmet medical needs, promoting STEM education, and providing essential services. Eligible organizations must serve communities in the U.S. where BMS employees reside. Applications are accepted year-round, with a recommendation to submit at least eight weeks in advance. The program prioritizes health-related public missions and requests that fit within BMS's therapeutic interests, while excluding political, discriminatory, and sectarian organizations.

Viasat Corporate Giving focuses on enhancing community strength through various initiatives. Their commitment includes support for military and veteran outreach, skills-based volunteering, and promoting STEAM education, particularly for underserved communities. By engaging employees in these programs, Viasat aims to create meaningful connections and empower individuals, ensuring that families and service members thrive. This holistic approach not only fosters community growth but also inspires the next generation of STEM leaders.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

Hillsborough County, Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofits advancing economic opportunity or affordable housing can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Grants support income creation, workforce readiness, small business resiliency, and stable housing, paired with a two-year leadership development program for the organization’s CEO and an emerging leader.

Nonprofit organizations providing high-quality early childhood education and school-readiness programs can apply for funding to support children from birth to age five, including in Hillsborough County, Florida. Focused on early learning, the PNC Foundation invites nonprofits to propose projects in vocabulary, social-emotional development, math, science, and the arts that strengthen families and communities.

Crown Automotive Charities/Hawkins Family Foundation Grant

The Crown Automotive Charities/Hawkins Family Foundation supports a wide range of non-profit initiatives, including healthcare, animal welfare, education, veterans' services, the arts, community and economic development, housing, and special needs. The Foundation primarily funds organizations in the communities where they operate: Chattanooga, Tennessee, Dublin/Columbus, Ohio, and the Tampa Bay area in Florida.

After an application is submitted, the review process usually takes four to six weeks. However, depending on the specifics of the request or if additional information is needed, the process may take longer.

There are two types of Applications: Grants; and Sponsorships.

Sponsorship Application

This is for requesting support for fundraising events or initiatives that include public visibility, recognition, or promotional opportunities (e.g., galas, golf tournaments, charity walks, benefit dinners). Sponsorships are typically event-based and may include logo placement or other marketing benefits.

The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay offers annual competitive grants aimed at fostering innovation in local nonprofits. By targeting five key areas—Economic Opportunity, Environmental Resiliency, Physical Health, Education, and Community Engagement—the foundation seeks to address pressing community needs. Eligibility requires 501(c)(3) status and service in specific Florida counties. The grant process encourages collaboration and aims to create sustainable impacts, making it a vital resource for nonprofits looking to enhance their community contributions.

The CNL Charitable Foundation Grants, initiated by CNL Financial Group founder Jim Seneff, aim to enhance community well-being in Central Florida. These grants support 501(c)(3) charities and government institutions, focusing on education, leadership and entrepreneurship, arts and culture, and homelessness and poverty. With a commitment to community transformation, CNL prioritizes organizations that foster broad funding and engage CNL associates, reflecting a dedication to sustainable and impactful philanthropic efforts.

Franklin's Friends offers Animal Welfare Grants to support local nonprofits and government agencies in Central Florida. Our mission emphasizes shelter and rescue, spay and neuter, and community education. We aim to assist organizations that can demonstrate financial responsibility and align with our mission. Eligible applicants must be local 501(c)(3) entities or government agencies, ensuring funds are used for the intended purposes to continue vital animal welfare efforts.

The Hawkins Family Foundation Grant supports diverse non-profit initiatives including healthcare, education, and community development. Primarily funding organizations in Chattanooga, Dublin/Columbus, and Tampa Bay, it requires applicants to be 501(c)(3) public charities or have fiscal sponsors with this status. This grant aims to uplift local communities and enhance the quality of life through various supportive programs.

Nonprofit organizations in Hillsborough County, Florida can apply for Children’s Board Foundation’s PRO 2026-07 Water Safety Leading Grant to deliver direct water safety services for children and families. Funding supports swimming lessons, caregiver education, lifeguard training, safety equipment, and public water safety campaigns that advance child health, safety, and family support outcomes.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charities working in STEM education or supporting military personnel, families, and veterans, including those serving Hillsborough County, Florida, can seek community investment funding for programs. BAE Systems provides grants to organizations with strong financial health that engage young people in science, engineering, technology, and math or advance military and veteran well-being.

The PRO 2026-06 Mental Health Wellness Uniting Grant aims to promote mental health wellness for families and youth in Hillsborough County. Approved by the Children's Board of Hillsborough County, this grant focuses on funding services that enhance behavioral support, resource navigation, and social connections. It targets parents of children aged 0-18 and youth aged 11-18, emphasizing collaboration and measurable outcomes. Organizations with expertise in mental health are encouraged to apply.

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 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.

Hillsborough County, Florida 501(c)(3) mental health and suicide prevention nonprofits can access funding through Community Foundation of Tampa Bay for programs addressing suicidality and stigma. Eligible projects must impact the Tampa Bay area, including Hillsborough County, and may include prevention initiatives, stigma reduction, treatment and therapy supports, or care provider compassion resiliency efforts.

The Amscot Grant aims to enhance opportunities for Florida's children by supporting local 501(c)(3) organizations. By funding initiatives focused on education, enrichment, and safety, Amscot seeks to empower children and families in communities where it operates. Organizations are encouraged to share their stories and demonstrate how funding will help them create brighter futures. This commitment aligns with Amscot's mission to foster stronger communities across the state.

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 HEF Classroom Grant offers funding between $100 and $2,000 for innovative projects by educators in Hillsborough County. Designed to enhance student engagement and learning, this grant encourages applications from teachers, administrators, and support staff for projects that go beyond standard school budgets. Community members can directly support these initiatives, fostering a collaborative environment to enrich education. However, certain items like technology and furniture are not eligible for funding.

The White Family Foundation provides grants to enhance education, healthcare, and religious initiatives in Florida. With a focus on the Tampa Bay area, the Foundation supports organizations that foster self-reliance and personal responsibility, offering funding up to $25,000 per year. Priority is given to those with operating budgets under $5 million. By partnering with local entities, they aim to make a lasting positive impact on individuals and families in the community.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Hillsborough County, Florida and eight neighboring counties can apply for Rays Baseball Foundation’s Community Fund Grant, awarding US $5,000 to enhance existing community-based programs. Funding supports youth empowerment, education, and critical community needs, including children’s health, mental health, disabilities, and child welfare services.

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.

Tides Foundation

Tides is a partner for justice in the social sector, working closely with doers and donors to build the power of historically excluded groups who face systemic barriers. We provide fiscal sponsorship, donor advised funds, impact investing, and a variety of grantmaking solutions to advance social justice and equity. 

Through Tides Foundation, we partner with individuals and families, foundations, corporations, and social change leaders to design and deliver social impact initiatives that shift decision-making power back to the communities we serve. Our mission is our North Star — and a beacon for those who share our commitment to social justice. Together, we work to shift resources and power to communities historically denied both, so they can create a just and equitable future.

Voter Mobilization & Civic Innovation Fund

This fund is designed for organizations that are deeply rooted in community, testing bold or emerging strategies, and able to adapt quickly to changing on-the-ground conditions. The Southern Voter Mobilization & Innovation Fund is a 12-36 month, election-cycle investment designed to support organizations that are: 

• Closest to communities facing the most barriers to political participation
• Testing bold, creative, or unproven civic engagement strategies
• Shifting power to local groups participating in civic engagement
• Responding rapidly to on-the-ground conditions during the 2026 midterms 

Tier 1: SPLC Priority Counties  

Vote Your Voice is most interested in boosting turnout amongst communities historically denied voting access. It has identified the following counties as priorities where turnout among sub-demographic groups is below the state-wide average (especially Black men). We intentionally did not include some counties in major metros areas because of our desire to increase voter engagement activity in other parts of the states.  

The DeBartolo Family Foundation is dedicated to uplifting underserved communities in the Tampa Bay area through educational scholarships, grassroots support, and financial assistance programs. Over the past two decades, they have made significant contributions to local youth, veterans, and organizations, exemplifying their commitment to community enrichment. Their initiatives, such as the Spirit of Humanity Award, recognize and honor those making a difference. This foundation invites organizations aligned with their mission to apply for Community Grants.

Focused on financial literacy and housing, Union Home Foundation invites Hillsborough County, Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for grants over US $1,000. Funding supports programs that help families achieve economic self-sufficiency, which may include housing stability, supportive housing, shelters, and community-based financial education initiatives. Applications are accepted quarterly with an eligibility quiz required.