Competitive Grants – Brevard

The Community Foundation for Brevard is a philanthropic institution based in Florida that supports local nonprofit organizations through a competitive grants process. These grants are distributed from the Foundation’s Field of Interest and Unrestricted Funds to enhance community services and capacity in Brevard County. The Foundation emphasizes flexibility to address community needs but maintains specific guidelines and priorities to ensure funds are directed toward impactful and well-managed initiatives. The 2025 Competitive Grant cycle runs from April through September. The application portal opened on April 29, 2025, and all applications must be submitted by May 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Award notifications will be made no later than September 2, 2025. Only one application per organization is permitted, though separate chapters or affiliates of broader organizations may each apply independently. All applications must be submitted through the online portal and must include the required documentation to be considered complete. Late or incomplete submissions will be disqualified. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Brevard County and must be legally registered in the State of Florida with a valid 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS. Organizations must demonstrate a minimum two-year operational history following receipt of their nonprofit status. For nonprofits based outside Brevard County, a minimum of two years of direct service within Brevard is required. Applicants must also comply with or be exempt from the requirements of Florida’s Chapter 496 Solicitation of Contributions Act. Certain entities, including private foundations, re-granting organizations, and those not directly benefiting Brevard residents, are ineligible. Grant awards range from $1,000 to a recommended maximum of $10,000. Funding may be requested for programmatic or general operating support but is not intended for endowments, debt reduction, capital campaigns, political or religious activities, or services outside Brevard County. Focus areas for grantmaking include Animals, Arts & Culture, Community Capacity, Education, Environment, Opportunity & Empowerment, and Health & Wellness. Applicants must submit a detailed application that includes organizational information, financial documentation, demographic data, and a description of the proposed project or operating needs. Required documents include financial statements, board and staff information, organizational bylaws, and a completed budget form. The application also asks detailed questions about the applicant’s mission, key programs, recent achievements, challenges, and the expected impact of the grant. Review criteria include organizational capacity, clarity and alignment of the proposed use, and the anticipated public benefit. Applications are reviewed and scored by a team of community volunteers, with final decisions made by the Foundation’s Grant Committee. For support during the application process, including access to video tutorials and collaboration tools, applicants are directed to resources provided on the Foundation’s website. The main contact for questions is Donna Sewell, Director of Philanthropy, reachable at donnas@cfbrevard.org.

Applicants are advised to review the video tutorials, collaborate through the portal’s tools, and ensure completeness and timely submission of all required materials.