Community and Resources Enhancing Success Grant Program

The 2026 Community and Resources Enhancing Success (C.A.R.E.S.) grant program, administered by the Tampa Police Department (TPD), provides targeted financial assistance to community-based organizations supporting crime prevention and community engagement initiatives in Tampa, Florida. This initiative utilizes Law Enforcement Trust Funds (LETF), sourced through civil forfeitures under the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act (Florida Statutes, Sections 932.701–932.707), to fund projects that align with TPD’s mission to reduce crime and enhance quality of life through citizen partnership. The C.A.R.E.S. grant is open to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) designations, as well as community groups, associations, and agencies that serve residents within Tampa’s municipal boundaries. Eligible programs must focus on youth or adult services in crime prevention, community engagement, social development, mentorship, substance abuse prevention/treatment, domestic violence intervention, or mental health. Applicants must demonstrate legal status with the Florida Department of State (or equivalent if incorporated elsewhere), and maintain good financial and reporting standing. Grants will be awarded across five tiers—ranging from $1,000 to $15,000—based on a committee evaluation of the application’s completeness, clarity, and alignment with the program’s priorities. A total of $45,000 is available for the 2026 cycle. Projects may be fully funded or partially supported depending on alignment with LETF-eligible costs and TPD priorities. Funds may not be used for personnel, travel, training, food, video surveillance, infrastructure, or other disallowed categories as outlined by the program and the FCFA. The application period for the 2026 program opens March 9, 2026, and closes on April 3, 2026, at midnight. Submissions may be made by email to [email protected] or hand-delivered/mailed to the Office of the Chief of Police at Tampa Police Department headquarters. Applications must include a typed narrative, an itemized budget, IRS status documentation, a W-9 form, a certificate of good standing, a signed certification form, and a letter of support. Applications lacking required documentation or containing vague project descriptions will be disqualified. Entities with outstanding obligations to the City of Tampa or with past grant compliance issues will also be ineligible. Grant recipients will be notified on or around May 18, 2026. Funded projects must operate within the award period of June 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. All grantees are required to submit a mid-year report by January 15, 2027, and a final report within 90 days of the performance period’s end. Failure to comply with reporting requirements or misuse of funds may result in repayment demands and disqualification from future awards. Questions regarding the application process may be directed to Jamel Michini at (813) 276-6998 or via email at [email protected].

Ensure program descriptions are detailed and complete to avoid disqualification. Submit all supporting documents on time.