Traditional Grant Program

The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation offers Traditional Grants twice a year to support nonprofit organizations primarily operating in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties in Florida. These grants are designed to provide capital support to nonprofits with operating budgets over $300,000. The Foundation emphasizes investments in capital infrastructure to enhance the capacity and sustainability of local nonprofits, with a focus on tangible assets that bolster community impact. This grant program targets a specific geographic area, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to localized philanthropic impact. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (or their equivalent), located within or serving the Foundation’s designated four-county region. While most applicants must be physically based in these counties, exceptions are considered if an organization demonstrates that over half of its clientele are from the designated area. Ineligible applicants include individuals, K–12 schools (public or private), religious institutions, and public safety organizations such as fire and police departments, including volunteer units. Additionally, organizations that have received a grant must wait until one year after their final report is approved before applying again. Grants are restricted to capital expenditures, including building or renovation costs, technology upgrades, vehicles, equipment, and website development. The Foundation does not fund operating or program expenses, completed projects, retrospective costs, endowments, debt reduction, conferences, travel, marketing materials, or research. This narrow focus underscores the Foundation's intent to fund physical or technical infrastructure that can immediately enhance an organization's service delivery. The Spring 2026 application cycle opens on December 1, 2025, and closes on January 15, 2026, with a firm deadline of 3:59 p.m. EST. The Fall cycle follows a similar structure, opening on July 1 and closing on August 15. Applicants are required to have a preliminary conversation with the Foundation’s Grants Manager prior to submitting an application. This meeting should be scheduled well before the closing date, as last-minute requests may not be accommodated. The initial discussion is an essential step in the application process and serves to align proposals with the Foundation’s funding priorities. Following application submission, each applicant will meet with the Foundation’s President and CEO, along with a board member, to discuss the project in detail. This meeting is followed by a thorough review by the Foundation’s Board of Directors, who evaluate the proposal’s merits, the applicant’s organizational strength, and the project's long-term viability. Funding decisions for the Spring cycle are typically announced in mid-April. Grants begin at a minimum of $10,000. If an organization does not have an audit, the maximum allowable request is $50,000. The average award amount is also approximately $50,000. Successful applicants must sign a Grant Acceptance Contract and submit a final expenditure report within one year. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory for future eligibility. The program is recurring, with biannual deadlines, allowing interested organizations to plan ahead for future opportunities.

Submit early to allow staff to review and flag issues; schedule meetings well before the deadline.