Community Foundation Tampa Bay Competitive Grant

Community Foundation Tampa Bay administers an annual competitive grants program designed to support nonprofit organizations within the Tampa Bay region. The foundation is a public charity recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and adheres to requirements outlined in the Florida Solicitation of Contributions Act. The organization uses this competitive grantmaking process as one of its key ways to engage with nonprofits and evaluate innovative ideas to strengthen community well-being. Grants are funded through the foundation’s discretionary resources, often guided by donor contributions, with a focus on aligning resources with critical local needs. The purpose of the annual competitive grants is to generate significant community impact across five defined focus areas. These include economic opportunity, environmental resiliency and sustainability, physical health and mental wellbeing, quality child and youth education, and vibrant and engaged communities. By concentrating on these themes, the foundation ensures that resources target key drivers of regional prosperity and resiliency. Eligible nonprofit applicants are encouraged to present creative projects that fit within these areas and demonstrate measurable benefits for the local community. The competitive grants process operates in two structured stages. First, organizations submit a letter of intent, which provides a high-level overview of the funding need and proposed impact. From this initial pool, selected applicants are invited to complete a full application. If the letter of intent is not approved, the applicant may reapply in future cycles. Those who progress to the full application stage will submit materials through the foundation’s online portal. Successful applicants must sign a grant acceptance agreement, after which funds are distributed by check. Eligibility for participation in the program is restricted to nonprofits that are recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Organizations must be current with their IRS Form 990 filings and demonstrate at least one year of operational history. They must serve at least one of the following Florida counties: Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, or Citrus. Additionally, applicants must apply under their own tax-exempt employer identification number, and they must be in compliance with all requirements of any previously awarded grants from Community Foundation Tampa Bay, including reporting obligations. Verification of eligibility may be requested before any awards are finalized. Key dates for the 2025–2026 grant cycle are clearly defined. The cycle opens on December 1, 2025, with letters of intent due by January 7, 2026. Notifications regarding the outcome of the letter of intent stage are issued on February 2, 2026. Full applications must be submitted by March 2, 2026, with final funding decisions communicated on May 22, 2026. This structured timeline enables applicants to plan their submissions carefully and provides clarity about when funding decisions will be made. The foundation typically awards grants ranging between $10,000 and $50,000. While no explicit award ceiling or floor beyond these averages is stated, the provided range gives applicants a useful reference for developing funding requests. There is no indication of matching fund requirements for this opportunity. The number of awards and total program funding are not specified, which may vary based on available discretionary funds and the strength of proposals. Awardees are encouraged to publicly acknowledge their funding by following the foundation’s brand guidelines. Community Foundation Tampa Bay provides multiple points of contact for applicants. The Tampa office can be reached at 813-282-1975, located at 4300 W. Cypress Street, Suite 700, Tampa, FL 33607. The Pinellas office may be contacted at 727-777-5858 at 110 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. General inquiries can also be sent to info@cftampabay.org. These resources allow applicants to clarify requirements and navigate the application process effectively. The timeline for this grant opportunity includes a submission deadline of October 17, 2024. Organizations interested in applying should prepare their applications in advance to ensure they meet this deadline. For further information, potential applicants can reach out to the Community Foundation Tampa Bay via email or phone. In summary, the Community Foundation Tampa Bay Competitive Grant offers a valuable opportunity for eligible organizations to secure funding for impactful community programs. By focusing on key areas such as economic opportunity and environmental sustainability, the grant aims to foster positive change in the targeted Florida counties. Organizations that meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply before the deadline to take advantage of this funding opportunity.