Big Nova Foundation
Big Nova Foundation is a private foundation based in Sanford, Florida. It describes itself as a family-driven foundation focused on Central Florida, supporting organizations and projects in conservation, patient support and research, community building, and assistance for people in need.
Big Nova Foundation at a glance
In short: Big Nova Foundation gave $3.9M across 39 grants in 2024 (avg $101K), mostly in Florida. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $3,946,570
- Grants made (2024)
- 39
- Average grant
- $101,194
- Median grant
- $20,000
- Total assets
- $75,927,351
- +1.1% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Florida (92% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Big Nova Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation’s filing states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Its website also describes annual grant cycles and application opportunities for organizations whose work aligns with its focus areas; it says tailored applications and general proposals may be submitted for consideration.
- Review Cycle
- November 1 for consideration in the current calendar year. The foundation says its grant cycles run from February to November and that proposals needing additional consideration may be rolled over to the following calendar year.
- Deadline
- November 1 for consideration in the current calendar year.
- Next open deadline
- November 1, 2026 (Big Nova Foundation Grant Program)
- Contact
Mailing address: 312 W 1St Street 505, Sanford, FL 32771
Phone: (321) 966-5661
Website: https://big-nova.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from Big Nova Foundation
Who Big Nova Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Idignity Inc ($1.0M). Together the top 10 received $3.4M.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($10,500), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
39 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 24 grants of 39 (62%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation identifies Central Florida as its primary area of work and says eligible organizations must have operated there for at least two years. It states that exceptions may apply for organizations partnering with established 501(c)(3) organizations. In 2024, reported grant dollars went primarily to Florida recipients (92%); the reported shares for Minnesota, California, North Carolina, and Washington, DC, were 6%, 1%, 1%, and 1%, respectively.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 39 itemized grants.
Cities
How Big Nova Foundation gives
- In 2024 it paid out 107% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
In 2024 it made 39 grants totaling $3.9M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Idignity Inc Orlando, FL | Idignity's Permanent Operational Headquarters | $1,000,000 |
| Conservation Florida Inc Orlando, FL | D Ranch Preserve Nature Center | $600,000 |
| Salt Outreach Inc Orlando, FL | Bridge Funding for Orlando Mobile Drop-in Center | $300,000 |
| Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Inc Tampa, FL | Fulfillment of Moore Family Pledge | $250,000 |
| NMDP Foundation Minneapolis, MN | General Support | $250,000 |
| One Purse Inc Orlando, FL | General Support | $250,000 |
| Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida Inc Sarasota, FL | Call Center Funding | $250,000 |
| Unity Youth Association Inc Sanford, FL | UYA Summer Learning Experience | $200,000 |
| Florida Superior Properties Economic Community Services Inc Sanford, FL | Florida specs: harnessing solar energy for a brighter future | $180,000 |
| Touched by Type 1 Inc Orlando, FL | General Support | $75,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Big Nova Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $75,927,351 | $3,333,660 | $4,514,557 | $3,946,570 | 39 | $3,946,570 | $3,099,968 | $3,689,475 |
| 2023 | $75,134,324 | $75,144,324 | $10,000 | — | — | — | $134,324 | $152,738 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Big Nova Foundation reported a distributable amount of $3.7M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation states its mission as “Sparking Hope and Igniting Change while Keeping Ever Mindful of the Needs of Others.” Its stated focus areas are wildlife conservation, uplifting the less fortunate, patient support and research, and strengthening Central Florida. It prioritizes cancer research—particularly pediatric cancers—and support for patients and families during medical treatment.
The foundation says it supports 501(c)(3) organizations with demonstrated impact in Central Florida. Its 2024 grants illustrate a range of supported work. For example, IDIGNITY says it helps U.S. citizens and legal residents obtain identification documents needed to access services and opportunities; Conservation Florida says it works to protect Florida’s water, wildlife, and wild places; and SALT Outreach lists services including showers, laundry, case management, and clothing. One Purse says it supports women overcoming abuse, addiction, exploitation, and trafficking, while the Central Florida Zoological Society describes its work as education and preservation of animals and their habitats.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 39 grants totaling $3,946,570. Grants ranged from $4,000 to $1,000,000, with a median of $20,000.
Among the largest reported grants were $1,000,000 to IDIGNITY for its permanent operational headquarters, $600,000 to Conservation Florida for a nature center, and $300,000 to SALT Outreach for bridge funding for its Orlando mobile drop-in center. Other reported awards included $250,000 each to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, NMDP Foundation, One Purse, and Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida; and $200,000 to Unity Youth Association for its summer learning experience.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Michael Trees as chief financial officer, Thomas Moore as president, Sally Moore as vice president, Sarah Asma as treasurer, and Stephen Moore as secretary.
Big Nova Foundation is led by Thomas Moore, President on every filing since 2023; 1 of 5 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Thomas Moore
President
On filings since 2023
20 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael Trees
Chief Financial Officer
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$178K (2024)
Sally Moore
Vice President
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sarah Asma
Treasurer
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Stephen Moore
Secretary
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2023–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $178K, to Michael Trees (Chief Financial Officer).
Frequently asked questions about Big Nova Foundation
How much does Big Nova Foundation give each year?
Big Nova Foundation gave $3.9M across 39 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
What is Big Nova Foundation's typical grant size?
Big Nova Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $20,000, and its average grant was $101,194, across 39 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Big Nova Foundation give grants?
Big Nova Foundation gives mostly in Florida: 92% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Minnesota (6%). The most frequent recipient cities were Orlando, FL (14 grants), Sanford, FL (9 grants) and Lake Monroe, FL (2 grants).
Does Big Nova Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 59% of Big Nova Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (23 of 39) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Big Nova Foundation's largest grantees?
Big Nova Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Idignity Inc ($1,000,000), Conservation Florida Inc ($620,000 across 2 grants) and Salt Outreach Inc ($300,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($10,500), which are not listed by name. Together they received 49% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Big Nova Foundation?
Big Nova Foundation reported $75.9M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $3.9M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $3.7M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Big Nova Foundation fund?
The foundation states its mission as “Sparking Hope and Igniting Change while Keeping Ever Mindful of the Needs of Others.” Its stated focus areas are wildlife conservation, uplifting the less fortunate, patient support and research, and strengthening Central Florida. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Big Nova Foundation?
The foundation’s filing states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Big Nova Foundation's EIN?
Big Nova Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 92-2765938. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2023–2024.
Does Big Nova Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2023–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Big Nova Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Duke Energy Foundation
Charlotte, NC
The Duke Energy Foundation funds workforce and local economic development, disaster resilience, conservation, clean water, and economic opportunity in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000; applications for grants of $20,000 or less are accepted year-round, after applicants discuss proposals with a state representative.
Assets
$1.9M
Grants
41
Total Given
$25.6M
Magruder Chesley G Fdn Im
Orlando, FL
The foundation supports health care, human services, education, and cultural and science programs, primarily in Florida, with some funding in North Carolina. Its 2025 grants ranged from $2,000 to $100,000, with a median of $10,000. It funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$17.5M
Grants
86
Total Given
$1.1M
National Charitable Fund Inc
Orlando, FL
National Charitable Fund supports eligible charities, schools, religious institutions, and government agencies through donor-advised and field-of-interest funds, funding operating costs and special projects across varied causes. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,500 to $100,000, with a median of $13,000; most funding went to Florida, with grants also made in other states. It does not describe an application process for direct requests from organizations; grants are recommended by fund holders.
Assets
$17.9M
Grants
17
Total Given
$542K
The Dr P Phillips Foundation
Orlando, FL
The Dr P Phillips Foundation supports nonprofit capital projects and programs in arts and culture, education, health, youth, social services, entrepreneurship, and related areas, primarily serving Orange and Osceola Counties, Florida. Its 2025 grants ranged from $781 to $250,000, with a median of $5,000. The Charities’ process starts with a Letter of Intent; if interested, they invite organizations to submit a proposal.
Assets
$46.4M
Grants
92
Total Given
$2.0M
Central Florida Foundation
Orlando, FL
Central Florida Foundation supports nonprofit operations, social-impact initiatives, scholarships, and grassroots capacity-building across Central Florida, with focus areas including economic stability, healthcare, livability, education, and social connection. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $331,743, with a median of $10,250; some application-based opportunities are available, while Community Investment Grants are by invitation only.
Assets
$104.2M
Grants
154
Total Given
$4.0M
The Father's Table Foundation
Cleveland, OH
The foundation supports projects meeting the immediate and future needs of women and children, including housing, recovery, employment, pregnancy support, and community development. Its 2025 grants ranged from $500 to $330,000, with a median of $20,000; it is worldwide in scope, though most 2025 funding went to Florida. It accepts inquiries from applicants rather than limiting grants to preselected organizations; contact Dan Gilardi with the project purpose and proof of tax-exempt status.
Assets
$2.8M
Grants
63
Total Given
$3.2M
More similar funders
More Funders in Florida
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Big Nova Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/big-nova-foundation-morg_53136b71284a4511b64e77b230ed5fa9
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_922765938_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Big Nova Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/big-nova-foundation-morg_53136b71284a4511b64e77b230ed5fa9},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-13. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Big Nova Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Big Nova Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?