Big Nova Foundation
Big Nova Foundation (legally registered as Moore Charitable Foundation, EIN 92-2765938) is a private philanthropic foundation established in 2023 by the Moore family, who have deep roots in Central Florida spanning six generations and nearly 100 years. The foundation was formalized following the 2023 sale of Sunniland Corporation, where patriarch Thomas Moore worked for 40 years. Big Nova operates as a family-driven foundation dedicated to uplifting communities and empowering those who make the Central Florida region thrive.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$75.9M
+1.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$3.9M
Grant Count
39
Avg Grant Size
$101K
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.
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: Sparking Hope and Igniting Change while Keeping Ever Mindful of the Needs of Others
Vision: Big Nova aims to be the spark the Central Florida community needs to be a place where the ability to thrive is universal. The foundation empowers organizations that protect the planet, uplift those in need, inspire change through research, and strive to make communities better.
Primary Focus Areas:
- Environmental Conservation: Preserving Florida's natural wonders for future generations through protection of diverse ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and unique landscapes
- Supporting Vulnerable Populations: Uplifting the less fortunate through essential support and resources, including food assistance programs, housing initiatives, and community aid
- Pediatric Cancer Research and Patient Support: Championing young patients and funding blood cancer research—a deeply personal focus area stemming from a family member's 2011 battle with leukemia
- Community Infrastructure Development: Strengthening community foundations through investments in local infrastructure, education, and economic development programs
Grantmaking
Grant Range
** $50,000 - $8,000,000+
Review Cycle
run annually from February to November
How to Apply
**
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Primary Focus: Central Florida, with headquarters in Sanford, FL
Secondary Focus: Broader Florida for pediatric health initiatives
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets: $75,134,324 (as of December 31, 2023)
Total Revenues (2023): $75,144,324
- Grants and contributions: $75,010,000
- Investment income and dividends: $134,324
Total Expenses (2023): $10,000
Annual Giving: $75+ million in assets with grantmaking ramping up since 2023 establishment
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $75,927,351 | $75,134,324 |
| Revenue | $3,333,660 | $75,144,324 |
| Expenses | $4,514,557 | $10,000 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $3,946,570 | — |
| Net Investment Income | $3,099,968 | $134,324 |
| Distributable Amount | $3,689,475 | $152,738 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
39 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Big Nova Foundation
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Idignity Inc ($1,000,000), Conservation Florida Inc ($600,000), Salt Outreach Inc ($300,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ADULT LITERACY LEAGUE INC WINTER PARK, FL | GENERAL SUPPORT | $4,000 |
| AUTOINFLAMMATORY ALLIANCE INC SAN FRANCISCO, CA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $20,000 |
| BREAKING BREAD BEYOND INC SANFORD, FL | GENERAL SUPPORT | $5,000 |
| CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY INC LAKE MONROE, FL | GENERAL SUPPORT | $64,500 |
| CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY INC LAKE MONROE, FL | GENERAL SUPPORT | $18,976 |
| CHRISTIAN HELP FOUNDATION INC CASSELBERRY, FL | C.O.R.E. SERVICES - CHANGING LIVES FOR GOOD | $10,000 |
| CHRISTIAN SERVICE CENTER FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA INC ORLANDO, FL | GENERAL SUPPORT | $60,000 |
| CHRISTIAN SHARING CENTER INC LONGWOOD, FL | GENERAL SUPPORT | $10,000 |
| TOYS FOR TOTS ORLANDO, FL | GENERAL SUPPORT | $7,212 |
| CONSERVATION FLORIDA INC ORLANDO, FL | GENERAL SUPPORT | $20,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Thomas Moore – President (20 hours/week, no compensation)
- Sally Moore – Vice President (5 hours/week, no compensation)
- Sarah Asma – Treasurer (5 hours/week, no compensation)
- Stephen Moore – Secretary (5 hours/week, no compensation)
- Michael Trees – Chief Financial Officer (40 hours/week, $178,000 annual compensation); also serves as Registered Agent
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MICHAEL TREES | CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER | 40 | $177,620 |
| THOMAS MOORE | PRESIDENT | 20 | — |
| SALLY MOORE | VICE PRESIDENT | 5 | — |
| SARAH ASMA | TREASURER | 5 | — |
| STEPHEN MOORE | SECRETARY | 5 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
In September 2025, Big Nova Foundation announced an $8 million gift to Blood Cancer United to support pediatric blood cancer research and address federal funding challenges. This grant reflects the foundation's deep commitment to pediatric cancer research, which has resulted in over $14 million in cumulative grants to blood cancer organizations since the foundation's focus on this area began in 2011.
Blood Cancer United Responds to Federal Funding Crisis with $8 ...Contact Information
- Website: https://big-nova.org
- Grants Email: grants@big-nova.org
- General Inquiries Email: info@big-nova.org
- Phone: (321) 966-5661
- Address: 312 W 1st Street, Unit 505, Sanford, FL 32771
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2628, Sanford, FL 32772
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Big Nova Foundation fund?
**Mission:** Sparking Hope and Igniting Change while Keeping Ever Mindful of the Needs of Others **Vision:** Big Nova aims to be the spark the Central Florida community needs to be a place where the ability to thrive is universal. The foundation empowers organizations that protect the planet, uplift those in need, inspire change through research, and strive to make communities better. **Primary Focus Areas:** • **Environmental Conservation:** Preserving Florida's natural wonders for future gene…
How do I apply for a grant from Big Nova Foundation?
**Grant Range:** $50,000 - $8,000,000+ **Median Grant:** $20,000 **Grant Activity:** 39 grants documented in recent filings, with a range of $4,000 to $1,000,000 **Decision Timeline:** Rolling basis throughout the year; approximately 3 months for decisions **Application Process:** • Applications accepted through the online portal at https://givinghub.foundationsource.com/38320/big-nova • Grant cycles run annually from February to November • Applications must be submitted by November 1st to be c…
Where does Big Nova Foundation make grants?
**Primary Focus:** Central Florida, with headquarters in Sanford, FL **Secondary Focus:** Broader Florida for pediatric health initiatives
What size grants does Big Nova Foundation award?
In 2024, Big Nova Foundation awarded 39 grants totaling $3.9M — an average of about $101K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Big Nova Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Big Nova Foundation reported a distributable amount of $3.7M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
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.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Big Nova Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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