Lillian Labelle Charitable Trust

The Cowles Charitable Trust

Staten Island, NY

The Cowles Charitable Trust supports arts, education, ethical journalism, medical and climate research, primarily in Downstate New York and South Florida, with occasional national or international grants. Typical awards are modest: approved first-time applicants generally receive $2,500, and the median 2024 grant was $4,000. It accepts applications by email using its application and proposal packet.

Sarasota Community Fdn

Saint Louis, MO

The foundation supports nonprofits serving children and families, seniors, people with disabilities or health needs, and at-risk youth, with a preference for organizations in Sarasota County, Florida. Its 2025 grants ranged from $2,500 to $10,000, typically around $5,000; it does not limit grants to preselected organizations, and its filing says to apply online.

Rutledge Charitable Foundation Inc

Sarasota, FL

The Sarasota-based Rutledge Charitable Foundation supports organizations serving seniors, children, people with special needs, and nursing communities, as well as hunger relief, poverty assistance, and land and water protection. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,000 to $30,000, with a median of $4,000; 75% of grant dollars went to Florida organizations, with the rest going to organizations in other states. It gives only to preselected charities and does not accept unsolicited funding requests.

Joan Armour Mendell Foundation Inc

Sarasota, FL

The Joan Armour Mendell Foundation supports charitable organizations in health care, cancer support, marine science, higher education, community services, arts, and disability services. In 2024, it gave 39 grants totaling $174,950, ranging from $250 to $25,000, with a median of $2,500; most funding went to Florida, with grants also reported in Georgia, Illinois, Oregon, and Virginia. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.

Jerome & Mildred Paddock Foundation

Orlando, FL

The foundation funds essential needs for vulnerable seniors and children with disabilities, including healthcare, safe living, and services for children and families, with particular attention to Sarasota County. Recent grants ranged from $5,000 to $50,000, with a median of $25,000; reported grants went to Florida organizations. An application is required and must be requested from the foundation.

The Harry Shapiro Charitable

Sarasota, FL

The foundation supports a range of charitable activities, including public broadcasting, youth education, health care, law enforcement, and services for trafficking survivors. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,000 to $25,000, with a median of $15,000, and primarily benefited Florida organizations, with some funding in Maryland, New York, and Connecticut. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.

Esther and Harold Mertz Foundation

Sioux Falls, SD

The Esther and Harold Mertz Foundation funds U.S. tax-exempt organizations in education, medical services, and recreation, with particular interest in faith-based work and organizations without government or municipal funding. Recent grants ranged from $10,000 to $52.1 million, with a median of $15,000; 2024 funding went mostly to New York. The Foundation currently says its budget is fully allocated and it is not accepting applications.

Caplin Foundation

Wilmington, DE

The Caplin Foundation supports arts education, community development, nonprofit capacity, children’s services, and environmental protection. Its 2025 grants ranged from $200 to $25,000, with a median of $1,000, and were concentrated in Virginia, followed by California and Michigan. It funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.

The Samuel and Irene Saligman

Newtown Square, PA

James and Maryann Armour Family

Sarasota, FL

The James and Maryann Armour Family supports organizations working in areas such as food assistance, housing, education, arts, veterans’ services, and conservation, primarily in Florida. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $35,000, with a median of $12,500. It does not accept unsolicited requests and gives only to preselected organizations.

The Appleby Foundation

Sarasota, FL

The Appleby Foundation’s recent filings show grants to other charitable organizations, but its 2024 grant was a transfer of assets in a merger, so the typical giving level and funding priorities are unclear. Reported grants went to Florida recipients; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Frank E Duckwall Foundation

Tampa, FL

The Frank E Duckwall Foundation funds charitable, medical, cultural, educational, literacy, and scientific purposes in the Tampa Bay, Florida area. In 2025, it made 34 grants totaling $400,000, ranging from $1,650 to $50,000, with a median grant of $5,000. It accepts applications by contacting Sandra Tolle with an explanation of the need and intended use; no deadline is listed.