Annual Grants Program

Annual Grants Program

Overview: The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys' annual competitive grants program supports a variety of initiatives benefiting Florida Keys residents. Grants aim for tangible, positive change by September of the following year.

Award Amount: Typically range from $1,000 to $20,000. Collaborations with a partnering organization may receive increased grant awards.

Geographic Scope

• Service Area: Florida Keys exclusively (Key Largo to Key West)

Eligibility Requirements

• Only 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofits and faith-based organizations in good standing with the IRS are eligible
• Only one application per organization is permitted
• If organization has received a prior grant from the Community Foundation, must be current and compliant with all grant requirements and reporting, or application will not be considered

Funding Focus Areas

Grants support a broad spectrum of community priorities, including:
• Youth development and family wellbeing
• Arts and culture
• Environmental stewardship and coral restoration
• Food access and health initiatives
• Housing stability
• Animal welfare
• Cultural heritage
• Education

Review Criteria

A diverse panel of community members from all parts of the Keys reviews funding requests. Projects must meet the following qualifications: 1. Does the proposed project align with the Foundation's strategic vision of making the Florida Keys a better place to live now and in the future? 2. Does the project address a clear and demonstrated community need, and will it produce meaningful, measurable outcomes? 3. Does the organization have the experience, staff, and infrastructure to successfully carry out the project? 4. Is the project plan realistic and cost-effective, and is there a plan for sustainability beyond the grant period?

What Is NOT Funded

• Capital campaigns
• Projects serving areas outside the Florida Keys

Timeline

• Application Window Opens: September (annually)
• Grants Awarded: November

Contact Information

Community Foundation of the Florida Keys
• Address: 300 Southard St, Suite 201, Key West, FL 33040
• Phone: (305) 292-1502
• Website: cffk.org

Application Process

The application window opens in September each year. Specific step-by-step application instructions, required materials, submission format, and narrative questions are not detailed in the available website content.

For complete application details, interested organizations should:
1. Contact the Community Foundation directly at (305) 292-1502
2. Visit the website at cffk.org during the September application window
3. Check the Nonprofits Tools section for application portal access