CFTB: Annual Competitive Grants

CFTB: Annual Competitive Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation Of Tampa Bay Inc
Amount: US $10,000 - US $50,000
Last Updated: August 27, 2025

Summary

The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay offers annual competitive grants aimed at fostering innovation in local nonprofits. By targeting five key areas—Economic Opportunity, Environmental Resiliency, Physical Health, Education, and Community Engagement—the foundation seeks to address pressing community needs. Eligibility requires 501(c)(3) status and service in specific Florida counties. The grant process encourages collaboration and aims to create sustainable impacts, making it a vital resource for nonprofits looking to enhance their community contributions.

Overview

About Us Community Foundation Tampa Bay is a 501 (C)(3) public charity that connects people, ideas and resources to create meaningful, lasting impact. Across our region — Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties — we are philanthropic partners, connectors and advisors. We understand our area’s most critical needs and champion solutions. Let us show you how to bring your giving to life as we work together to build a vibrant, prosperous community for all. Competitive Grant We serve as a connector, collaborator, convener and a catalyst. Our mission is to create positive change in our community. Our competitive grants process is one of the best ways for us to learn about the creative ideas of our local nonprofits. Together, we work to build a better community. The grant submissions help us decide where to focus our competitive grants money. Also, we share the information with donors who have a similar passion. This gives them an opportunity to know about you and your work in the community and to contribute. Turning Ideas Into Impact Community Foundation Tampa Bay’s annual competitive grants process is one of the best ways for us to learn about the creative ideas of our local nonprofits. The grant submissions help us decide where to focus our discretionary grants, targeting five areas of focus: Economic Opportunity, Environmental Resiliency and Sustainability, Physical Health and Mental Wellbeing, Quality Child and Youth Education, and Vibrant and Engaged Communities. Targeted Focus Areas Through and with our donors, we fund organizations and projects across the nonprofit spectrum. With our discretionary grants, we target five areas of focus. This helps us better concentrate our impact. Economic Opportunity:Career readiness and employmentEntrepreneurship Financial literacyWork based learning experiences such as, internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training Postsecondary training and education. Environmental Resiliency and Sustainability:Conservation and recyclingEnvironmental educationEnvironmental justiceEnvironmental resiliency and disaster recoveryLand preservationProtection of natural resources Physical Health and Mental Wellbeing:Basic NeedsMental Health and Trauma ServicesHealth and Wellness Quality Child and Youth Education:Career explorationChild and youth developmentDigital inclusion and digital literacyEarly literacy programsEnrichment programsKindergarten readinessSocial emotional learning Vibrant and Engaged Communities:Access to arts and culture for those with disabilitiesArts and culture projects that addresses complex social issuesArt programming in low-income communitiesCreating community spaces including gardens and parksDevelopment of community artFacilitating community collaborations and conversations Evaluation Criteria Your proposed project should address a specific identified and prioritized need and leverage dollars and/or people to make a difference within the community. Reviewers use these criteria as a guide, not a definitive checklist. Overall, we look for signs of efficient and effective organizations. We want to hear about how you are achieving success Vulnerable Populations: Services to vulnerable populations including those who have traditionally been marginalized and/or lack access to resources.Collaboration: Authentic and intentional collaboration among organizations including nonprofit, for-profit, governmental, community and private organizations for the purpose of sharing resources and increasing impact.Best Practices: Programs that are based on best-practices, grounded in research, and/or have demonstrated a positive impact on the target population.Sustained Impact: Programs that demonstrate ongoing and sustained impact, continuing the program or aspects of a program beyond the funding provided by Community Foundation Tampa Bay.Quantify the Impact: The ability to quantify the impact of a program on the target population.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. To be eligible for a competitive grant from the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, your organization must:Be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code Be up-to-date with Internal Revenue Service 990 tax form filings and have filed for at least one fiscal year. Be serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, or Citrus counties Be able to apply under the organization’s own tax exempt EIN Be in compliance with all requirements of previous funds awarded through Community Foundation Tampa Bay including reporting requirements

Ineligibility

Generally, our competitive grants are not designed to fund:Academic scholarships, annual appeals, capital campaigns, fundraising events, membership contributions, etc., capital funding for building and building renovations, general operating and administrative costs, grants to individuals (rent, utilities, etc.), medical or scientific research, political campaigns or direct lobbying efforts, religious or sectarian purposes.