Community Grant Program

The Boca Grande Woman's Club provides funding for infrastructure, local organizations, and area schools through its Community Grant Program. Grants are made each spring to various 501(c)(3) organizations located in Boca Grande or those that provide support to the Boca Grande community. In its 75-year history, the Club has been instrumental in supporting major island initiatives.

Geographic Scope: Boca Grande Island, Florida and supporting organizations serving the Boca Grande community

Focus Areas:

• Infrastructure projects
• Community organizations (501(c)(3) non-profits)
• Area schools and educational programs

Eligibility

• Organization must be 501(c)(3) non-profit status
• Located in Boca Grande or provide support to the Boca Grande community
• Selected organizations are reviewed and interviewed by the Community Grants Committee

Grant Timeline

• Early February: Grant applications sent to previous grantees
• March 1: Application deadline
• March:
  • Board reviews applications and approves budget
  • Community Grants Committee interviews applicants and recommends awards
• April: Board approves individual grants at April meeting
• April 30: Checks and letters mailed to recipients (end of fiscal year)

Special Considerations

• In some instances, special needs arise and funds are distributed outside the regular cycle
• These emergency disbursements require Board discussion and approval

Recent Grant Recipients Include

• Barrier Island Parks Society (BIPS)
• BGWC Scholarship Program
• Boca Grande Art Alliance
• Boca Grande Fire Rescue District
• Boca Grande Health Clinic Foundation
• Boca Grande Historical Society
• Boca Grande Preschool
• Boca Grande Sea Turtle Association
• Crowninshield Community House
• Friends of Boca Grande Community Center
• GICIA (land conservation, bike path, Mercado property projects)
• Gasparilla Island Kids Classic Tarpon Tournament
• Gasparilla Maritime Museum
• The Island School
• Johann Fust Community Library
• Lee County Parks and Recreation Summer Camps
• LA Ainger Middle School Band Boosters
• Lemon Bay High School Band Boosters
• Lemon Bay High School Baseball Boosters
• Lemon Bay High School Football Boosters
• Lemon Bay High School Project Graduation
• Mote Marine Laboratory
• Royal Palm Players
• Suncoast Humane Society

Historical Impact

• Major initiatives supported include:
  • Drive to bring freshwater system to island (1966)
  • COVID-19 economic relief (2020)
  • Disaster relief for three major hurricanes

Contact Information

info@bocagrandewomansclub.org

Organization Status: 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

Application Process

Timeline:

• Early February: Grant applications sent to previous grantees
• March 1: Application deadline
• March: Community Grants Committee interviews applicants
• April: Board approves individual awards
• On/before April 30: Checks and letters mailed to recipients

Required Steps:

1. Receive application from Club (sent in early February to previous grantees)
2. Complete grant application form
3. Submit application by March 1 deadline
4. Participate in grant applicant interview (March)
5. Await Board approval (April meeting)
6. Receive notification and funds

Eligibility Requirements for Submission:

• Must be 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
• Located in Boca Grande or provide support to Boca Grande community
• Previous grantees receive applications; new organizations should contact Club

Application Materials:

• Specific application form (provided by Club in early February)
• Documentation of 501(c)(3) status
• Grant request details and organizational information

Special Circumstances:
For special needs arising outside the regular cycle:

• Organizations may contact the Club to discuss emergency funding
• Requests require Board discussion and approval
• Funds may be distributed outside the regular March-April timeline