Cutler Bay Community Fund Grant

The Cutler Bay Community Fund aims to enhance the quality of life in Cutler Bay by supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Grant amounts range from $500 to $2,500, focusing on local initiatives that meet evolving community needs. The Fund is managed by a Board of Directors, including the Mayor and Town Council, ensuring strategic oversight and community engagement.

About the Cutler Bay Community Fund
The Town of Cutler Bay established the Cutler Bay Community Fund (Resolution #13-57) in 2013 with the goal of establishing partnerships that will help to improve the quality of life of residents in our community, as well as supporting local nonprofit organizations. The Fund is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that is overseen by a Board of Directors consisting of the current Cutler Bay Mayor and Town Council. Grant awards range between $500 to $2,500 and only one application per organization will be accepted each year.
100% of the funds collected through the community fund are solely used for charitable purposes with priority given to organizations that provide services within the Town of Cutler Bay. The Fund currently has six service categories (priority areas) that direct our grant making; education, aesthetic, environment, culture, social services, and other philanthropic activities.
Education
The purpose of this fund is to impact student achievement by supporting 501(c)(3) organizations that serve both children and youth, from the time they enter daycare through completion of grade 12, who reside in or attend schools in Cutler Bay. Activities include but are not limited to; out-of-school programs, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, educational field trips, teacher incentive programs, curriculum enhancement/development activities, educational equipment/supplies, personal safety/prevention activities (i.e., anti-bullying, distracted driving awareness, abuse prevention), parenting skills training, life skills training, civic engagement, and college/career preparation.
Aesthetic
The goal of this fund is to support 501(c)(3) organizations that implement programs to enhance the overall safety and anesthetics of our community. Examples include but are not limited to community beautification projects, assistance with code compliance matters for the elderly or low-income residents, graffiti abatement, community message boards, landscaping, community gardening, preserve/enhance green spaces, and/or any other general aesthetic improvements.
Environmental
The Town of Cutler Bay was the first municipality in Miami-Dade County to receive “Certified Silver” designation as a Florida Green Building City. In keeping with our initiative to “Go Green”, the Cutler Bay Community Fund supports 501(c)(3) community programs that promote environmental responsibility. Examples include but are not limited to “green” education and awareness activities, community gardening, recycling, alternative transportation (bicycle, walking programs), conservation, maintenance of environmentally sensitive lands, and/or any other general environmental improvement activity.
Cultural
Culture is represented through art, literature, and music, but mainly through the customs and traditions of a particular nation, people, or other social group. It is the common bond that brings the people of a community together. This Fund aspires to ensure that cultural activities are accessible to all residents regardless of age, ability, or economic status. To this end, 501(c)(3) organizations that provide the following activities will be supported through the Fund; concerts, art in public places, heritage festivals, cultural awareness programs, community festivals, intergenerational activities, artistic performances, monthly cultural displays at Town Hall (Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, etc.), history preservation, and other general cultural activities.
Social Services
The objective of this fund is to support local 501(c)(3) social service agencies for projects that help Cutler Bay residents in need. Examples include but are not limited to; workforce development, healthy living (community bike events, nutrition activities, anti-bullying campaigns, etc.), youth development (support for programs that encourage youth leadership and assists in their transition to adulthood), basic needs (utility assistance, food, and emergency shelter, etc..), outreach efforts, aging in place programs, housing, and other generally defined social services.
Other Philanthropic Programs/Services
The needs of the citizen’s in the Town of Cutler Bay continually evolve. This Fund targets support of 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that meet the unforeseen needs of this community or needs that do not fit in any of the other funding priority areas. Examples may include but are not limited to; disaster relief/preparedness, fitness activities, sporting events, healthcare, transportation for the elderly or disabled, efforts that fulfill urgent need in the community, and other generally defined philanthropic services.

Eligibility

Applicant Eligibility
The Cutler Bay Community Foundation seeks to provide support to 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organizations that serve the residents of the Town of Cutler Bay. Including but not limited to schools, community-based organizations, community associations, and faith-based organizations. To confirm eligibility, organizations submitting applications for funding must also provide a letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) confirming their tax-exempt status, proof of active corporate status with the State of Florida, and proof of registration with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.
The Solicitation of Contributions Act requires anyone who solicits donations from people in the state of Florida to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and renew annually. This applies to charitable organizations, sponsors, professional solicitors, and professional fundraising consultants. FDACS collects registration fees and has the authority to impose penalties for noncompliance.