Friends of South Lake Grant

The Friends of South Lake Grant, managed by the Community Foundation of South Lake County, focuses on enhancing water safety by providing swim lessons to underserved adults and children. With over $9 million granted in 27 years, this initiative aims to foster community well-being and support local nonprofits. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a measurable impact on the community and adhere to specific financial and operational criteria. This grant encourages innovative solutions to critical needs in South Lake County.

The Community Foundation of South Lake County is dedicated to serving our community through connecting resources and intentional philanthropic giving. Investing in our local non-profits is vital to helping make a difference in the south Lake Community. Over the past 27 years, the Community Foundation has provided more than $9 Million in community grants.
Area of focus for Friends of South Lake Grant:
To provide water safety and swim lessons to adults and children who reside in South Lake County. Particularly those who otherwise would have limited access.
Areas of focus for Impact Grant:

• Basic Needs
• Education
• Health & Wellness
• Women's Giving Alliance (WGA) Grant:
• Nonprofits that have a program serving women and children are encouraged to apply.
• Programs should demonstrate the following:
• A systemic change to improve how women and children are served in our community.
• Implement creative and innovative solutions to critical needs.
• A measurable impact in South Lake County

Eligibility

Grant funding must serve residents of the former South Lake County tax district, including the following cities:

• Clermont
• Groveland
• Mascotte
• Minneola
• Montverde
• It also includes unincorporated areas of South Lake County.

If your organization is based outside of the South Lake County area, you will need to indicate what percentage of the agency or program benefits residents of the South Lake County tax district and how long you have been serving the South Lake County community.
A nonprofit organization with evidence that it:

• Be recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization or be fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization
• Has an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Have 3 years of financial and program data available
• Have an annual operating budget of $3,000,000 or less
• Serve residents of South Lake County (organization does not need to be in South Lake County.

Ineligibility

CFSLC Does Not Fund the Following:

• Endowments
• Fundraising expenses, sponsorships, or thrift stores
• Infrastructure improvements (including but not limited to land/building that is not owned by the applicant)
• Activities that relate to lobbying or advocacy or litigation related expenses
• Individuals
• Foreign based organizations
• Political or trade associations
• Support for religious organizations for religious purposes
• Medical or scientific research

Organizations that discriminate or exclude participants the basis of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or marital status