“SAM” (Small and Mighty) Grant Program

“SAM” (Small and Mighty) Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: William G. and Marie Selby Foundation
Amount: US $5,000 - US $20,000
Last Updated: March 14, 2026

Summary

Overview

NOTE: Before you start a new application, you must arrange a pre-grant meeting by contacting Grants Manager . Please plan to schedule your time at least two weeks before the grant deadline. INTRODUCING “SAM” (SMALL AND MIGHTY) The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation is excited to introduce SAM (Small And Mighty) grant program! This program was developed to meet the needs of small-scale, non-profit organizations within our community (Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties), and be responsive and reactive to those needs. To qualify for this program, organizations must have less than $300,000 in annual operating expenses. Additionally, the request must be for a capital expenditure(s). Highlights of SAM Include: The application portal will be available three times per year for a one-month period. The portal will open on the first day of February, June, and October, and close on the first business day of the following month. Notification of award/declination will occur within 90 days of the portal closing.Organizations that have been in operation for more than one year are eligible.Maximum amount that can be requested is $20,000; minimum requested amount is $5,000.Any single item over $10,000 requires submittal of two bids (or quotes); each item less than $10,000 requires one bid or quote.The purpose of SAM grants is to invest in larger capital expenses that small organizations may find challenging to purchase. We are unable to fund lists of items that should reasonably be purchased by organizations through operating dollars. If awarded, funds must be spent within six months and a final report submitted detailing the impact of the grant.Organizations are eligible to apply six months following approval of their final report. Areas of Interest The Selby Foundation specializes in supporting area non-profits with capital grants. Capital grants support the construction, acquisition and/or renovation of facilities, as well as the purchase of equipment or software. They may also include the costs of related technical services. Projects focusing on education, human services, arts and community projects including history, science, and/or the environment will be given top priority. Selby funding is generally intended to assist organizations in pursuing strategic goals by leveraging support from a broad base of constituents. As such, applicants who can demonstrate a variety of other funding sources for their project, and/or those who request less than 10% of the total project cost are usually given priority for approval. Organizations are encouraged to compile a list of their future needs and meet with Foundation staff to explore possible fits.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Organizations that can apply are restricted to 501(c)3 non-profit entities that are located within the following four counties: Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.Organizations must have less than $300,000 annual operating expenses.Requests are generally restricted to capital expenditures.Items that are being requested cannot be ordered or any deposits made until notification of award and the execution of the grant acceptance contract.Organizations must have been in operation for more than one year.If Selby funds had previously been received by the organization, six months must have passed since the final report approval.Contacted the Selby organization to discuss the request.

Ineligibility

The Foundation does not fund the following:Expenses:Operating/program expensesProjects that have already been completedEndowmentsDeficit financing/debt reductionConferences, seminars, or workshopsTravelSurveys, advertising, or marketing materialsResearchEntities:IndividualsChambers of CommercePrivate K-12 SchoolsIndividual Public K-12 Schools (including Charter Schools and Booster Organizations)Churches and their individual ministriesIndividual Fire or Police Departments (including volunteer organizations)