Spring 2026 Unrestricted Support Grant Cycle

Total Funding Available: $160,000

• $120,000 distributed as 16 awards of $7,500 each
• $40,000 distributed as 16 awards of $2,500 each
• Funding levels determined by organization's staff and budget size

Geographic Scope: Charlotte County, Florida

• Organizations must be located in or provide services in Charlotte County
• Headquarters do not need to be in Charlotte County, but grant funds must be used within Charlotte County

Focus Areas: Unrestricted funding supporting all nonprofit sectors (arts & culture, health care, etc.) that align with CCF's mission to foster philanthropy and strengthen Charlotte County for future generations

Eligibility Requirements

• Organization Type: 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations
• Must have received IRS tax-exempt determination letter
• Must align with CCF's mission
• Located in or providing services in Charlotte County
• All sectors welcome (arts & culture, health care, etc.)

Evaluation Criteria

• Organizational strength in finances
• Organizational strength in leadership
• Organizational strength in programs
• Impartial assessment by trained Grants Committee of community volunteers

Use of Funds

• Unrestricted funds allowing nonprofits to allocate as needed
• Support for mission, operations, and strategic goals

Reporting Requirements

• Online grant acknowledgement form within two weeks of receiving award
• One-page summary one year after receiving funds detailing how grant was used and impact on organization and Charlotte County

Contact Information

Grants Manager: Whitney Stout

• Phone: 941-637-0077
• Email: [email protected]

Charlotte Community Foundation

• 227 Sullivan Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
• Corner of US41S & Olympia St.
• Phone: 941-637-0077
• Website: charlottecf.org

Application Process

Application Cycle Timeline (Spring 2026):

• Open Date: February 9, 2026
• Deadline: March 2, 2026 at 4:59 PM
• Status: Application cycle is now CLOSED
• Decision Notification: End of April 2026 via email

Deadlines are strictly enforced to ensure a fair review process.

Required Information/Materials

1. Staffing Information
2. Mission Statement
3. Leadership Details
4. Board Engagement Information
5. Budget Documentation
6. Most Recent Financial Documents

Application Submission

• Format: Online portal accessible via CCF website
• Estimated Time: Less than two hours
• Instructions: Detailed instructions and easy-to-follow application provided in portal
• Preparation Resource: Zoom recording of informational sessions available for review

Application Restrictions

• One Application Only: Organizations can only submit one application per grant cycle
• Fall 2026 cycle may have different eligibility if organization meets other funding area criteria

Special Considerations

• Volunteer-Led Organizations: Organizations with no paid staff and only non-paid volunteers are eligible
• Organizations not selected for funding are invited to discuss their application via Zoom or phone call to strengthen future applications