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Description, Funding, and Eligibility

Community Impact Grants are designed to support nonprofits that help families, children and households achieve lasting economic stability and mobility. Building economic stability and mobility for individuals and families is a complex undertaking that involves addressing the many factors that affect a family's well-being. Community Impact Grants are designed to support the development of programs and systems that strengthen our community through neighborhood and family-focused initiatives - ultimately creating an environment rich in opportunity for all.

Community Impact grant requests should not exceed $25,000. Please note the average Community Impact grant award is approximately $15,000.

2Gen Philosophy

Rooted in our 2Gen (two-generation) philosophy, priority will be given to applications that support strategies that intentionally support both children and the adults in their lives. When families (as they define themselves) are centered, and supported holistically, the result is stronger communities and empowered futures.

While many programs focus exclusively on either children or adults, 2Gen bridges this divide, integrating supports that build stronger pathways to social mobility for entire families. We welcome applications from organizations that serve children, adults, or both simultaneously as long as the program reflects an understanding of how strengthening one generation can positively impact the whole family. Explain how your program connects with other services in the community and supports the overall well-being of families—recognizing that families come in many forms and define themselves in different ways. It may be helpful to review our 2Gen report here.

Community Indicators Dashboard

To help define our funding priorities, we have drawn on insights from our Community Indicators Dashboard, a curated collection of community indicators providing key information and data to drive decision-making in support of our mission to strengthen our community. This data-driven approach not only informs the focus areas of our grantmaking but also plays an important role in our decision-making process, ensuring that investments are aligned with community needs and opportunities for meaningful impact.

We invite applications from organizations that are eliminating barriers and expanding access in the following areas:

  • Health and Mental/Behavioral Health: Including access to care, mental health supports for youth and adults, and efforts to reduce social isolation and segregation. Please refer to our dashboard for data indicators around youth and adults.
  • Social Capital and Community Networks: Strengthening peer and family connections that contribute to emotional well-being and long-term success.
  • Workforce Training and Coaching: Equipping families with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to pursue meaningful work and build economic security. Please review the ALICE report as a resource for data points.
  • Education and Economic Mobility: Programs that advance access and build supports to opportunities that lead to long-term growth and financial independence. 

Preference will be given to applications that demonstrate how their programs remove barriers for populations facing systemic challenges within our community, including but not limited to economic, geographic, identity, age, education, ability racial inequities.

*Our priority areas may evolve throughout the year in response to new data and emerging community needs. We are committed to staying responsive, inclusive, and family-centered in everything we do. Any updates will be provided on our website.

Focus Areas for Impact

Fortifying through Capacity Building Support

As part of this grant cycle, nonprofits will have the opportunity to fortify their Community Impact request with additional funding for capacity building. This optional support is designed to strengthen organizational infrastructure, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability. An additional application will not be necessary; this option can be selected within the Community Impact grant application.

Please note: If capacity building is selected as part of a Community Impact Grant award, organizations will not be eligible to apply for separate capacity building funding during the remainder of the fiscal year.

Apply and Review Process

Review Process

This grant gycle is currently closed.

Each grant cycle will remain open for 30 days from the date of launch.

Information Session

An information session was held on Tuesday, August 5th, offering an overview of the grant process, eligibility, and focus areas. Applicants are strongly encouraged to watch the recording of this information session prior to submitting an application and to apply during the open window that best aligns with their programming and organizational needs. The next Community Impact grant cycle will open on January 2, 2026.

Watch the information session here and use the password *x43!bzA

  

Office Hours

Each Friday from 11 am-noon the Community Impact Team will be available to answer questions or discuss applications on an open Zoom Call. Click here to attend the meeting. The first session will be on Friday, August 8th. Please visit this site regularly – any cancellations will be listed here.

 

There will be no office hours on Friday, November 28th.

There will be no office hours on Friday, December 26th.

Questions?

Grant Reporting

As a grantee of the Community Foundation, we have grant reporting expectations and requirements to showcase the results of the great work you are accomplishing with this funding.

A final grant report must be submitted within 12 months of receiving the grant. Information regarding the report will be sent to applicants after a grant has been awarded.

If your organization wishes to extend the grant period, you must receive written permission by emailing impact@cfsarasota.org.

Please note: An incomplete, late, or missing report will delay opportunities to apply for grants in the future.

Grant Reporting

Share Your Story of Impact

Already received a Capacity Building Grant within the last year? Share how this funding contributed to your organization's work and success within our community. 

What can be a Story of Impact?
  • Press Release
  • Blogs
  • Videos
  • Testimonials
  • Articles
  • Podcasts / Audio Recordings

Please reference our Press Kit to help draft your message and coordinate review with Cooper Levey-Baker, Communications Manager, at cooper@cfsarasota.org

Looking for examples? Check out the Stories of Impact below shared by our grantees.

Resources for Grantees

Eligibility Requirements

Press Kit for Grantees

Additional Questions?

If you have questions about the Programmatic grant cycles that were not answered on this page, please bring them to an upcoming information session with our team. 

Register for an Upcoming Information Session

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Need Assistance?

Michelle Croft

Director, Community Impact

941‑556‑7114

mcroft@cfsarasota.org