Dr. Phillips Charities Grant Program

Dr. Phillips Charities is a private philanthropic organization comprised of Dr. Phillips, Inc. and The Dr. P. Phillips Foundation. The organization is dedicated to honoring the legacy of the Phillips family through charitable giving that reflects its guiding principle of “helping others help themselves.” Its grantmaking focuses on initiatives that produce meaningful and lasting impact within Central Florida, particularly in Orange and Osceola Counties. The foundation prioritizes investments that address critical community needs while demonstrating sustainability and long-term benefit beyond the grant period. The purpose of this grant opportunity is to support nonprofit organizations that deliver impactful programs or capital projects aligned with key areas of interest. These areas include education, children and youth services, arts and culture, health, and social services. Additionally, the organization considers projects that preserve the free enterprise system and protect private property rights. Funding is intended for initiatives that are innovative, cost-effective, and collaborative, often involving partnerships among multiple community organizations or funders. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Organizations must also have completed at least five full years of operation following receipt of their IRS determination letter. Supporting organizations are eligible only if they qualify under Section 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2). Applicants must primarily serve residents of Orange or Osceola Counties, Florida, and demonstrate strong organizational capacity and expertise relevant to the proposed project. The application process is structured in multiple stages, beginning with the submission of a Letter of Intent through the organization’s online grant portal. The foundation reviews each Letter of Intent and invites selected organizations to submit a full grant proposal. Submission of a full proposal is by invitation only and does not guarantee funding. The proposal must be submitted by the specified deadline for the applicable grant cycle. The review process evaluates completeness, accuracy, and alignment with the foundation’s priorities. Grant proposals are assessed based on several criteria, including evidence of community need supported by data, the innovativeness and cost-effectiveness of the approach, sustainability beyond the funding period, and the anticipated community impact relative to the requested funding. Additional considerations include the qualifications and expertise of the project leadership team. For requests of $100,000 or less, applicants may be asked to host a site visit, while those requesting more than $100,000 may be invited to present at a grant review meeting before final decisions are made. The grant cycle operates on a recurring schedule with multiple deadlines throughout the year. For 2026, key Letter of Intent deadlines include April 10, August 5, and December 4, followed by corresponding proposal submission deadlines and board decision timelines extending into 2027. Following award decisions, funded organizations are required to submit a progress report within six months and a final report within one month of project completion. Questions regarding the application process may be directed to the Chief Grants Officer via the contact information provided on the foundation’s website.

Proposals must align with core areas of support and show cost-effectiveness, collaborative efforts, and sustainability; proposals lacking completeness or clarity may be declined.