Red Coats Community Grants Program

The Red Coats Community Grants Program is administered by the volunteer leadership group known as the Red Coats, which consists of past tournament chairpersons of THE PLAYERS Championship. This group operates as part of a broader philanthropic effort connected to the PGA TOUR, with the goal of reinvesting in the Northeast Florida community. Through this grant program, the Red Coats provide financial support to nonprofit and public-serving organizations that demonstrate meaningful impact in key service areas. The program is designed to strengthen community-based initiatives that align with the mission and values of service, youth development, education, and overall well-being. The primary purpose of the grant program is to fund projects and programs that serve residents in specific counties in Northeast Florida, including Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns. Funding is intended to support organizations delivering services in Youth Services, Education, Character Development, Military Support, and Health, Wellness, and Sport. Eligible applicants must demonstrate both operational presence and service delivery within one or more of these counties. The program emphasizes equitable service delivery, requiring applicants to operate without discrimination in accordance with applicable laws. Awards of up to 25000 dollars are available through this program, with funds expected to be distributed by September 30, 2026. While the grant supports a range of programmatic activities, there are clear restrictions on the use of funds. Ineligible uses include travel and conference expenses, sponsorships or events that provide tangible benefits to staff, political activities, debt reduction, and payments such as honorariums or gratuities. The program also excludes individuals, private foundations, and grantmaking organizations from eligibility. These restrictions ensure that funds are directed toward direct community impact rather than administrative or indirect benefits. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, government entities such as law enforcement or fire departments serving the public, and educational institutions including K-12 schools and higher education institutions. Applicants must be in good standing within the State of Florida, be authorized to solicit donations, and maintain compliance with state nonprofit regulations. As part of the eligibility verification process, the funder reviews nonprofit status and solicitation registration within Florida to confirm compliance prior to award consideration. The application process requires submission of several key documents, including an IRS Determination Letter, a Form 990 from recent years, a current W9, and a detailed budget summary for the proposed project. Applicants are expected to complete the application in a single session, as the system does not allow saving progress for later completion. Only one application per organization is permitted, and failure to submit all required documentation may result in disqualification. Selected organizations must also agree to provide periodic updates on program progress and outcomes. The application window opens on May 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. and closes on June 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., with all times assumed to be Eastern Time. Funding decisions are expected to be communicated by August 14, 2026. Following notification, grant payments will be distributed electronically via ACH or direct deposit by September 30, 2026. The program does not provide interim feedback during the review process, nor does it offer post-decision feedback to unsuccessful applicants. Overall, the Red Coats Community Grants Program represents a targeted regional investment initiative that prioritizes measurable community outcomes and responsible stewardship of funds. By supporting organizations that deliver essential services across Northeast Florida, the program reinforces the broader mission of community enrichment associated with THE PLAYERS Championship and the PGA TOUR.

Ensure all required documents are prepared before starting since the application cannot be saved submit only one complete application and verify Florida compliance status to avoid disqualification