Florida Local Grants

This program provides funding and support to St. Petersburg residents interested in starting mobile fresh produce businesses to improve access to healthy food in underserved neighborhoods.

The Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program is an initiative designed to propel small businesses towards both success and long-term sustainability. The core of the program is a structured, 12-week series of comprehensive workshops that guide participating entrepreneurs through the essential process of crafting new business and marketing plans. Upon the successful completion of this training component, businesses become eligible to apply for substantial $10,000 grants. This integrated approach of education and capital infusion aims to empower participants to expand their operational capacity and enhance overall business resilience. This program targets small businesses, aiming for significant positive impact within the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. The initiative is structured to fully support 25 businesses, who will participate in the workshops and automatically receive grant awards upon completion. An additional 10 businesses will be selected to participate in the workshop series only, with a potential for grant awards should extra funding become available. The primary impact goals, as stated by the program, are to provide access to essential support resources and ultimately drive the expansion of business capacity and the enhancement of resilience among the selected enterprises. Program selection and the distribution of grant awards are determined by a selection committee based on specific criteria that reflect the program’s community-focused priorities. The initiative places a strong focus on ensuring representation of businesses across all parts of the city, with specific priority given to enterprises located in low-to-moderate income areas. Furthermore, the selection process is designed to ensure a balanced representation of businesses across multiple economic sectors. Finally, key focuses include assessing the business's current readiness level and the potential positive impact that participation in the program is expected to generate. The program's implied theory of change is that by connecting small businesses with essential support resources and mandatory, comprehensive training, they will be positioned for accelerated growth. The expected outcomes are measurable: all participants will complete new, detailed business and marketing plans as a result of the 12-week workshops. For the grant recipients, the direct measurable result is the successful application of the $10,000 capital, which is intended to facilitate the expansion of business capacity and increase long-term operational resilience, ultimately leading to more successful and sustainable enterprises across the city.

The Alachua County Visitors & Convention Bureau is offering Nature and Culture Destination Enhancement Grants. These grants are designed to support and enhance Alachua County as a culturally interesting and vibrant destination by utilizing a portion of the Tourist Development Tax revenue. The core mission of this grant program is to aid in the operations and promotions of arts, cultural, and nature events that primarily aim to attract tourists, thereby aligning with the county's strategic goal of boosting tourism and local economic development through cultural and natural attractions. The target beneficiaries for these grants are legally established arts, nature, or culture organizations whose operations, events, and activities are within Alachua County. This also includes institutions of higher education, with certain request limits. The primary impact goal is to increase tourist attraction to Alachua County, fostering a more vibrant and culturally rich environment for both residents and visitors. The definition of a "tourist" for this grant is a person engaging in trade or recreation outside their county of residence or renting transient accommodations, which directly informs the type of events and promotions that are eligible for funding. The grant program prioritizes events that demonstrably promote activities to tourists, ensuring that the funding directly contributes to the overarching objective of tourism enhancement. Funding levels are determined by the applicant's annual budget, ranging from 10% for budgets over $1,000,000 to 30% for budgets up to $100,000. There is a maximum request of $75,000 for educational agencies, regardless of multiple applications. Special provisions are made for applicants whose primary mission is not audience attraction, requiring a separate event statement with direct expenses and revenues for the program. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of tourists visiting Alachua County, a greater variety and promotion of arts, cultural, and nature events, and enhanced operational capabilities for local organizations. Measurable results would likely involve tracking event attendance by tourists, reported operating revenues, and the extent of promotional activities targeting out-of-county visitors. The program implicitly operates on a theory of change where targeted investment in arts, culture, and nature events, specifically those promoted to tourists, will directly lead to increased tourism revenue and improved local cultural vibrancy, thus benefiting the wider community and economy of Alachua County. The grant period for funded programs and activities is between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025.

The Audience Access (AUD) Grant Program, administered by Francine Andersen, is a grant opportunity provided by the Miami-Dade County government. The program aims to fund arts program-related technology and services that ensure ADA compliance and programmatic access for audiences of all abilities. Examples of eligible services include American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, captioning, audio description, Braille materials, ADA/access training, and other similar services. It is important to note that this grant program does not support entire projects/productions or major capital/facilities projects or improvements such as construction or renovation. The maximum grant request is $5,000, and funded projects will be paid on a reimbursement basis upon project completion and submission of a correct and complete final report with all required documentation. Applications must be submitted at least one month prior to the project/event start date, and applicants may apply once per fiscal year. Funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information on eligibility requirements and guidelines, please refer to the AUD Grant program guidelines provided on their website.

The Santa Rosa Improvement Vitalization Enterprise (StRIVE) Grant, administered by the Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office, is designed to offer financial assistance to commercial property owners and business owners within Santa Rosa County, Florida. The program's core mission is to facilitate façade improvements and signage upgrades, aligning with a broader goal of enhancing property appearance, increasing property values, and stimulating local economic activity. This initiative directly supports community revitalization and sustainable economic growth within the county. The primary target beneficiaries of the StRIVE Grant are commercial property owners and business owners operating within Santa Rosa County. The program aims to positively impact the aesthetic and economic vitality of commercial areas. By providing grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with a required 100% match, the program intends to encourage significant investment in commercial properties. The overarching impact goal is to create a more attractive business environment, which in turn draws more customers, supports local businesses, and fosters a sense of community pride. The grant prioritizes a wide array of exterior improvements, including exterior painting, lighting, new windows and doors, awnings, architectural feature restoration, parking improvements, screening and fencing, sprinkler systems, and signage. It also covers soft costs like licenses and permit fees. The focus is on tangible upgrades that visibly improve the commercial landscape. Eligible properties must be commercially zoned within Santa Rosa County and not exempt from ad valorem property tax. Applicants must possess all necessary business licenses and permits, and any legal or land-use issues must be resolved or explained. Expected outcomes of the StRIVE Grant include a measurable increase in property values, a visible enhancement of commercial building exteriors, and a stimulated local economy. The program anticipates an improvement in the overall appeal of commercial districts, potentially leading to increased foot traffic and business revenue. While specific measurable results like the exact percentage increase in property value or business revenue are not detailed, the focus on "upgrading the appearance of property" and "stimulating economic activity" implies a quantitative and qualitative improvement in the county's commercial health. The requirement for projects to comply with local codes and obtain certificates of occupancy ensures that improvements are sustainable and legally sound.

The Doral Façade Improvement Grant Program offers financial assistance to businesses, homeowner associations, and commercial property owners within Doral. Its primary mission is to stimulate private sector investment, enhance beautification, foster economic growth, and create jobs by improving the appearance of buildings across the city. This program aligns with the broader goal of community development and economic vitality by directly investing in the physical infrastructure of Doral. The program targets a broad range of beneficiaries including local businesses, commercial property owners, and homeowner associations. The impact goals are multi-faceted: enhancing the visual appeal of the city, supporting local businesses, and indirectly contributing to a more vibrant and attractive environment for residents and visitors. By improving building aesthetics, the program aims to increase property values and encourage further private investment, creating a positive feedback loop for economic development. Initially established in 2012, the program's initial focus was on businesses and commercial owners within the Doral Decor District, offering 25% reimbursement up to $5,000 per project. In 2018, its geographical scope expanded to encompass the entire City of Doral and included publicly visible entry features of homeowners' associations. This expansion demonstrates a strategic priority to broaden its impact and inclusivity, reaching more areas and types of property owners within the city. The program's priorities are evident in its eligible improvements, which include siding/stucco, walls/fencing/railings, ADA improvements, pedestrian amenities, windows/doors, awnings/canopies, lighting, painting, signage, detached monument signs, sidewalks/surface parking, and landscape/xeriscape. These focus areas are designed to address a comprehensive range of external "facelift" improvements. The maximum grant amount has also increased to a 50% reimbursement of eligible renovation costs, up to $10,000 per project, indicating a strategic shift towards providing more substantial financial support to incentivize significant improvements. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the number of beautified properties, enhanced economic activity through job creation in renovation and related sectors, and a general uplift in civic pride and aesthetic quality across Doral. The program's theory of change posits that by providing direct financial incentives for façade improvements, the city can catalyze private investment, leading to widespread beautification and fostering a more attractive environment that, in turn, draws further economic activity and improves the quality of life for its residents.

The City of Wauchula's Revitalization Grant Program aims to restore and improve commercial buildings within the Wauchula Community Redevelopment Agency (WCRA) District. This initiative is designed to enhance the physical, economic, social, and aesthetic well-being of the city. The program's core mission aligns with urban revitalization and community development, focusing on improving private properties beyond the minimum requirements of the City of Wauchula’s Land Development Regulations. The overarching goal is to enhance the form, function, and design quality of the redevelopment district, thereby contributing to a more vibrant and prosperous Wauchula. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are property owners or their registered agents within the WCRA District who own commercial buildings. The program specifically excludes properties that do not collect property tax, do not contribute to the CRA Tax Increment Financing Fund (TIFF), or are primarily used for residential purposes. The impact goals are to encourage significant improvements to commercial properties, stimulate economic growth by enhancing business environments, and improve the overall aesthetic appeal of the district. This leads to a more attractive and functional urban core, benefiting both businesses and residents. The program prioritizes projects that go beyond standard compliance, fostering a higher quality of development. Key focuses include the restoration and improvement of commercial buildings, with an emphasis on project construction costs as eligible expenses, while design and permitting costs are explicitly excluded. Applicants are required to provide three quotes for project elements, ensuring transparency and competitive pricing. Another focus is on long-term impact, with project elements required to remain unchanged for five years and approved applicants ineligible to apply for the same property address for a five-year period. Expected outcomes include a noticeable enhancement in the appearance and functionality of commercial properties within the WCRA District, leading to increased commercial activity and a more appealing urban environment. Measurable results will be assessed through the completion of approved projects, evidenced by official Certificates of Occupancy or Completion, and adherence to grant agreements. The program's success will also be indicated by the number of properties revitalized and the subsequent positive impact on the local economy and community well-being. The WCRA's strategic priorities are to foster a thriving commercial district through incentivized development that conforms to the City of Wauchula Land Development Code. The underlying theory of change is that by offering financial incentives for property improvements, the city can stimulate private investment, which in turn will lead to a broader revitalization of the commercial district, attracting businesses and residents and enhancing the overall quality of life.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Hillsborough County, Florida, for cultural programming that enhances community engagement and artistic vibrancy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and colleges in Hillsborough County to enhance arts and cultural programs for underserved communities, including diverse ethnic groups, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

This program provides financial support to neighborhood organizations in Ocoee, Florida, for community improvement projects that enhance local environments and foster civic engagement.

This program provides funding to neighborhood associations in Hillsborough County for community projects that promote health, safety, and engagement among residents.

This program provides funding to for-profit businesses in Port St. Lucie to improve their storefronts and enhance the visual appeal of commercial areas through various exterior upgrades.

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Miami-Dade County that offer high-quality summer arts and science camps for underserved children and youth, including those with disabilities, at little or no cost.

United Arts of Central Florida is offering a grant of up to $60,000 to subsidize venue rental costs for 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Orange County, Florida, aiming to present arts and cultural programming that appeals to diverse communities, with applications due by October 7, 2024.

This grant provides financial support for artists and creative organizations in Central Florida to create temporary public art installations in Downtown Orlando, enhancing cultural engagement and economic vitality in the area.

This program provides financial assistance to property owners and businesses in Greenacres, Florida, to improve the exterior appearance and value of their residential and commercial properties.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations in Hernando County, Florida, for projects that promote community engagement in the arts, such as public art installations, art events, and art instruction.

This funding program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and select for-profit entities for projects that promote tourism and enhance Miami-Dade County's appeal as a travel destination.

This program provides funding to qualified developers for creating and rehabilitating affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income renters affected by recent disasters in St. Petersburg.

This grant provides funding for Florida-based nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to develop educational projects that promote breast health awareness and support for breast cancer patients and their families within the state.