Community Foundation Tampa Bay funds organizations and projects across the nonprofit spectrum. With our discretionary grants, we target five areas of focus. This helps us better concentrate our impact.

Focus Areas For Competitive Grants

Economic Opportunity

High quality adult education, training, and skill building that leads to employment and promotes personal and financial prosperity.

Eligible programs in this focus area may include, but are not limited to:

• Career readiness and employment

• Entrepreneurship

• Financial literacy

• On-the-job training and apprenticeship

• Post-Secondary training and education

Environmental Resiliency and Sustainability

Supporting a thriving environment that is resilient and sustainable for generations to come.

Eligible programs in this focus area may include, but are not limited to:

• Conservation

• Environmental education

• Environmental justice

• Environmental resiliency and disaster recovery

• Improving green spaces

• Land preservation
  Protection of natural resources

Physical Health and Mental Wellbeing

Access to resources that address an individual’s health and well-being including basic needs such as food, shelter, safety, and physical and mental health services.

Eligible programs in this focus area may include, but are not limited to:

• Addressing the stigma of mental health challenges

• Drug and alcohol counseling

• Emergency and transitional housing

• Feeding programs

• Promoting healthy minds and bodies

• Trauma informed care

Quality Child and Youth Education

Access to high-quality, affordable, personalized learning opportunities, from birth through high school

Eligible programs in this focus area may include, but are not limited to:

• Career exploration

• Child and youth development

• Digital Inclusion and digital literacy

• Early literacy programs

• Enrichment programs

• Kindergarten readiness

• Social-emotional learning

Vibrant and Engaged Communities

Vibrant spaces and inclusive programming for residents to enjoy, thrive, engage, and work.

Eligible programs in this focus area may include, but are not limited to:

• Access to arts and culture for those with disabilities

• Arts and culture projects that address complex social issues

• Art programming in low-income communities

• Creating community spaces, including gardens and parks

• Development of community art

• Facilitating community collaborations and conversations

Community Foundation Tampa Bay’s competitive grants process has two stages: letter of intent and full application. During the specified timeframe, eligible nonprofits may submit a letter of intent (LOI) to outline a funding need. We will then review the LOIs and invite several to proceed to a full application.

After you submit your LOI, you will be notified by email if you are invited to move to the next step, which is a full application. If your letter of intent is denied, you are welcome to apply during the next appropriate grants cycle.