Spring 2026 Grant Cycle: Unrestricted Support, Strengthened and Expanded

Building on the momentum of our renewed approach to competitive grantmaking launched in 2025 as well as our growth as a community foundation, we will double the amount of funding available for the unrestricted grants cycle we piloted last spring. Led by Grants Manager, Whitney Stout, and chaired by Board Secretary, JoAnn Tompkins, the Spring 2026 Grants Cycle will offer $160,000 in awards.

Unrestricted funding provides critical operating support for nonprofits. The $160,000 will be distributed as $120,000 for 16 awards of $7,500 each and $40,000 for 16 awards of $2,500. The funding levels will be determined by an organization’s staff and budget size. Grantees will be evaluated on their organizational strength in finances, leadership, and programs, through a simple online application reviewed by a Grants Committee of community volunteers from across Charlotte County.

The application is open February 9 – March 2, 2026. See the FAQs below for more details.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an informational session or watch the Zoom Recording.

The Grants and Scholarships page details the 2025 grants cycles and grantees.

Who is eligible to apply for a grant from CCF?

Organizations must be not-for-profit with 501(c)(3) status, must have received their tax-exempt determination letter from the IRS, and align with the mission of CCF. All organizations seeking funding must be located in or provide services in Charlotte County. Your organization does not need to be headquartered in Charlotte County, but the grant funds must be used within Charlotte County.

What information is needed to apply for this grant cycle?

Organizations must provide information on staffing, mission, leadership, and board engagement, along with their budget and most recent financial documents.

What types of nonprofit organizations does CCF fund?

CCF supports nonprofit organizations of all sectors (e.g., arts & culture, health care, etc.) that align with its mission to foster philanthropy and strengthen Charlotte County for future generations.

How can I apply for a grant?

Applications are submitted through our online portal, accessible via the CCF website. The portal provides detailed instructions and an easy-to-follow application. If you did not attend an informational session in advance, we encourage you to review the Zoom recording prior to applying.

When does the grant cycle open and close?

The spring grant cycle will run from February 9 – March 2, 2026, closing at 4:59pm on 3/2. Deadlines are strictly enforced to ensure a fair review process.

What is a volunteer-led organization?

A volunteer-led organization is one that has no paid staff members and relies solely on non-paid volunteers to carry out their mission in the community.

Can I apply for more than one grant if my organization meets more than one funding area?

No, organizations are only allowed to submit one application for this grant cycle. Based on criteria and eligibility for the fall cycle, you may also be able to apply for a grant then as well.

What can the grant funds be used for?

These funds are unrestricted, which allows nonprofits to allocate funding as needed to support their mission, operations, and strategic goals.

How long will it take me to complete the application?

The application is designed to take less than two hours. The program application (for Housing Insecurity or Health Care) is more detailed.

How are grant applications evaluated?

Our new Grants Committee, comprised of trained community volunteers with area expertise, will conduct a thorough and impartial assessment of each application, based on the strength of the organization’s finances, leadership, and effectiveness of programs within the community.

When will I be notified about the decision on my application?

Applicants will receive communication via email regarding the status of their application at the end of April 2026.

What happens if my application is approved? Not approved?

Approved applicants will receive an email containing an award letter outlining the grant terms, including simple reporting acknowledgements and disbursement information.

Applicants not selected for funding will be notified via email. We invite organizations to discuss their application and why it was not selected during a Zoom or phone call. Attending our informational sessions and consulting with our grants manager can offer valuable insights into strengthening future applications.

What are the reporting requirements for grant recipients?

Grantees will be asked to complete an online grant acknowledgement form within two weeks of receiving the award. One year after receiving grant funds, we invite award winners to submit a one-page summary detailing how the grant was used and its impact on their organization and Charlotte County.

Will this be the only grant cycle in 2026?

No, in the fall we will hold another grants cycle for our donor-designated funds dedicated to specific areas of support, such as seniors. We will release more information regarding the fall grant cycle, over the summer.

Grants