Spring Grant Cycle

CCF awarded 29 grantees a total of $80,000 for its pilot unrestricted operating support program in Spring 2025. The program received a record number of applications reviewed by a new committee of 20 volunteers from across Charlotte County in addition to Chair JoAnn Tompkins.

If you’re interested in serving as a volunteer grants reviewer, please contact Grants Manager Whitney Stout for more details: grants@charlottecf.org.

More info on the Fall 2025 Grants Cycle will be posted in September. CCF will once again hold informational sessions about the program.

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.

When does the grant cycle open and close?

The spring grant cycle will run from March 7 – March 31, 2025, closing at 4:59pm on 3/31. Deadlines are strictly enforced to ensure a fair review process.

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?

This is a simple grant application designed to take no longer than an hour.

How are grant applications evaluated?

Our new Grants Review Committee, comprised of community volunteers and experts, will conduct a thorough and impartial assessment of each application, based on the strength of the organization’s finances, leadership, and 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 2025.

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 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.

Will this be the only grant cycle in 2025?

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.

Can I apply for more than one grant?

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.

Grants