Grants and Scholarships

Grants

CCF launched a new approach to grantmaking in 2025! We have a new staff member solely devoted to grants—Whitney Stout, Grants Manager; a committee of new reviewers from across Charlotte County, chaired by Board Secretary JoAnn Tompkins; and a pilot program for general operating support grants! 

March 2025 marked the launch of a pilot program for unrestricted grants, based on organization staff and budget size. A simple online application allowed nonprofits to apply for $80,000 in total grants for general operating support: $35,000 for 7 awards of $5,000 each; $30,000 for 10 awards of $3,000 each; and $15,000 for 10 awards of $1,500. Grantees will be determined based on organizational strength in finances, leadership, and programs.

The Spring 2025 Grant application cycle is now closed. Stay tuned for information on recipients in May 2025!

CCF celebrates the 29 grantees receiving a total of $80,000 in awards for its pilot grant program for unrestricted operating support in Spring 2025. The program recognized differences in nonprofits based on their size and structures, including whether they are volunteer-led or professionally staffed.

Chaired by Board Secretary JoAnn Tompkins, a new grants committee [link to open the list (see attached) or put in a text box?] of 20 community members from across Charlotte County with diverse backgrounds and experiences reviewed 43 applications. The CCF Board of Directors agreed with the committee’s recommendations and approved grants to the following organizations selected for the strength of their leadership, finances and programs to receive flexible operating funding further their missions.

CCF SPRING 2025 GRANTS PROGRAM: PILOT FOR UNRESTRICTED/ OPERATING SUPPORT

Wintergarden Food Pantry at Wintergarden Presbyterian Church
Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic
Valerie’s House
United Way of Charlotte County
Punta Gorda Historical Society
Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society
Pregnancy Solutions
Peace River Wildlife Center
Peace River Community Housing Partners (PORCH)
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens
Military Heritage Museum
Meals on Wheels of Charlotte County
Girls on the Run of SWFL
Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida
Gilstad Literacy Foundation
Florida Philharmonic
Florida International Air Show
EPIC Community Resource Center
Environmental Conservancy of North Port and Surrounding Areas
Englewood Community Coalition
Drug Free Charlotte County
Do the Right Thing of Charlotte County
Charlotte HIV/AIDS People Support, Inc. (CHAPS)
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center
Charlotte County Healthy Start Coalition
Charlotte Chorale
Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies, Inc. (C.A.R.E.)
Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast

The unrestricted grants were funded by community members who have believed in supporting Charlotte County’s nonprofit sector by giving to CCF’s Community Impact Fund—aka the “Charlotte Forever” Fund.

Donors give to this general fund because they want to see the vibrancy of our community continue, and they know that means supporting nonprofits working across all of Charlotte County and serving all the focus areas that contribute to the quality of life here.

Scholarships

CCF awarded 65 recipients scholarships totaling $260,000 in awards for the 2025-26 academic year for post-secondary education and training at all levels, from trade certificates to graduate programs.

Scholarships were split between traditional students (high school graduating seniors) and adults who have been out of school at least two years, with many of those working adults in the health care field.

A committee chaired by Board Member Deelynn Bennett composed of 20 seasoned educators and health care professionals [text box or open to list attached] reviewed a record number of applications.

Many of the scholarship funds memorialize local residents, with the most significant fund established as a lasting legacy by Betty Conley Brooks and Robert Charles Brooks providing 30 awards—divided among students pursuing a technical school/certificate program, a two-year college/state school degree, and a four-year college/university degree.

The CCF Scholarship Fund for Charlotte County: Supporting Future Local Leaders Like Leo Wotitzky is the Foundation’s general fund—accepting gifts at any level—to increase support for the educational pursuits of CCPS graduates who are committed to working hard, helping others and serving the community—the lasting legacy of leadership by CCF’s founding member and first chairman.