More than $80,000 in grants have been made to 33 small organizations (listed below) through a special grantmaking program of The Community Foundation.
The one-time grants of up to $2,500 are provided to 501c3 organizations in our six-county area that have annual operating budgets of less than $150,000 a year.
“While large grants understandably get the most notice, small grants to grassroots nonprofits also achieve tremendous change,” said Janet Allen, Program Director. “We’re proud to provide much-needed funding in partnership with those working closely with their communities on a broad range of issues.”
This round of grants marks the fifth year of this funding program. In 2021, The Community Foundation opened a new grant category to invest in small and grassroots nonprofits for their community-based projects. The goal of this innovative grant category was to incubate the next generation of nonprofit leadership, invest in solutions most proximate to the communities served, and to provide tailored support for highly effective, volunteer-led nonprofits. Since 2021, more than 138 grants totaling $362,327 have been awarded.
The 33 organizations awarded grants in 2025 represent all six counties in Northeast Florida, including Baker, Clay, Putnam, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns, working on a range of issue areas, such as basic needs, youth engagement, young mothers, the arts, and veterans.
The Community Foundation has designed a special application process to support these largely volunteer-run organizations, which includes a one-on-one call with each eligible applicant.
“It was a privilege to meet with these organizations to see the passion and care for our community first hand,” said Reagan Bass, Program Officer. “I’d like to congratulate each one.”
The following is a list of nonprofits that were selected for 2025 grants, made possible by the Delores Barr Weaver Grassroots Grants Endowment, as well as seven other discretionary funds established by donors at The Community Foundation.
- Best-Richardson African Diaspora Literature and Culture Museum – to host the Gullah Geechee Ring Shouters as part of the 2025 African-American Heritage Weekend
- Bright Mind – to support volunteer recruitment and training for Street Care initiative in Northeast Florida
- First Coast Black Nurses Association – to support the Mini-Nurse Academy
- First Coast Urban Ag – to support programming at the agriculturally immersive Playgarden in the urban core
- Florida State Music Teachers Association – to support Northeast Florida students and teachers’ participation in masterclasses at the Unlocking Musical Treasures annual conference in October 2025
- God’s Infinity, Faithful and True – to support food purchases and pantry operations
- Grace Under the Oaks, Inc. – to support the purchase of an accessible mounting ramp for use during equine therapy for differently-abled riders
- Infinity Food Pantry, Inc. – to purchase food for pantry distribution in Northwest Jacksonville
- Jacksonville Tamil Mandram – to support community events, volunteer projects and a skills tournament for youth
- Jax Hope, Inc. – to support website enhancements to provide critical information for people with Parkinson’s disease
- JaxPlays, Inc. – to support community engagement tools designed to showcase live theatre activities for the public
- Jazz Discovery Series, Inc. – to support the masterclass for students by visiting artists
- Kelly’s Kids – to support the 2025 Spring Break Camp for 100 youth in Jacksonville
- Liam Lives Foundation, Inc. – to support the Maternal Safe Passage initiative training Doulas
- Lone Warrior Foundation – to provide financial assistance to single parents fighting cancer
- Love without Limits, Inc. – to support food and clothing purchases and storage costs for give-back events
- Lucky Cat Adoptions, Inc. – to support Community Outreach and the Trap-Neuter-Return program in low-income neighborhoods
- National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution – to support the development of an educational program for the Maria Jefferson St. Augustine Chapter’s “Liberty for All” project celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary
- P.S. Never Give Up Hope, Inc. – to support the Never Give Up housing program for women in crisis
- Project Chance, Inc. – to support veterinary care for 8 service dogs in training to support differently-abled individuals
- Protential Foundation – to support Passport to Prosperity youth development program
- Rakad Dance Camp – to support the Leadership Empowered Arts Program for students in Northeast Florida
- Seeds of Love Outreach, Inc. – to provide essential hygiene and cleaning baskets to residents in need
- Sidewalk Ministries – to support the supplies, snacks and meals for the school-age tutoring program at the Calloway Apartments in Section 8 public housing
- Silent Women Speaking Foundation, Inc. – to provide resources to mothers experiencing grief as a result of gun violence
- Step by Step 4 Help Foundation, Inc. – to support youth empowerment program by providing mentorship, enrichment, and family engagement events
- Subliminal Dreamz – to support youth mentoring and mental health services
- Supporting Individuals With Disabilities Foundation, Inc. – to support the fall family engagement event for people with disabilities and their caregivers
- Tristan’s Acceleration Academy Inc. – to support the Dollison Farm camping trip for 30 participants
- TRUE Youth Association – to support TRUE Youth Summer Enrichment Camp
- UNF Black Alumni Association, Inc – to support quarterly training and networking meetings to provide 19-24-year-old current and post graduate students the skills needed toward employment
- Village Improvement Association – to support two engagement programs for students in Green Cove Springs promoting college and career readiness
- Zellner Foundation for Military Vets – to support the Strengthen with Iron program serving disabled and PTSD-diagnosed veterans