Coral Gables Community Foundation Awards $182k in Grants to Deserving Local Non-profit Organizations

CORAL GABLES, FL (Thursday, October 30, 2025) – The Coral Gables Community Foundation today awarded $182,500 in community focused grants to non-profit organizations vital to preserving the quality of life in Coral Gables. The Community Giving Program is co-chaired by F. David Olazabal and Ashley Cusack. 

“These grants were selected to fill the greatest needs of the Coral Gables community,” said Cusack. “We believe these 16 grants are investments that have the potential to make South Florida a better place to live, work, learn, and play.”

The Community Giving Program recieved 180 letters of inquiry in March, narrowing the slate to 60 finalists reviewed by the Grants Committee, which then selected the final 16 recipients. Since its inception under the leadership of the late Foundation Board Chair Carlos Garcia in 2014, the program has awarded more than 400 grants totaling over $1.1 million to 158 organizations.

Community Foundation President Mauricio Vivero reflected, “At the heart of our mission is a commitment to listen to and respond to the needs of our community. These grants reflect what matters most to the people of Coral Gables — helping neighbors, supporting creativity, and strengthening the place we all call home.”

Vivero, along with Community Giving Committee Co-Chairs F. David Olazabal and Ashley Cusack, presented the grants before a packed gathering at The Gables Club on October 30.

Ed Williamson II, President and CEO of Williamson Auto Group, a proud presenting sponsor of the Grants Reception event, and a partner of the Foundation, shared his thoughts on the Foundation’s impact: “The Foundation does so many wonderful things, but what truly stands out is how much they do for Coral Gables itself. This is where the difference is felt.”

COMMUNITY GIVING PROGRAM

The Coral Gables Community Foundation Community Giving Program awards grants to deserving local non-profit organizations that address important local issues and serve those who live, work, play and learn in Coral Gables. The program’s focus areas are education; arts & culture; historic preservation & environment; and social & health services. The next opportunity to apply for grants will be open in the Summer of 2026.

Background: Browse grants from 2024| 2023| 2022| 2021. 

TRISTARR LIFELONG LEARNING FUND 

Because “not everyone’s life runs on the same track,” improving access to life-long learning opportunities is the generous promise of the Tristarr Lifelong Learning Fund at the Coral Gables Community Foundation. Adults who return to school to study career skills, citizenship, languages and cultural enrichment in Coral Gables and Miami-Dade County will benefit from a visionary, $75,000 gift. Local non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for grants in support of programs for adults who re-enroll in school. The fund made $75,000 in grants in 2023 and 2024 and this is its third cohort of grants.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP 

Those who would like to assist in supporting these organizations can donate to the Coral Gables Community Foundation safely and conveniently online at https://gablesfoundation.org/donate/.

Merrick Society:  The Community Grants Program would not be possible without the generous unrestricted, annual gifts made by community leaders and philanthropists who are part of the Merrick  Society. Merrick Society gifts help fund our Grant and Scholarship Programs. More on the Merrick Society is here: https://gablesfoundation.org/merrick-society/

ABOUT THE CORAL GABLES COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Established in 1991 by community leaders, the Coral Gables Community Foundation inspires impactful philanthropy through charitable funds and programs using local knowledge, expertise and trusted relationships.  More at www.GablesFoundation.org.

For more information or for media resources and interviews, please contact Marketing and Program Manager Robertson Adams, via robertson@gablesfoundation.org or 305-446-9670. 

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EDITORS / MEDIA:  For media resources and interviews, please contact Marketing and Program Manager Robertson Adams, via robertson@gablesfoundation.org or 305-446-9670.  

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2025 GRANTS  (Total: $182,500)