Community Grants: Frequently Asked Questions
In 2021, you used to have a Spring and a Fall Application Cycle. Can I wait to apply in the Fall?
This will be our only Community Giving grant application period for the year. We have transitioned to a single funding opportunity per year.
Our organization’s programs benefit all of South Florida including the Keys. Can we apply?
If Coral Gables residents, schools or organizations benefit directly, then go ahead.
Does my non-profit organization need to be headquartered in Coral Gables in order to receive funding?
No, but we need to see a substantial connection to our city; the program must include support for our residents, our students or our visitors.
What does the Foundation mean by “Placemaking, Historic Preservation & Environment?”
Strengthening the connection between people and the places they share, placemaking refers to a collaborative process by which we can shape our public realm in order to maximize shared value. Monitoring or improving water or air quality. Protecting Biscayne Bay.
Our religious organization has mission work in the community that has a primarily non-worship purpose. Is it eligible?
Non-worship activities that benefit the Coral Gables community may be considered.
What’s the typical amount paid by the Foundation in a grant? How much can we ask for?
In the past, most grants were often between $1,000 and $3,000 in size and there were about 50 to 70 grantees per year. This year, we expect 25 to 30 grants to be awarded, with a ‘sweet spot’ of 3,000 to 7,000. We may make a handful of larger ones. For comparison, last year there were 26 grants and the average was $3,800 per award.
How can I be prepared, before the application portal opens?
Here are the file uploads and text responses required for your application.
File uploads include: Completed form detailing your Project/program budget including expenses and revenues; IRS letter of determination indicating 501(c)(3) status; your board contact information; most recent IRS Form 990 (tax filing).
Text responses include: Brief organizational mission statement; description of why your organization is requesting these funds, what the funds will be used for and what outcomes we can expect; and how will Coral Gables Community Foundation’s contribution be acknowledged or recognized?
None of your responses or files should not be emailed. We don’t accept any applications by mail or in person.
Finally, if your organization is selected for an award, you’ll need to have your CEO sign a grant agreement and an IRS form W-2. Disclaimer: This list is not meant to be comprehensive and it may change.
When will we find out the status of our application?
You *will not* get a rejection notice, because these tend to cause confusion for organizations (many) which have submitted more than one application. For 2026 we expect to notify successful applicants and invite them to finalize in mid August.
My organization is a Fiscal Sponsorship Fund at a Community Foundation. How do I apply?
The best way is to include the name of the fund AND the foundation in the Organization Name field. For example “Save the Beaches (a fund at Key Biscayne Community Foundation)” Use the foundation’s EIN number.