Applications for Funding due October 13.

The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations for its “Up and Over, for the Keys” Grants Program. The Community Foundation will award grants of $5,000 to $20,000 each to 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofits for mission-building general operating and/or program support through a competitive grants process.

The deadline to apply is October 13 and the online application form is available at cffk.org/grants.

A diverse group of residents from all parts of Monroe County will be reviewing and scoring the funding requests. They are seeking grantees who demonstrate that if awarded, their grant will make a positive impact for residents of the Florida Keys and provide an unduplicated service aligned with the organization’s mission focus and area of expertise. The opportunity is intended to get the nonprofit “up and over” a current hurdle with a plan for funding going forward once the grant period ends.

“We have listened to the nonprofits who tell us they struggle with rising costs and need help with operating support for their primary work rather than creating new programs,” said Jennifer McComb, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. “We are joining other community foundations who are transitioning to become trust-based philanthropy partners with nonprofits.”

The Foundation will present grant checks to nonprofits in November. Grant guidelines and the application are available at cffk.org/grants. For assistance, contact Kevin Bowes at kevin@cffk.org or 305-809-4992.