A Positive Step of Monroe County – Idle Hands Summer Youth Program

APSMC’s Idle Hands Summer Youth Program provides at-risk high school students in the Lower Keys with paid summer jobs that build real-world work experience and essential career skills. Through mentorship, skill development, and exposure to diverse professions, students gain confidence, explore career paths, and stay engaged in their education. By fostering personal growth and strengthening community ties, the program prepares youth for future success while reducing the risk of dropout and disengagement.

Collaboration with: Key West High School  |  Focus Area: Youth Development  |  Region: Key West
Project Budget: $60,000 |  Funding Request: $20,000  |  Funded: $15,000  |  Remaining Request: $5,000

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Active Disabled Americans – Aqua Therapy

Working closely with Kinder in the Keys to expand our collective efforts and responsibilities to those we serve and the communities we live in. Aqua Healing plays a very important role in the emotional, spiritual and physical well being of all who’ve experience the wonder of what being on and in the water does provide, and to those we anticipating serving for years to come.

Collaboration with: Kinder in the Keys  |  Focus Area: Health & Human Services  |  Region: Upper Keys
Project Budget: $30,000 |  Funding Request: $30,000  |  Funded: $0  |  Remaining Request: $30,000

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AH of Monroe County – Food Matters: A Holistic Nutrition Program

Food security and proper nutrition are vital to AH Monroe’s mission of improving the health of Monroe County residents. The “Food Matters” initiative addresses this need through four core components:

• Access to free, nutritious foods for more than 260 households per month through our Key West food pantry
• Monthly $75 grocery vouchers for 90 low- income residents with significant medical conditions
• Nutrition-related referrals and case management support available for all 581 AH clients and tenants
• Series of hands-on nutrition education classes in partnership with SOS, available to all AH Monroe clients

This holistic approach empowers individuals and families to improve their health, reduce financial strain, and gain the tools needed for lifelong well-being. By meeting immediate food insecurity needs and setting the stage for long-term success, “Food Matters” helps stabilize lives and strengthens the overall health of our community.

Collaboration with: S.O.S. Foundation |  Focus Area: Health & Human Services  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $121,000 |  Funding Request: $30,000  |  Funded: $27,500 |  Remaining Request: $2,500

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Anchors Aweigh Club – Critical Facility Repair & Recovery Support Staffing

This grant request seeks $11,125.25 to address two critical needs: approximately $3,600 for professional repairs to cracks in the building foundation, ensuring the safety and longevity of the facility, and $7,525.25 to fund concession counter employee wages, which support daily operations and maintain a welcoming environment for members.

The funds will help Anchors Aweigh Club continue its unique role in the community, providing a trusted venue for recovery, facilitating referrals from judicial and community partners, and offering resources and support to vulnerable populations, including those facing homelessness, veterans, individuals with co-occurring disorders, and families supporting loved ones in recovery. All attendees remain anonymous, and all individuals seeking support are welcomed.

Focus Area: Health & Human Services  |  Region: Key West
Project Budget: $11,152 |  Funding Request: $11,152  |  Funded: $9,000 |  Remaining Request: $2,152

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Baptist Health South Florida Foundation – Patient Navigation Beyond the Bridge: Cancer Care Access Challenges

Oncology patients living in the Florida Keys face a unique set of challenges that create significant barriers to accessing timely and effective cancer care. The proposed Telemedicine Virtual Patient Navigation Program offers a comprehensive approach to addressing healthcare disparities in rural communities, more specifically in the Florida Keys. By leveraging technology and personalized support, the program aims to enhance access to care & improve health outcomes for Baptist Health Cancer Care patients in the Florida Keys.

Focus Area: Health & Human Services  |  Region: Lower Keys
Project Budget: $25,000 |  Funding Request: $25,000  |  Funded: $0  |  Remaining Request: $25,000

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Boys & Girls Clubs of the Keys Area – New Safe Van for Our Kids

Grant funds will be used towards the purchase of a new van. For the past two years, we have been spending excess money for repairs of our old vans and are in need of a new one. The van we need to replace is nearly 15 years old.
It is imperative that we have safe and reliable vehicles in which to transport our kids.

Focus Area: Youth Development  |  Region: Key West through Middle Keys
Project Budget: $70,000 |  Funding Request: $20,000  |  Funded: $15,000 |  Remaining Request: $5,000

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Burton Memorial United Methodist Church – Food Pantry Groceries and Meals

Our food pantry is unique in that it is open 2 days a week with a varied schedule to accommodate working adults and parents with children, and we are centrally located in the Upper Keys. Other food pantries are open 1 day a week and are at opposite ends of the Upper Keys. Our hours are Wednesday 9am-12pm and Thursday 5 pm-7 pm.  Our free community meal is on Thursdays. These varied hours allow families to access fresh produce and bread weekly, along with groceries once a month, based on family size. Other churches have meal offerings, scheduled so as to not duplicate services, thus providing more opportunity throughout the week to have a prepared meal. Our 2026 goal is to solicit, collect, organize, and distribute at least 200,000 pounds of groceries. and serve at least 4,500 meals.

Focus Area: Faith-Based  |  Region: Upper Keys
Project Budget: $40,000 |  Funding Request: $15,000  |  Funded: $13,500 |  Remaining Request: $1,500

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Clean Earth Initiative – Florida Keys Environmental Education Campaign

Our project will produce a professional film and educational event highlighting local nonprofits on the front lines of environmental and community work throughout the Keys. Through interviews and research, we aim to learn about the challenges these communities face, which can inform solutions to improve the lives of the Keys’ inhabitants. The project will also compile and present data to elected officials, ensuring community voices guide policy and environmental action.

Focus Area: Environment  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $30,000 |  Funding Request: $20,000  |  Funded: $0 |  Remaining Request: $20,000

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Conch Republic Marine Army – Battle for the Lower Keys continues…

Our grant will be used to fund operations at our newly donated location in the Lower Keys. We will maintain operations of our other boats in Marathon and Key West. The cost/trip is approximately $1,376.67. With a grant of $20,650.00, or $20,000 the grant will fund 15 trips which will sustain us through the end of April 2026.

Focus Area: Environment  |  Region: Lower Keys
Project Budget: $82,600 |  Funding Request: $20,000  |  Funded: $15,000 |  Remaining Request: $5,000

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Connie Gilbert Scholarships – Women Supporting Women in the Florida Keys

In seeking the grant, it is our goal to award an increased number of funding to female identifying women throughout the Florida Keys. These funds support an opportunity to further their goals through education, certification or specific licensing, to build confidence and hope.

Focus Area: Scholarship  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $5,000 |  Funding Request: $5,000  |  Funded: $0  |  Remaining Request: $5,000

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Coral Restoration Foundation – Coral Reefs and You: Transforming Education into Ecosystem Impact

Local socioeconomic conditions depend on the reef, yet many working residents of Monroe County—designated as under-served under Executive Order 13985—are excluded from the benefits of their local reefs. Coral Reefs & You is a multi-year education initiative from CRF to engage every 5th, 8th, & 12th-grade student (6,000+) in Monroe County with state-aligned lessons & reef field experiences that explore the social, economic, & ecological importance of Florida’s reefs. Designed by CRF staff & taught with trained college interns, the program fosters environmental stewardship across generations. Launched in 2024, it reached 1,434 students in its first year, delivering 250+ hours of classroom instruction & engaging 444 students & chaperons in snorkeling trips. Moving into the second year of the project, all materials have been translated into Spanish & Haitian Creole to provide equitable access. This initiative received county-wide support & a formal endorsement from the Superintendent. 

Collaboration with: Monroe County Schools and US Environmental Protection Agency
Focus Area: Environment  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $237,000 |  Funding Request: $10,000  |  Funded: $5,000  |  Remaining Request: $5,000

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Dance Key West – DKW Dance + Technique: Workshop for Kids

Dance Key West presents DKW Dance + Technique, a free workshop series introducing children ages 4-17 to the art of dance. Each workshop will consist of four weekly classes (per age group) per month, three times per year. Dance styles will include ballet, tap, jazz, and more! Dance Key West believes physical movement is imperative to good health and that every creative voice deserves to be nurtured.

Focus Area: Youth Development  |  Region: Key West
Project Budget: $11,100 |  Funding Request: $11,100  |  Funded: $0 |  Remaining Request: $11,100

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Dolphin Life (Formerly Dolphins Plus Oceanside Marine Mammal Responder) – Dolphin Discovery Pass: Connecting Keys Students to Ocean Stewardship

The Dolphin Discovery Pass project will open the doors of marine science to every child in Monroe County by providing a pass for free admission to the ‘Explorashorium’ Interactive Museum and Dolphin Life Key Largo for each student (and an accompanying guardian). The Dolphin Discovery Pass project will also create a free spring lecture series for families and the wider community – blending music, art, and marine science to further engage the community in protecting dolphins, whales, and their ocean home. The initiative seeks to collaborate with local educators, schools, artists, and musicians to curate innovative programming that blend science and storytelling, bringing marine mammal conservation to life for residents

Focus Area: Youth Development |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $9,750 |  Funding Request: $9,750  |  Funded: $0 |  Remaining Request: $9,750

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Domestic Abuse Shelter – Hope and Safety for Domestic Violence Survivors

Within the current environment DAS has lost considerable funding cuts from federal, state and local funders. Given these cuts we have had to make many modifications to our operating line items in order to survive. We frequently have to keep moving things around just to meet our day to day expenses. This request is to supplement those changes in order to be able to continue you the much needed services to survivors of domestic violence, providing them hope, safety and security.

Focus Area: Health and Human Services  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $20,000 |  Funding Request: $20,000  |  Funded: $15,000 |  Remaining Request: $5,000

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DownsTown Foundation – DownsTown Bakery

DownsTown Foundation empowers adults with Down syndrome through a bakery-based workforce training program that fosters independence and job readiness. With support, we will expand our capacity to launch training in baking, customer service, and business operations, creating inclusive employment pathways and stronger community connections in South Florida.

Focus Area: Health and Human Services  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $1,000,000 |  Funding Request: $5,000  |  Funded: $0  |  Remaining Request: $5,000

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employU – Keys to the Future: Inclusive Career Camps for Youth with Disabilities

EmployU will expand its successful Career Camp model in Monroe County by offering two seasonal programs for youth and young adults with disabilities. In Summer 2026, a five-day, 30-hour Career Camp will immerse participants in Hospitality & Tourism through industry field trips, work readiness training, and guest speakers certified in unique fields. A new Winter Accelerator Camp will provide a condensed, four-day, 20-hour program to broaden access and sustain engagement year-round. Together, these camps will introduce students to career pathways in hospitality, eco-tourism, and marine industries, equipping them with the skills and confidence to pursue meaningful employment in the Florida Keys.

Focus Area: Youth Development |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $32,409 |  Funding Request: $15,000  |  Funded: $0  |  Remaining Request: $15,000

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Florida Bay Forever Save Our Waters – Strengthening Community Stewardship of Florida Bay

Continue and expand our programs that connect Monroe County residents to the health of Florida Bay through education, science, and community engagement. The grant will support hands-on learning—including mangrove restoration and water quality testing—alongside state standard curriculum focused on environmental topics created by educators, and an adult community speaker series. The project will also create direct environmental impact by restoring mangroves to shorelines, strengthening the estuary, and improving the long-term health of Florida Bay. Together, these efforts build knowledge, inspire stewardship, and promote resilient ecosystems and communities.

Collaboration with: Lower Keys Guides Association (LKGA), MARC, Theater of the Sea, the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter (FKCS), and the Wild Bird Center  |  Focus Area: Environment  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $45,461 |  Funding Request: $20,000  |  Funded: $0 | Remaining Request: $20,000

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Florida Council on Economic Education – Financial Literacy Professional Learning for Educators 2026

The Florida Council on Economic Education (FCEE) will deliver professional learning for educators in the Florida Keys, where schools face rising demands to equip students with real-world financial skills amidst high local costs of living and economic disparities. Through tailored sessions for K–8 and 9–12 teachers, we will provide strategies and curriculum resources to integrate financial literacy into core instruction. In addition to these local workshops, we will provide five scholarships that cover admission, travel, lodging, and a stipend for educators to attend FCEE’s statewide Financial Literacy Summit, where they will return with enhanced skills, new resources, and actionable strategies to strengthen financial education in their classrooms.

Focus Area: Education  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $17,275 |  Funding Request: $17,275  |  Funded: $0 |  Remaining Request: $17,275

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Florida Keys Children’s Shelter – FKCS Empowering Our Youth: Growing Through Recreational, Educational, and Life Skills Experiences

This grant proposal seeks funding to provide at-risk youth, ages 10-17, with access to our free Jelsema Camp Program, designed to foster personal growth through educational, recreational, and life skills activities. The program aims to empower participants by building resilience, enhancing academic confidence, and promoting healthy social development in a supportive, nurturing environment. By offering engaging experiences, these camps will help youth overcome challenges and build a foundation for a brighter future.

Focus Area: Youth Development  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $28,256 |  Funding Request: $20,000  |  Funded: $15,000  |  Remaining Request: $5,000

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Florida Keys Community Concert Band – Music by the Masters

The Keys Community Concert Band is filled with folks who love to make music!  Most are “old band geeks” who still have a passion to perform great band music.  Sousa!   The CFFK grant would help finance private (and small group) lessons for children from 10 to 16, the most formative years for music composition, exploration and performance.  Members of the Community Band would meet numerous times with students to teach, reinforcing skills and introducing new music styles and interpretation.  The grant would also provide much needed equipment (tuners, music, etc) for each student.  The remaining funds would be spent getting students out in the community to perform for various venues (retirement centers, pre-K programs, etc).

Collaboration with: Key Largo School, Plantation Key School, Coral Shores High School
Focus Area: Music |  Region: Upper Keys
Project Budget: $3,000 |  Funding Request: $3,000  |  Funded: $1,500  |  Remaining Request: $1,500

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Florida Keys Council of the Arts – Connecting the Keys with Arts & Culture – Partnering in Paradise

Our Connections Series aims to build and broaden our Keys’ audience for our signature Connections Project which promotes Keys’ visual and performing artists. Cultural tourism is the main component of our thriving economy and quality of life. We will bring the art and music to the dynamic business communities in each region with our expanded partnerships with the Chambers of Commerce. This series will enhance the careers of our artists, (our main focus) and build community by connecting audiences to artists living and working in the Keys.

Collaboration with: The 5 Keys’ Chambers of Commerce  |  Focus Area: Arts  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $30,000 |  Funding Request: $30,000  |  Funded: $10,380 |  Remaining Request: $19,620

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Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition – Healthy Babies Program

The Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition’s Healthy Babies Program provides families with comprehensive support from pregnancy through postpartum, addressing physical, emotional, and social needs. This proposal seeks funding to sustain and integrate three essential supports—labor doula care, postpartum doula services, and perinatal/postpartum mental health counseling. These essential supports provide trusted guidance, skilled care, and emotional support during one of life’s most vulnerable transitions, helping families across the Keys thrive.

Collaboration with: Womankind and Lower Keys Medical Center
Focus Area: Health and Human Services |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $392,500 |  Funding Request: $20,000  |  Funded: $15,000  |  Remaining Request: $5,000

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Florida Keys History & Discovery Foundation – Youth Camp Initiative

FKHDC seeks funding to provide full-day educational camps for youth outside of school for our local families during summer and hopefully spring. We aim to offer  full scholarships, ensuring accessibility for local workforce families. With community support, we will create a supportive environment that fosters academic growth and community youth engagement.

Focus Area: Youth Development |  Focus Area: Upper Keys
Project Budget: $20,000 |  Funding Request: $20,000  |  Funded: $10,000  |  Remaining Request: $10,000

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Florida Keys Outreach Coalition – Peacock Supportive Living: Stable Housing and Mental Health Support

The Peacock Program provides permanent supportive housing for 35 homeless adults living with severe mental illness. Through safe and stable housing, on-site case management, and wraparound services, the program helps clients stabilize their lives, access critical care, and integrate into the community. As the only such program in Key West, grant funding will sustain these essential housing and support services, ensuring some of our most vulnerable neighbors continue to have a safe place to live and the support they need to thrive.

Collaboration with: Rural Health Network  | Focus Area: Affordable Housing/Shelter  |  Region: Key West
Project Budget: $420,239 |  Funding Request: $30,000  |  Funded: $27,500 |  Remaining Request: $2,500

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Florida Keys SPCA – Safe Haven: Emergency Pet Boarding for Families in Crisis

The Florida Keys SPCA seeks $15,000 to expand our successful Safe Haven program providing safe, confidential shelter for pets belonging to families in crisis. Currently, Safe Haven protects the pets of domestic violence survivors. With this grant, we will also shelter the pets of residents experiencing sudden medical emergencies who must be transported to the mainland for treatment. At an average cost of $80 per day per pet and an average stay of 2–4 weeks, this funding will provide compassionate care for 12–15 pets annually; ensuring families can focus on healing and safety without the fear of losing their beloved animals. By protecting both people and pets during their most vulnerable times, Safe Haven strengthens community resilience and makes the Florida Keys a better, more compassionate place to live.

Collaboration with: Samuel’s House, Domestic Abuse Shelter  | Focus Area: Animals  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $15,000 |  Funding Request: $15,000  |  Funded: $0 |  Remaining Request: $15,000

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Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center – Diagnostic Equipment for Wild Bird Hospital

The Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center needs support to purchase diagnostic medical equipment for the wild bird hospital. Diagnostic equipment will enable staff to provide better medical care to the 1,000 patients treated annually. Equipment includes 3 machines to analyze blood and run bloodwork in house.

Focus Area: Animals  |  Region: Upper Keys
Project Budget: $6,650 |  Funding Request: $6,650  |  Funded: $3,325   |  Remaining Request: $3,325

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Friends of Monroe County Upper Keys Parks and Beaches – Neighbors in the Park-A Gathering of Community in the Upper Keys

We are seeking $5,000 to host a free community outreach event featuring a movie night at Key Largo Community Park that will bring residents together for an evening of connection and family fun. This event will provide an evening of unity while highlighting the amenities of Key Largo Community Park and providing information on other parks and beaches available to our residents. Funds will cover event insurance, movie rights, event equipment and materials for activities.

Focus Area: General Philanthropy  |  Region: Upper Keys
Project Budget: $5,000 |  Funding Request: $5,000  |  Funded: $0 |  Remaining Request: $5,000

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Friends of Pennekamp – State Parks in Your Backyard: Strengthening Community Engagement

Friends of John Pennekamp wants to connect more Monroe County residents with the natural and cultural treasures of their state parks. With your support, we can remove financial and logistical barriers so residents can explore the Delicate Balance of Nature lecture series, families can gather around weekly winter campfires, and neighbors can bring home native plants to nurture. This investment ensures more residents can learn, celebrate, and care for the unique environment that defines our community, so that the state parks aren’t just to bring visitors, but cherished places locals can recharge and connect, both with nature and each other.

Focus Area: Environment  |  Region: Upper Keys
Project Budget: $11,450 |  Funding Request: $11,450  |  Funded: $0 |  Remaining Request: $11,450

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Growing Hope Foundation – Reviving & Expanding Youth Education at Grimal Grove

Now that Monroe County has officially recognized Grimal Grove as an existing institutional use and the site of the only Tropical Fruit Education and Research Center in the Florida Keys, Growing Hope is excited to revive and expand youth programming at the grove. With this new designation, Growing Hope aims to strengthen current partnerships, build new educational collaborations, and create impactful, hands-on learning experiences for youth across the region.

Collaboration with: Monroe County Schools, Boy Scouts of America  |  Focus Area: Education  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $9,400 |  Funding Request: $5,000 |  Funded: $2,500   |  Remaining Request: $2,500

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Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys – Poinsettia 4-Plex (1 Home Foundation)

The Poinsettia 4-Plex will provide four energy-efficient, elevated single-family homes in Key Largo for Low-Median income families. Each home will be phase-built to meet Monroe County codes and Habitat International standards, offering long-term affordability and stability. This grant will serve to construct the foundation for the first of four homes.

Collaboration with: Monroe County BOCC  |  Focus Area: Affordable Housing/Shelter  |  Region: Upper Keys
Project Budget: $1,444,000 |  Funding Request: $20,000 |  Funded: $15,000   |  Remaining Request: $5,000

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Helping Hands of the Florida Keys – Initial Operations

In two to three sentences, we are brand new at this but we are constantly faced with request for needs facing working class families. We have spent our lives growing up in Key West which has given us advantage that many other operational organizations do not have. We work with those that are in need, we sit in the stands at football and baseball games. This grant will primarily be used to help with our annual Christmas toy drive.

Focus Area: General Philanthropy  |  Region: Key West
Project Budget: $5,000 |  Funding Request: $5,000 |  Funded: $0  |  Remaining Request: $5,000

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Hometown Key West – Civic Power: Election 2026

CIVIC POWER: Election 2026 will empower voters and candidates in Key West and Monroe County through trusted, nonpartisan forums, debates, and outreach that strengthen civic participation. These events bring citizens and candidates face-to-face, creating opportunities for fair campaigning, open dialogue, and informed decision-making. By providing an unbiased space, voters can cut through the noise, understand the issues, and evaluate those who seek to lead their community. Informed voters can then choose who will represent them on issues ranging from housing and public services to the environment and the economy. Ultimately, CIVIC POWER: Election 2026 will foster participation, model respectful dialogue, strengthen civic engagement, and build trust in the democratic process.

Focus Area: Civil Rights/Advocacy  |  Region: Key West
Project Budget: $17,600 |  Funding Request: $17,600 |  Funded: $3,000 |  Remaining Request: $14,600

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I CARE – Supporting Local Participation in Coral Reef Restoration Activities

I.CARE proposes to use grant funds to support Monroe County residents’ participation in coral and sponge restoration activities. The funding would provide up to 235 paid spots on local recreational dive boats, offering divers hands-on experience in marine conservation while supporting the local dive industry. Each participant will complete an educational training session covering the ecological importance of corals and sponges, the threats they face, and best practices for restoration, an initiative that fosters community engagement, environmental stewardship, and economic benefit for our coastal community.

Collaboration with: Reef Renewal, Mote Marine Laboratory, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Focus Area: Environment  |  Region: Monroe County
Project Budget: $19,975 |  Funding Request: $19,975 |  Funded: $5,000 |  Remaining Request: $14,975

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Island Dolphin Care – Dolphin-Assisted Therapy Programs for Monroe County Residents

Island Dolphin Care’s (IDC) programs are designed to provide dolphin-assisted, therapeutic intervention to children (3+ years old) and adults with disabilities, illnesses, and unique challenges. IDC provides individual family programs as well as group therapy programs to local, nonprofit organizations. Our goal is to be able to offer more specialized programs to Monroe County residents that would otherwise be unable to attend due to financial constraints.

Focus Area: Health and Human Services  |  Region: Monroe County
Project Budget: $20,000 |  Funding Request: $20,000 |  Funded: $0 |  Remaining Request: $20,000

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Jose Wejebe Memorial Foundation – Casting Futures: Inspiring Florida Keys Youth Through Fishing

The Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Memorial Foundation seeks support to bring local Florida Keys youth on the water for guided fishing and marine conservation experiences. By inspiring the next generation of anglers, we instill the understanding and care needed to conserve our ocean resources, while also giving kids the chance to get outside, disconnect from devices, and connect with nature and community. These experiences create lasting memories, build confidence, and carry forward a culture of giving back and conservation in the Keys.

Focus Area: Youth Development  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $26,150 |  Funding Request: $20,000  |  Funded: $10,000 | Remaining Request: $10,000

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Key West Art Center – Expansion of ArtSpark Program

We are seeking funding to expand ArtSpark, our youth art education program that partners students with professional working artists for hands-on instruction in a professional gallery setting. Building on our current successful collaboration with Somerset Island Prep, the expansion will add monthly after-school art classes for students from CFK Academy High School. The program nurtures creative confidence, strengthens artistic skills, and connects students to Key West’s vibrant arts community, ensuring the island’s legacy as a city of artists continues into the next generation.

Collaboration with: Somerset Island Prep  |  Focus Area: Arts  |  Region: Key West
Project Budget: $41,000 |  Funding Request: $30,000  |  Funded: $9,000 |  Remaining Request: $21,000

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Key West Community Sailing Center – Connecting the Keys Through Competitive Sailing

KWCSC is seeking $30,000 to purchase three (3) new C420s, which are ~14’ two-person sailboats, the standard vessel for high school and college age sailing around the country through school teams and social clubs. By providing new C420 sailboats and a strategic collaboration with Somerset Academy, providing transportation throughout the Keys, KWCSC will give sailors the resources they need to compete confidently with peers across the state and nation, while ensuring a high standard of safety on the water. This investment will boost morale, skill development, and participation, helping establish a sustainable program that connects the Keys through competitive sailing.

Collaboration with: Somerset Island Prep  |  Focus Area: Youth Development   |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $36,000 |  Funding Request: $30,000  |  Funded: $0 |  Remaining Request: $30,000

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Key West Cultural Preservation Society – Sunset Celebration Marketing Program

We wish to empower the performing and vending artistic community of the Sunset Celebration,  by using an advertising campaign to promote the event and to enhance their earning potential. We are the largest free public nightly arts and performance festival in south Florida, and we propose a targeted campaign in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of marketing in bringing attention back to the Sunset Celebration. We believe once the program has been demonstrated and proven successful we will better be able to justify funding it moving forward. 

Focus Area: Arts  |  Region: Key West
Project Budget: $20,000 |  Funding Request: $20,000  |  Funded: $0 |  Remaining Request: $20,000

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Key West Preschool Cooperative – Shady Days, Safe Plays

The Key West Preschool Cooperative seeks funding to create a safer, healthier outdoor learning environment by installing permanent sunshades and replacing the deteriorating sand surface, which has become unsafe due to stray cats using it as a litter box. This project will provide children with a shaded, sanitary, and sustainable play area, ensuring daily outdoor activity in our subtropical climate while protecting their health and well-being.

Focus Area: Education  |  Region: Key West
Project Budget: $15,500 |  Funding Request: $10,000  |  Funded: $5,000 |  Remaining Request: $5,000

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Key West Track & Field Club – Keys to Athletic Success: Empowering Youth Through Coaching & Competition

The Key West Track & Field Club seeks funding to support Pole Vault in Paradise, a unique youth-focused athletic event held in conjunction with the Run for Paradise 5K, and to expand free year-round coaching programs for students across the Lower Keys. The grant will help cover event operations, travel for youth athletes to elite competitions, equipment upgrades, and coaching support. This initiative strengthens the local athletic pipeline, increases access to quality sports programming, and builds a healthier, more connected community.

Collaboration with: Key West High School  |  Focus Area: Youth Development  |  Region: Key West
Project Budget: $63,000 |  Funding Request: $25,000  |  Funded: $0 |  Remaining Request: $25,000

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Keys Area Interdenominational Resources (KAIR) – Helping Keys Workers and Families Stay in our Community

KAIR meets with families who are requesting help with start-up costs to obtain housing. A budget will be completed to determine whether they can sustain that rent amount going forward. Current spending trends will be reviewed to see where spending could be reduced. Resources are reviewed to see if there are ways to increase their available income or services. All supporting documentation is gathered and reviewed. KAIR makes contact with the landlord to ensure that they will not only accept our help but may be willing to reduce the start-up costs. KAIR attempts to determine the extent of the landlord’s good faith as well as the client’s. Clients often get approved for an apartment that fits within their budget but they do not have the security deposit and first and last month’s rent that is required before move-in. Often, the client works with KAIR staff to trim their budget to make it more likely to be successful.

Collaboration with: FKOC, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, AH Monroe, Samuel’s House, Independence Cay
Focus Area: Health and Human Services |  Region: Middle Keys
Project Budget: $10,000 |  Funding Request: $10,000  |  Funded: $5,000 |  Remaining Request: $5,000

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Keys Community School of the Arts – The After School Music Enrichment Program

The After-School Music Enrichment Program is designed to provide accessible, high-quality music education to students in grades K–12 through three core offerings: a Youth Orchestra, a Choir Program, and a Drum Academy. Funding is requested to support staffing, instruments, transportation, instructional materials, and performance opportunities. The program will reduce barriers to arts education, foster creativity and discipline, and build cultural and community pride.

Focus Area: Arts |  Region: Key West
Project Budget: $30,000 |  Funding Request: $30,000  |  Funded: $9,000  |  Remaining Request: $21,000

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Keys Health Ready Coalition – Expanding Health Resilience Through Proven Preparedness Training

The RQI (Resuscitation Quality Improvement) project is vital to improving emergency preparedness throughout Monroe County by offering ongoing, hands-on CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) training to first responders and community members. This program ensures that those responding to emergencies maintain high-quality, life-saving skills through quarterly training, addressing the skill decay seen with traditional biannual certification methods. By expanding the program to include strategic community members and additional first responders, this initiative will enhance the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors, ensuring more individuals are prepared to act swiftly in life-threatening situations. By fostering a strong partnership with Public Health, KHRC feels that program visibility and strategic identification of those in need of life-saving skills will drastically increase preparedness and resilience countywide.

Collaboration with: Florida Department of Health |  Focus Area: Health and Human Services  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $26,500 |  Funding Request: $26,500  |  Funded: $13,250 | Remaining Request: $13,250

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Keys to Be the Change – Mentors Optimizing Reading Excellence: MORE Literacy Project

The MORE Literacy Program provides 74 reading mentors  as well as two Success Coaches to over 270 children, youth and adults in our community who are either reluctant readers K-5 (identified as reading at least 6 months behind grade level) or English Language Learners who are given the opportunity to engage in learning conversational English during school hours and in the evenings.

Collaboration with: Monroe County School District  |  Focus Area: Youth Development   |  Region: KW & Lower Keys
Project Budget: $17,500 |  Funding Request: $10,000  |  Funded: $5,000 |  Remaining Request: $5,000

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Kids Come First In the Florida Keys – Salary Assistance, Supplies & Basic Needs

Kid Come First respectfully requests a grant award in the amount of $21,000.00 to fund the following:

• Salary Assistance:  15% of the Executive Director salary (the only paid employee at KCF) OR $9,750.00
• School / Hygiene / Basic Need Supplies:  Clothes, shoes, socks, uniforms, paper, pencils, crayons, backpacks, water bottles, etc. / OR $7,500.00 (100 students at $75 / child)
• Nutritional Support:  Food assistance for families in need during school recess times; Holidays (December), Spring Break (March/April) and Summer (June/July) / OR $3,750.00 (75 families @ $50 /child)

Collaboration with: Samuel’s House, Monroe County Sheriff’s Department
Focus Area: Health & Human Services   |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $21,000 |  Funding Request: $21,000  |  Funded: $10,500  |  Remaining Request: $10,500

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Last Stand – Building Community Resilience Through Environmental Literacy

This initiative will enhance community resilience and long-term wellbeing in the Florida Keys by addressing a critical gap in locally tailored environmental literacy. Through a digital education toolkit and multi-channel campaign, the project will provide accessible, science-based resources that explore the unique environmental systems of the Keys, the pressures they face, and proven, community-driven strategies—such as nature-based solutions and green infrastructure—that can mitigate these threats. By increasing environmental awareness, building civic literacy, and fostering a culture of stewardship, this initiative will empower residents to move from concern to informed action, strengthening the community’s capacity build a brighter, more sustainable future.

Focus Area: Environment  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $10,860  |  Funding Request: $10,000 |  Funded: $3,000  |  Remaining Request: $7,000

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Literacy Volunteers of America – Making The Keys A Better Place Project

Everyone invested in being here wants to make the Keys a better place to live. We join five non-profits (see collaborators) for this project, plus the Keys Citizen, which donates the newspaper boxes we retrofit with roofs to become little free libraries. Each partner does a different good thing in our community already, (literacy provider, glasses provider, curriculum and preservation advisor, homeless services provider, community center, newspaper box provider); this project connects all partners more closely through the addition of one shared staff person and expands the Little Library program.

Collaboration with: Literacy Volunteers, Dr. Jose Sanchez Lions Eye Clinic, Old Island Restoration Foundation, Key West Lions Club, Key West Homeless Coalition |  Focus Area: Literacy  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $43,985  |  Funding Request: $29,985 |  Funded: $14,993  | Remaining Request: $14,993

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Love The Everglades Movement – Everglades Earth Cycle

Everglades Earth Cycle (EEC) will extend into the Keys by creating a local composting loop that transforms food scraps and yard waste into rich soil amendments, reducing the need for costly long-haul waste transport. The Keys face some of the highest waste hauling prices in the country, while simultaneously struggling against soil erosion and fish population concerns due to eutrophication. The EEC addresses both issues by reducing waste costs, restoring soils, and mitigating agricultural practices that harm fish populations. Together we can turn these challenges into opportunities for resilience and sustainability.

Collaboration with: Monroe County, Sereia Films |  Focus Area: Environment  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $67,326 |  Funding Request: $20,000 |  Funded: $0  |  Remaining Request: $20,000

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Marathon Wild Bird Center – Grant Proposal: Enhancing Wild Bird Rescue and Rehabilitation with a Dedicated Transport Vehicle

The MWBC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured wild birds in the Middle Keys and surrounding areas. Each year, we respond to hundreds of calls, providing vital care and education to the community. Reliable transportation is essential for our mission, as we currently rely on personal vehicles, which limits our ability to respond quickly and conduct outreach programs effectively. We are seeking funding to purchase a dedicated work vehicle for MWBC, which will enhance our impact, improve animal welfare, and strengthen community engagement in wildlife conservation. Your support is crucial to making this resource a reality.

If securing funding for a transportation vehicle is not feasible through CFFK, Kelly urgently needs a part-time assistant to help with the day-to-day operations of the Marathon Wild Bird Center. I understand that this application is a last-minute submission, but can provide back-up supporting details if needed

Focus Area: Animals  |  Region: Middle Keys
Project Budget: $30,735 |  Funding Request: $30,000 |  Funded: $20,000  |  Remaining Request: $10,000

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Marathon Yacht Club Educational Foundation – Floating Dock Grant Request

Middle Keys Sailing is requesting funding in the amount of $13,212 to support a floating modular dock system.  Middle Keys Sailing recently received a donation of four C420 Sailboats which weight 230 pounds and are too heavy for our youth sailors to launch safely.  We are requesting funds to install a floating modular dock system to allow for easy launch and retrieval for our sailors and instructors.

Focus Area: Youth Development  |  Region: Middle Keys
Project Budget: $13,212 |  Funding Request: $13,212 |  Funded: $5,000  |  Remaining Request: $8,212

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MarineLab/Marine Resources Development Foundation – 2026 MarineLab Summer Camp Scholarships

Our goal is to offer camp scholarships so Monroe County children whose families cannot afford camp can attend MarineLab’s week long marine science summer camp at no or reduced cost. Our camps include boat-based field trips, hands-on activities, lunch and a snack.

Focus Area: Youth Development  |  Region: Monroe County
Project Budget: $10,000  |  Funding Request: $10,000  |  Funded: $5,000  |  Remaining Request: $5,000

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May Sands Montessori School – History Comes Alive

Our grant proposal seeks funding to support History Comes Alive, a partnership with the Key West Art & Historical Society that provides weekly interactive history lessons for our students. Grant funds will cover instructor costs and materials, as well as support a culminating field study trip to Boston, Massachusetts, offering students a hands-on, immersive experience that brings American history to life.

Collaboration with: Key West Art & Historical Society |  Focus Area: Education  |  Region: Key West
Project Budget: $30,000  |  Funding Request: $20,000 |  Funded: $0  |  Remaining Request: $20,000

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Montessori Children’s School of Key West – Expanding our Reach

This grant would be used for additional scholarships for income eligible families to expand our diversity and outreach in the community. Florida tax funded private school scholarships do not cover the full tuition of a student’s education and thus limit the availability of some of our community’s families to send their children to Montessori Children’s School. Families are still left with a balance due of $4,000 – $5000 for school year. In order to reach a more diverse portion of our community we would like to be able to offer 5-10 families additional scholarship funds.

Collaboration with: Step Up for Students |  Focus Area: Scholarships  |  Region: Key West
Project Budget: $20,000  |  Funding Request: $20,000 |  Funded: $0  |  Remaining Request: $20,000

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Morada Way Arts & Cultural District – Empowering Local Artists and Connecting the Community Through the Arts

To directly support MWACD’s creative programs, operations, and capacity to provide affordable studio and gallery space for artists, while enriching the community with cultural events and programing. Our goal is to create a thriving artistic and cultural economic hub for creatives and visitors alike where they can come attend classes, workshops, exhibitions, and more.

Focus Area: Arts  |  Region: Upper Keys
Project Budget: $15,000 |  Funding Request: $15,000  |  Funded: $4,500  |  Remaining Request: $10,500

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Mote Marine Laboratory – Empowering Monroe County Through Accessible Coral Restoration

This project will provide fully sponsored access to coral conservation dive and snorkel programs for Monroe County residents from Key Largo to Key West. By removing financial barriers, participants will gain hands-on experience in reef restoration while strengthening their cultural and economic connection to the Florida Reef Tract, which sustains 20,000 jobs and $2 billion in annual economic value. Leveraging Mote’s world-class coral restoration laboratories and dive shop partnerships, the program will nurture future environmental stewards and citizen scientists,  opening pathways for Florida Keys locals to get involved in future marine conservation work in hopes of making the Keys a better place to live now and in the future.

Focus Area: Environment  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $20,000  |  Funding Request: $20,000 |  Funded: $10,000  |  Remaining Request: $10,000

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MPL Sports – Youth Soccer Programs

MPL Sports is requesting $20,000 to support a year-round expansion of youth soccer programs in the Upper Keys, directly serving over 325 players and their families. Funds will propel essential needs like new equipment and new program supplies, storage infrastructure, uniforms, age specific leagues, player support and seasonal camp(s) growth, ensuring we meet our rising local demand while also strengthening access and unifying our community. This support will allow us to operate Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer sessions, while continuing to operate programs safely, efficiently and preserving accessibility for working families in the Upper Keys.

Focus Area: Youth Development  |  Region: Upper Keys
Project Budget: $48,330 |  Funding Request: $20,000 |  Funded: $0  |  Remaining Request: $20,000

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NAMI Miami-Dade County – Bridging Hope: Upper Keys Mental Health Outreach

NAMI is expanding outreach to under-served communities in the Upper Keys and Tavernier, where access to mental health resources remains limited. Through targeted outreach, NAMI 101 presentations, QPR suicide prevention trainings, and community events, we aim to connect at least 2,500 residents with life-saving information and support. This initiative builds on collaborations with the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County and trusted local venues such as libraries and churches, ensuring culturally responsive and accessible programming. With funding already secured from other sources, we are requesting $20,000 to strengthen outreach staffing, cover event space and materials, and provide vital resources that will reduce stigma, increase awareness, and promote recovery.

Focus Area: Health and Human Services  |  Region: Upper Keys
Project Budget: $44,500 |  Funding Request: $20,000 |  Funded: $0  |  Remaining Request: $20,000

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National Marine Sanctuary Foundation – Sanctuary Guardians: Building a Resilient Future for the Florida Keys through Regenerative Tourism

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation aims to engage visitors to the Florida Keys in tourism experiences that enhance both the local environment and economy through our new program, Sanctuary Guardians. Sanctuary Guardians is hosted through an online platform, providing education and resources that connect visitors to businesses and activities that contribute to a brighter future for the Florida Keys and showcasing a growing network of marine conservation and education partners engaging in regenerative tourism activities. The program will be promoted through displays at visitor centers, including the Key West Eco Discovery Center, and through an online marketing campaign.

Focus Area: Environment  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $70,000 |  Funding Request: $19,940 |  Funded: $0  |  Remaining Request: $19,940

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Navy League Key West Council – Support for US Naval Sea Cadet Corps

To provide the funds for underprivileged Key West youth to participate in the extracurricular events available to them by being part of the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps or the Navy JROTC program. This would allow these youths to participate in seminars, camps, and certification programs that their more financially stable peers are able to participate in. These opportunities not only benefit the youth but also benefit the community through volunteering and leadership training.

Focus Area: Youth Development  |  Region: Key West
Project Budget: $20,000 |  Funding Request: $20,000 |  Funded: $10,000  |  Remaining Request: $10,000

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Ocean Dreams Cancer Healing Center – Creating a Fully Accessible and Supportive Facility

Florida Keys Lodge No. 336, Free and Accepted Masons, seeks support to repair the elevator and modernize the kitchen facilities, ensuring the building remains safe, accessible, and functional for all who use it. These upgrades will expand Ocean Dreams Cancer Healing Centers’ capacity to host community programs, provide a welcoming space for civic and charitable activities, and better serve seniors and individuals with mobility challenges. By investing in these improvements, you will help preserve an important community gathering place and strengthen the resources available to the Lodge members, residents and nonprofits of the Upper Keys

Collaboration with: Florida Keys Lodge No. 336 of the Free and Accepted Masons
Focus Area: General Philanthropy  |  Region: Upper Keys
Project Budget: $41,300 |  Funding Request: $20,000 |  Funded: $0  |  Remaining Request: $20,000

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Pigeon Key Foundation – Pigeon Key Summer Camp Equipment & Scholarships

The Pigeon Key Foundation is requesting $9,600 to replace 58 well-worn mattresses used in its week-long overnight marine science summer camps and $5,400 to provide scholarships for either 4 overnight campers or 10 day campers, depending on the availability of funding, where the need is, family transport and other factors for Monroe County youth whose families cannot afford tuition. Each summer, Pigeon Key transforms a five-acre National Historic Landmark beneath the Old Seven Mile Bridge into an outdoor classroom where students snorkel coral reefs, explore tide pools, and learn about the fragile ecosystems that define life in the Keys. After more than fifteen years of continuous use, the existing mattresses have outlived their useful life, and many local children remain on waiting lists because of financial barriers.

Focus Area: Youth Development  |  Region: Middle Keys
Project Budget: $15,000 |  Funding Request: $15,000 |  Funded: $7,500  | Remaining Request: $7,500

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Presents in Paradise – Rick’s Closet

We will provide clothing, shoes, bedding, beds, diapers/wipes, hygiene essentials, backpacks/school supplies to children from the Lower through the Upper Keys of Monroe County. Items will be primarily distributed during the holiday season in an effort to strengthen positive family interaction through the holidays. We also provide emergency services to foster children and children in crisis throughout the year.

Collaboration with: Monroe County Public Schools, Kreative Kids Day Care, Treasure Village, The Co-op Daycare in Marathon, Grace Jones Day Care |  Focus Area: Health and Human Services  |  Region: All Keys

Project Budget: $29,500 |  Funding Request: $20,000 |  Funded: $15,000  |  Remaining Request: $5,000

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Queer Keys – Queer Keys Wellness Program

The Queer Keys Wellness Program provides comprehensive, free holistic health services, including community acupuncture, massage, mental health counseling, and yoga, to the Florida Keys community. Since launching in January 2025, our team of licensed professionals has created a full calendar of accessible wellness offerings at the Queer Keys Community Center, serving hundreds of individuals at no cost. This grant funding is essential to ensure program sustainability by providing reasonable and competitive stipends for our dedicated providers, guaranteeing the continued availability of these crucial, affirming wellness opportunities.

Focus Area: Health and Human Services  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $68,198 |  Funding Request: $18,448 |  Funded: $5,000  |  Remaining Request: $13,448

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Reach For Greatness – Reach For Greatness Summer 2026

Reach for Greatness Inc. is seeking $20,000 to provide scholarships for Florida Keys students to attend transformative programs during Summer 2026, including leadership camps, academic intensives, and creative opportunities. Unlike traditional scholarships that focus almost exclusively on graduating seniors, these funds will directly support middle and high school students who are already striving for greatness and deserve access now. Every dollar of this grant will be awarded locally, ensuring 100% of the funds uplift ambitious students right here in the Florida Keys.

Focus Area: Scholarships  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $70,000 |  Funding Request: $20,000 |  Funded: $0  |  Remaining Request: $20,000

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Red Barn Theatre – Kids to Curtain: Affordable Access to Live Theatre for Local Youth

Red Barn Theatre is partnering with Bravo Theater to present You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, a joyful musical performed entirely by children, for children and families in Key West. With grant support, we will reduce ticket prices from $40 to $15 for adults and from $30 to $10 for children, making live theatre accessible to middle and working-class families. This initiative fosters community inclusion, supports youth performers, and helps spark a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Collaboration with: Bravo Theater   |  Focus Area: Theater  |  Region: Key West
Project Budget: $12,390 |  Funding Request: $8,260 |  Funded: $5,100  |  Remaining Request: $3,160

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REEF (Reef Environmental Education Foundation) – Building Capacity, Building Community

The Building Capacity, Building Community project addresses a critical gap in the Upper Keys: the lack of affordable, accessible space for nonprofit events and inclusive community programming. With CFFK’s support, REEF will offer no-cost, professional meeting and event space to at least 20 nonprofit organizations and support smaller groups lacking staff capacity. Activities will include volunteer appreciation events, team-building workshops, and cross-sector networking for board, staff, interns, and volunteers. As both host and convener, REEF will foster collaboration, increase impact, and ensure equitable access to capacity-building opportunities. This initiative is a collaborative, high-impact investment that delivers measurable benefits to thousands of residents today—while also creating a lasting community asset by removing financial barriers and expanding nonprofits’ ability to serve clients and residents.

Collaboration with: ICARE, Marrvelous Pet Rescues, Upper Keys BPW, NOAA
Focus Area: Environment |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $53,000 |  Funding Request: $26,000 |  Funded: $0  |  Remaining Request: $26,000

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Reef Relief – Coral Reef Conservation Program

Reef Relief is seeking funds to support our Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP). Funds will be used to support various programs such as marine debris removal events, Storm Water Education Program, Coral Camp for Kids spring and summer programs, Discover Coral Reefs School Program, raising awareness and educating consumers, and providing educational material to residents and visitors.

Focus Area: Environment  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $354,780 |  Funding Request: $18,000 |  Funded: $9,000  |  Remaining Request: $9,000

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Ruckus Inspires – Support Ruckus Robotics Traveling Robotics Competition Team

Team Ruckus is a community-based robotics team that relies on donations to keep the program free of charge for youth participants. Robotics parts can be expensive and participation in events requires travel. A grant would help cover the costs of robotics parts, rental cars, hotel costs, registration fees, meals, team gear, and equipment such as computers and a 3D-printer. Being able to purchase dedicated laptops would allow us to stop relying on the coach’s personal computer. Currently, all 3D printing has to go through a founding member who has his own personal 3D printer at home. Having one in the shop would teach the kids how to convert files and process a 3D print properly, as well as being responsible for maintaining the machine. We believe these kids are worth it and many times, these costs come out of the coach’s personal funds when donations aren’t available. Many families can’t support their children in robotics, so we do.

Focus Area: Education  |  Region: Middle Keys
Project Budget: $22,000 |  Funding Request: $15,000 |  Funded: $5,000  |  Remaining Request: $10,000

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Scrub Jay Productions LLC – Reef Keepers

Reef Keepers is a 56-minute, feature-length independent documentary that follows a determined community of scientists and conservationists — including Ken Nedimyer of Reef Renewal, Dr. Cynthia Lewis of the Keys Marine Lab, Keri O’Neil of The Florida Aquarium, Leneita Fix of The Reef Institute, and Dr. Phanor Montoya-Maya of the Coral Restoration Foundation — as they fight to save Florida’s Coral Reef and the coastal communities that depend on it from record-breaking heat, stronger storms, and accelerating loss. Through intimate, character-driven storytelling, the film reveals this crisis as a deeply human struggle and a model of hope, resilience, and innovation. Now in mid-production, Reef Keepers aims to spark action by connecting audiences to water-quality solutions, inspiring stewardship, and galvanizing public support for one of Florida’s most vital and vulnerable ecosystems ahead of its 2026 release.

Collaboration with: Reef Renewal USA | Focus Area: Environment  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $240,331 |  Funding Request: $10,000 |  Funded: $0  |  Remaining Request: $10,000

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South Florida Symphony Orchestra – Symphony in the Schools: 250 Years of the Declaration of Independence

The South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony in the Schools tour will present “250 Years of the Declaration of Independence” for elementary students across the Keys, with performances at Coral Shores High School, Marathon High School, and Key West High School. This engaging program introduces young audiences to live symphonic music while connecting history and the arts, inspiring creativity, curiosity, and a lifelong appreciation for cultural heritage.

Collaboration with: Monroe County Public School District  |  Focus Area: Music  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $40,500 |  Funding Request: $30,000 |  Funded: $16,000  |  Remaining Request: $14,000

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Special Olympics Florida Monroe County – Special Olympics Florida Monroe

Sustain Special Olympics programs for more than 800 athletes in the Keys, ensuring access to year-round sports training and competition, ongoing coach and mentor education, athlete leadership development, and essential health initiatives. These programs provide individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to gain skills, build friendships, and achieve personal growth through inclusive sports and wellness activities. In addition, grant support will launch a new summer day camp, Camp Shriver, which will be offered for one week each in both the Upper and Lower Keys. This camp will provide athletes with a safe and welcoming environment to learn new skills, stay active, and connect with their peers, while also engaging families and volunteers in the spirit of inclusion. Together, these efforts will strengthen community bonds, promote health and fitness, and empower athletes to reach their full potential both on and off the field.

Focus Area: General Philanthropy  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $92,978 |  Funding Request: $20,000 |  Funded: $15,000  |  Remaining Request: $5,000

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St. James Children’s Center – Parish Hall Renewal for Safety, Learning, and Community Connection

St. James Children’s Center seeks funding to renew and repurpose its Parish Hall into a safe, functional, and multi-use space for children, families, and the Florida Keys community. The project will install an integrated fire alarm system and upgraded door alarms to ensure child safety, remove outdated carpeting to create a healthier environment, and establish both a Technology Center and a Teacher Resource Center. In addition, the hall will provide flexible space for family workshops, literacy nights, art showcases, and community events. These improvements will expand learning opportunities, strengthen professional development for educators, and create a welcoming hub for family engagement and community partnerships. By investing in safety, education, and connection, this project will support today’s children and families while leaving a lasting resource for future generations in the Upper Keys.

Focus Area: Faith-Based  |  Region: Upper Keys
Project Budget: $20,000 |  Funding Request: $20,000 |  Funded: $10,000  |  Remaining Request: $10,000

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St. Paul’s Episcopal Church – Community Laundry Ministry – Loads of Love

Loads of Love is a high-impact, all-volunteer initiative that eliminates a basic burden for Key West’s neediest neighbors by paying for their laundry on the spot. Building on our successful growth, this grant will allow us to significantly increase the frequency of our community outreach events and strengthen referral services through local non-profits. This expansion directly improves the health and dignity of hundreds of local Haitian and Latino families.

Focus Area: Health and Human Services  |  Region: Key West
Project Budget: $10,000 |  Funding Request: $10,000 |  Funded: $5,000  |  Remaining Request: $5,000

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Tennessee Williams Theatre – Children’s Outreach Series – Full Florida Keys

We aim to expand the impact of the Children’s Outreach Performance Series in its support of the entire Florida Keys. In Key West, some 3000 students and families participated. By expanding to Marathon and Islamorada, we are able to increase that number to 7000+.

Collaboration with: Monroe County School District  |  Focus Area: Theater  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $94,000 |  Funding Request: $30,000 |  Funded: $16,000  |  Remaining Request: $14,000

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The Educational Coalition for Monroe County – MHS/ECMC Champions for Change Teen Weekend Food Bag and Basic Needs Program

This program provides easy to prepare and transport teenage-friendly foods for youth facing food insecurity. Items in the bags include shelf stable milk, cereal, individual containers of soup, macaroni and cheese, granola bars, etc. These food bags are given to students to provide food for them over the weekends. They return the bags each Friday to have them refilled. Additionally, other basic needs will be purchased including toiletries, snacks for the week, and school supplies. Students served by this project are facing poverty and other special circumstances. Needs are reevaluated throughout the year.

Collaboration with: Marathon High School  | Focus Area: Health & Human Services  |  Region: Middle Keys
Project Budget: $61,000 |  Funding Request: $30,000 |  Funded: $15,000  |  Remaining Request: $15,000

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The Mark Sorensen Youth Sailing Program – Investing in Paradise, Investing in Youth

As the only organization offering affordable youth sailing instruction in the Upper Keys, we strive to make sailing accessible to all students, regardless of financial background, while fostering personal growth, skill development, and a strong sense of community. Our goal is to boost enrollment in our after-school racing and summer programs. These funds would allow us to maintain our aging fleet, which can incur high maintenance costs. Having funding for essential repairs will free resources for more scholarships, expanding access to the 2026 Summer Program. By keeping sailing affordable and inclusive for Upper Keys youth, we strengthen our community now and for the future.

Focus Area: Youth Development  |  Region: Upper Keys
Project Budget: $10,000 |  Funding Request: $10,000 |  Funded: $0  |  Remaining Request: $10,000

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The Salvation Army – Emergency Financial Assistance

The Salvation Army will use funds granted to help Monroe County residents avoid eviction and utilities disconnects due to lack of resources by the family. Funds will also be used to help with minor car repairs to ensure that our families and get to work, doctor appointments, and school functions. Funds may be used for minor medical bills not covered by insurance and other needs. All funds are distributed directly to the vendor ie., the landlord, the utility company, the repair service and are never issued directly to the client. Complete and proper documentation is obtained including W9 forms from any vendor receiving a payment on behalf of a client.

Focus Area: General Philanthropy  |  Region: All Key
Project Budget: $190,500 |  Funding Request: $12,000 |  Funded: $6,000  |  Remaining Request: $6,000

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The Studios of Key West – Making History: Building Audiences

Making History: Building Audiences presents a suite of programs which build on the stories of Key West’s historic diversity to engage new audiences. An exhibition by Ransome, a nationally acclaimed artist, features new work based on his research into Bahama Village’s history, and is the focal point of a month of youth programs. One of the country’s biggest film festivals celebrating diversity, based in Boston, is matched with a local Key West steering committee to craft a local film fest around our One Human Family philosophy. And a longstanding youth poetry contest asks students ages 6-18 to tell their own stories in verse, culminating in an award ceremony at The Studios.

Collaboration with: ROSE Diversity Group, Bahama Village Arts and Cultural Alliance, Monroe School District
Focus Area: Arts  |  Region: Key West
Project Budget: $34,200 |  Funding Request: $14,000 |  Funded: $8,000  |  Remaining Request: $6,000

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Treasure Village Montessori School – TVM-STEAM Center and Learning Labs for Local Resilience & Career Readiness

Treasure Village Montessori will launch the Keys’ first S.T.E.A.M. • Biomedical • Coastal Resilience Innovation Hub, transforming unused outdoor areas into hands-on learning spaces for robotics labs, biomedical engineering, resilience projects, and career training. Students will gain CPR/First Aid certification, explore healthcare careers, and engage in hands-on problem-solving tied to community needs like storm surge, reef health, and public safety. By blending S.T.E.A.M. innovation, healthcare readiness, and coastal resilience, TVM will prepare students to become tomorrow’s innovators, healers, and protectors of the Keys.

Focus Area: Education  |  Region: Upper Keys
Project Budget: $20,000 |  Funding Request: $20,000 |  Funded: $0  |  Remaining Request: $20,000

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Tropic Cinema – Lights, Camera, Learn

Our proposal, Lights Camera Learn, is a book-to-film program that connects literature and cinema to deepen students’ engagement with stories. By pairing classroom reading with film adaptations and guided discussions at the Tropic, the project encourages critical thinking, creativity, and cross-disciplinary learning. This initiative transforms the theater into a dynamic educational space where stories come alive on screen and inspire new ways of learning.

Collaboration with: Monroe County School District |  Focus Area: Theater  |  Region: Lower Keys, Key West
Project Budget: $10,000 |  Funding Request: $10,000 |  Funded: $6,000  |  Remaining Request: $4,000

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United Way of Collier and the Keys – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

We are seeking funding to support our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides free, IRS-certified tax preparation services to low- and moderate-income households across Monroe County. VITA ensures that working families, seniors, and individuals with limited means can file accurate returns, access all eligible credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit, and avoid costly commercial preparation fees. Last tax season, our program helped file over 650 returns, strengthening family budgets and fueling our local economy.

Focus Area: General Philanthropy  |  Region: All Keys
Project Budget: $21,840 |  Funding Request: $10,000 |  Funded: $5,000  |  Remaining Request: $5,000

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Upper Keys Humane Society – Healthy Pets, Healthy Community

The Upper Keys Humane Society’s Healthy Pets, Healthy Community project will expand access to affordable spay/neuter and vaccination services for families who cannot otherwise afford veterinary care. By providing spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations, the project will reduce pet overpopulation, prevent disease, and decrease animal surrenders, strengthening both animal welfare and public health in the Upper Keys.

Collaboration with: Dr. Huntsman  |  Focus Area: Animals  |  Region: Upper Keys
Project Budget: $20,000 |  Funding Request: $15,000 |  Funded: $7,500  |  Remaining Request: $7,500

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USCGC Ingham – Keys to History: Free Student Access and Educational Programming Aboard the USCGC Ingham

Monroe County schools are uniquely placed within the Florida Keys, a region where history, maritime culture, and military service are central to the community’s identity. Yet, many children and families lack access to museums and historic resources due to cost and transportation barriers. Teachers often report a need for more hands-on, place-based educational opportunities that connect classroom learning to local history.

The USCGC Ingham is the only historic ship museum in the Keys and provides an unparalleled “power of place” experience where students can walk the decks of a vessel that served in major moments of American history. Providing free access and resources directly addresses barriers for students and ensures equitable opportunities to learn about local and national heritage.

Focus Area: Historical and Memorial  |  Region: Key West
Project Budget: $10,500 |  Funding Request: $10,500 |  Funded: $0  |  Remaining Request: $10,500

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Wellspring Counseling – Florida Keys Financial Aid for Mental Health Services

This grant will expand access to mental health counseling services and education across the Florida Keys. Specifically, it will provide bi-weekly onsite counseling sessions for the constituents served through First Baptist Church of Islamorada’s Community Ministry and Food Pantry, at minimum. Additionally, funds will establish a financial aid program to provide discounted counseling sessions for Florida Keys residents, either in-person at our First Baptist Church of Key Largo office or via Telehealth. Finally, funds will be allocated to provide free mental health trainings to staff of First Baptist Church of Islamorada and First Baptist Church of Key Largo and community members equipping the community with knowledge, skills, and resources.

Collaboration with: First Baptist Church of Islamorada |  Focus Area: Health and Human Services
Region: Upper Keys
Project Budget: $51,140 |  Funding Request: $25,904 |  Funded: $0  |  Remaining Request: $25,904

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Wesley House Family Services – Inez Martin Daycare: Helping Monroe Families Thrive

Wesley House Family Services’ Inez Martin Child Development Center is a lifeline for working families in Key West, where recent daycare closures have left parents struggling to find safe, reliable care. Because state funding does not cover the true cost of care, we rely on grants and fundraising to retain dedicated teachers and continue providing nurturing, high-quality early education. This support ensures children can thrive and parents can remain in the community they call home.

Focus Area: Youth Development  |  Region: Key West  |  Project Budget: $1,230,000
Funding Request: $20,000 |  Funded: $15,000  |  Remaining Request: $5,000

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Womankind – Protecting Affordable Women’s Health Care in the Keys

Womankind seeks $20,000 from the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys to safeguard affordable women’s healthcare following the loss of both Title X and HSAB funding. With clinics in Key West and Marathon, Womankind is the only dedicated women’s health provider serving the entire island chain. This support will offset care deliver and the rising costs of medications and lab services, ensuring that uninsured and low-income women continue their access to family planning, gynecology, and prenatal services at a time when affordability is most at risk.

Collaboration with: SOS Foundation, AHEC, Good Health Clinic, Healthy Start Coalition, Rural Health Network

Focus Area: Health and Human Services  |  Region: Key West, Marathon
Project Budget: $20,000 |  Funding Request: $20,000 |  Funded: $15,000  |  Remaining Request: $5,000