Miami Foundation’s Community Grants

The Miami Foundation’s Community Grants program is a key initiative aimed at building a thriving Greater Miami by supporting local nonprofit organizations. As a central element of the Foundation’s philanthropic strategy, Community Grants invests in nonprofits through flexible, mission-driven general operating support. With origins dating back to 1967, The Miami Foundation has distributed over $772 million to community-strengthening initiatives, driven by over 1,000 fundholders and 50,000 donors. Community Grants is emblematic of the Foundation’s trust-based philanthropic approach and represents its commitment to long-term community improvement. Structured as a biannual program since 2023, Community Grants offers two-year funding cycles to qualifying nonprofits. The 2025–2027 cycle has closed, but the program will reopen in 2027. In this latest round, over 900 proposals were received, and 95 organizations were selected to receive general operating support. The program awarded $7 million in total, emphasizing sustainability and strategic growth. The funding is made possible through partnerships with philanthropic entities including The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, Miami-Dade County, the State Attorney’s Office of Miami-Dade County, and the Taft Foundation. These funds are allocated across seven strategic priorities that address the community’s most pressing needs. Community Grants supports a wide array of initiatives designed to uplift marginalized individuals and communities, emphasizing equity across lines such as race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ability. The program prioritizes work with measurable progress, long-term solutions, community leadership, and sustainability. Proposals must demonstrate clear goals, innovative approaches, and direct impact in Miami-Dade County. Organizations are also expected to engage with the communities they serve, incorporating feedback into their strategies and leadership. Eligibility for the program extends to nonprofits with active 501(c)(3) status, as well as entities with fiscal sponsors that meet the same criteria. Additionally, nonprofit equivalents, including governmental and religious organizations, may apply provided their work directly serves residents of Miami-Dade County. Applicants with ongoing grants from The Miami Foundation must be in good standing to qualify for new funding. The grant awards are scaled to an organization’s operating budget and provided as unrestricted general operating support, enabling grantees to determine their own spending priorities in alignment with their missions. The 2025–2027 grant term began on July 1, 2025, and will conclude on June 30, 2027. Applicants were required to follow guidelines and FAQs issued for the cycle, with a detailed application process that included submission of proposals by a defined deadline. The Foundation relies on more than 100 Community Advisors with diverse personal and professional backgrounds to review applications and offer input. These advisors play a critical role in the selection process, ensuring that decisions are made with a deep understanding of local needs and with community voice at the center. Looking ahead, the program is set to reopen in 2027, with dates yet to be announced. Interested applicants are encouraged to subscribe to The Miami Foundation’s newsletter for updates. Community Grants exemplifies a commitment to steady, long-term support for nonprofits working on the frontlines of social change. Contact information is available through the Community Engagement Manager, Julissa Rivera, and general inquiries can be directed to [email protected] or (305) 371-2711. The Miami Foundation’s office is located at 40 NW 3rd Street, Suite 305, Miami, FL 33128.

Prioritize equity, include community feedback in design, align proposal goals with long-term impact; ensure organizational leadership reflects the community served.