Fund your Project
Improve your programs
Help Florida's Kids
Your mission matters
Sometimes circumstances make it hard to achieve all that you see possible.
Financial pressure
Volunteer shortages
Programs have changed
Your Club is Struggling
Facility needs improvement
Need for ADA compliance
a future full of potential
Kids need people that believe in them
We believe your mission deserves some help.
Helping build florida’s future since 1971
We understand the pressure you’re under and your heart to help others.
Since 1971 Florida Kiwanis Foundation has been committed to investing in and supporting Florida’s children through people like you.
2017-2026 Impact
$3.5 Million in Grants Awarded
Fund your mission with a grant
Matching Grants
Requires a formal application from a Kiwanis club or a division from within the Florida District. Donations will be matched up to a set amount.
mini-Grants
The Mini-Grant program is less formal than the Matching Grant program and is on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are exhausted.
emergency grants
In the case of a disaster somewhere in the Florida District of Kiwanis, emergency funds are available from the Florida Kiwanis Foundation.
david & donna batelaan fund
Wil & rachel blechman fund
This grant is to assist Kiwanis early childhood activities and programs that benefit young children which vary widely from community to community.
K-Kids Clubs
Elementary Schools
Builders Clubs
Middle Schools
Key Clubs
High Schools
Circle K Clubs
Colleges & Universities
aKtion Clubs
For physically or emotionally challenged persons
applying for funding is easy
1
Review Guidelines
Make sure you’re eligible.
2
Apply for Funding
Complete an application.
3
Committee Review
We’ll confirm receipt & update after grant committee meets.
Supporting Florida’s Children Since 1971
Funding Florida’s Future
Grants that benefit all kids
Matching Grants
The Matching Grant Program requires a formal application from a Kiwanis club or a division from within the Florida District. The current maximum grant allowed is $10,000. This is to allow the greatest distribution of our limited funds. A club or division is only eligible for a grant every 5 years. The funds must be used for capital improvement. The club or division contribution to the project must equal or exceed that of the grant.
The Matching Grants applications are approved in two separate cycles. Cycle I cutoff is December 15 so that the Grant Committee has time to review the applications in time for the mid-winter board meeting (usually held in February). Cycle II cutoff date is June 15 so that the Grant Committee has time to review the applications in time for the DCON Board Meeting (usually in August).
Although it is not a requirement for a club to have contributed to the Foundation Annual Gift program, or have Foundation Sustaining Members on its roster, preference is given to those clubs and divisions that have shown a history of support for the Foundation.
Mini Grants
The Mini Grant program is new and the concept was approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors during the 2011-2012 administrative year.
The Mini Grant program is less formal than the Matching Grant program and is on a first come first served basis until the funds are exhausted. The Foundation President will make a determination as to the acceptability of any Mini-Grant application, and if approved, funds will be processed immediately.
There is a simple one-page application form for the Mini Grant and the maximum request is $750.00. The amount does not need to be matched by the club nor does the request need to cover capital expenses.
The program was created for assistance to small clubs with little resources. Priority for these awards is given to the smaller clubs, of 35 members or less, with limited service budgets.
SLP Mini-Grants
The purposes of a Service Leadership Programs Mini Grant is to award grants to support Aktion Clubs, Builders Club, Key Clubs, K-Kids Club, and Circle K Clubs or division service projects.
Grants are awarded to a Florida Aktion Club, Builders Club, Key Club, K-Kids Club, and Circle K Club or division by use of the official application form that is provided by division trustees or available on the Foundation website.
The SLP Mini Grant program is less formal than the Matching Grant program and is on a first come first served basis until the funds are exhausted.
There is a simple one-page application form for the SLP Mini Grant and the maximum request is $500.00. The amount does not need to be matched by the club nor does the request need to cover capital expenses.
Emergency Grants
The Emergency Grant program is new to the Foundation, established during the 2011-2012 administrative year but based on an older concept that was applied during the time of Hurricane Charley.
The Foundation contributes to the Emergency Fund each year and funds are also collected from private donations designated for “emergency fund” through the year.
In the case of an emergency disaster somewhere in the Florida District of Kiwanis, the Foundation President and the District Governor will meet to confirm the existence of an emergency disaster and then formally declare select areas of the District as a Disaster Area and that funds are available from the Florida Kiwanis Foundation.
Emergency Grant requests shall be sent by club letterhead to the Foundation Office. Maximum requests for funds shall be $2,000.00. Funds will be available until the existing fund is depleted.
The Emergency funds need not be matched by the club and do not need to be for capital improvements. Expenditures for food, clothing, temporary comfort, both physical and emotional are acceptable.
David and Donna Batelaan Fund
There are three opportunities for this grant: Kiwanis Clubs/Divisions, Service Leadership Programs: Builders Club, Key Clubs and Circle K Clubs, and Service Leadership Programs of Aktion Club.
Kiwanis
The David and Donna Batelaan Fund will be utilized for grants or special programs to support leadership development for young people with physical disabilities; and to encourage participation and inclusion for young people with physical disabilities in current KIWANIS programs, activities or service to others.
Grant applications are approved in two separate cycles. Cycle I cutoff is December 15 so that the Grant Committee has time to review the applications in time for the mid-winter board meeting (usually held in February). Cycle II cutoff date is June 15 so that the Grant Committee has time to review the applications in time for the District Convention Board Meeting (usually in August).
Service Leadership Program-Builders Club, Key Clubs and Circle K Clubs
The purpose of this portion of the fund is to award grants to support Builders Club, Key Clubs and Circle K Clubs or division projects. Grants are awarded to a Florida Builders Club, Key Club and Circle K Kiwanis Club or division by use of the official application form that is provided by division trustees. Grant applications are approved in two separate cycles.
Cycle I cutoff is December 15 so that the Grant Committee has time to review the applications in time for the mid-winter board meeting (usually held in February). Cycle II cutoff date is June 15 so that the Grant Committee has time to review the applications in time for the District Convention Board Meeting (usually in August).
Service Leadership Program - Aktion Club
The purpose of this portion of the fund is to award grants to support Aktion Club or division projects. Grants are awarded to a Florida Aktion Club or division by use of the official application form that is provided by division trustees. Grant applications are approved in two separate cycles: October through March, April through September.
Grants normally are made for projects of up to $2,000.00. Grant can be awarded within each cycle within the fiscal year.
Wil and Rachel Blechman Grant
Grants from this fund are to support Kiwanis projects that will have a significant impact on children in the 0-5 age group based upon identified needs. While programs will vary widely from community to community, these programs may include:
- Scholarships to fund education for administrators and teachers in early learning centers about effective methods to enhance the development of young children.
- Hosting in-person and virtual education seminars for Kiwanians and/or the general public about the crucial importance of the early years in children’s development and their future success and participation in society.
- Creating and implementing reading programs for children in early care, education facilities, and non-traditional sites.
- Providing books to families in low-income areas and educating parents about the importance of reading to children.
- Supporting a mobile dental clinic for children in low-income areas.
- Providing support to families of young children with information and resources for parenting, health maintenance, and/or nutrition.
- Developing and/or maintaining playgrounds.
Grants are awarded by the Board of Trustees of the Foundation at their annual meeting (during the Florida District Convention in late summer). Deadline for receipt of this application by the Florida Kiwanis Foundation is December 15th. All applications are reviewed by the Grants Committee in advance, with recommendations for action by the full Board at its meeting.
Save A Club Grant
The “Save A Club” Grant, established through a generous legacy gift from Florida Kiwanis Foundation Board Member Steve Arrington, is designed to help strengthen and revitalize existing Kiwanis clubs throughout the Florida District.
This special grant program supports new service projects that engage the community, attract potential members, and renew enthusiasm within existing clubs. The goal is to help clubs reimagine their impact, build meaningful partnerships, and inspire long-term growth through service.
Annual Service Leadership Grants
The Florida Kiwanis Foundation is honored to support the Florida District of Kiwanis Service Leadership Programs with annual grants for leadership and development training. Please find below information for state administrators.
The Florida Kiwanis Foundation Grants Committee shall review Grant Request and Funding Requests for the next fiscal year annually from the District of Florida Service Leadership Programs.
- The purpose of these funds aligns with the Florida Kiwanis Foundation objectives to support leadership development through support of Kiwanis Service Leadership programs.
- The Grant Request Form must be completed within the active fiscal year. The request must be made no later than August 15 (45 days prior to the end of the administrative fiscal year). These budgeted dollars were approved by the Board of Trustee at the end of the prior fiscal year.
- The Grant Request Form is to be completed by the District of Florida Service Leadership Program Administrator on the appropriate Grant Request Form provided by our Executive Director.
- After completion of the form, the administrator will submit the form to our Foundation Office for distribution to the Grant Committee Chair and Grants Committee.
- The Grant Committee Chair and Grants Committee will ensure the current Grant Request Form aligns with the previously presented Funding Request Form projecting required funding for their project and/or program from each Service Leadership Program. Funding Requests Forms are completed by the District of Florida Service Leadership Program Administrators to assist the Florida Kiwanis Foundation assess the projects needs of each program for the next fiscal year. This is a critical element of the Foundation’s budget planning process.
frequently asked questions
What types of grants are offered?
The Florida Kiwanis Foundation offers several types of grants including: Matching Grants, Mini-Grants, Emergency Grants, David and Donna Batelaan Fund grants, Wil and Rachel Blechman Fund grants, and Annual Service Leadership grants.
Who is eligible to apply for grants?
Matching Grants, Mini-Grants, and Emergency Grants are available to Kiwanis clubs or divisions within the Florida District. The Batelaan and Blechman Fund grants can be applied for by Kiwanis clubs, divisions, or Service Leadership Programs (Builders Clubs, Key Clubs, Circle K Clubs, and Aktion Clubs). Annual Service Leadership grants are available specifically for the Florida District Service Leadership Program administrators.
What are the requirements to apply for a grant?
The requirements vary by grant type. In general, grant applications require a formal application form and information about how the funds will be used. Some grants require matching funds, while others do not.
What are the deadlines to apply for grants?
Most grants have two application cycles each year, with deadlines of December 15 and June 15. Emergency Grants applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
How much funding is available through the grants?
Grant amounts range from $750 for Mini-Grants up to $10,000 for Matching Grants. Annual Service Leadership grants vary based on the funding requests submitted by the Service Leadership Program administrators.
What types of projects do the grants fund?
The funds can support a variety of projects focused on children and youth including capital improvement, disaster relief, and leadership development. Funds can cover expenses like food, clothing, program supplies, and educational materials.
Who can I contact for more information?
You can email the Florida Kiwanis Foundation team at info@floridakiwanisfoundation.org or call 904-242-6776 for assistance completing a grant application or figuring out which grant to apply for.
2023-2024 Grants awarded
Wil & Rachel Blechman Grant Recipients
Kiwanis Club of Punta Gorda: $1,000
For Reading Around the World program
Kiwanis Club of Winter Haven: $4,100
For Reading Around the World program
Kiwanis Club of Tallahassee Northside: $2,000
For Helping Single Parents with Infants and Toddlers program
Matching Grants Recipients
Kiwanis Club of Safety Harbor: $5,000
for Kiwanis Kids Corner program
Tallahassee-Northside Kiwanis Club: $3,000
for Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bunk Bed Build program
Kiwanis Club of Big Lagoon: $5,000
For Padre’s Forest’s Climbing Tree Playground Equipment
Kiwanis Club of Delray: $4,500
For Story Trail
Kiwanis Club of Top of the Bay: $10,000
For Teen Adventure Course
David & Donna Batelaan CKI Grant Recipients
Florida Gulf Coast University CKI: $200 for
Kiwanis Day project
David & Donna Batelaan SLP Grant Recipients
Builders at Merritt Brown Middle School: $1,000
for Celebrating Hands project
Bozeman High School Key Club: $205
to build Buck Buddy Benches
North Port High School Key Club: $2,000
for Summer Reading Program for 2025
Largo High School Key Club: $1,000
for Key Club Soldier Support project
Darnell- Cookman School of Medical Arts Key Club: $2,000
For Microscope Project
David & Donna Batelaan Kiwanis club & division Grants Recipients
Kiwanis Club of Little Havana: $10,000
for the Prosthetics program
Killearn Kiwanis Club: $2,000
for support of the 2024 Aktion DCON
Umatilla Kiwanis Club: $10,000
for Video and Visual Specialty Equipment program
Kiwanis Club of Northside Naples: $10,000
for a Protected Harbor “Beacon of Light” Disability Van
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