Image item
News for Nonprofits - June 2026
Happy June!
 
Welcome to this month's CFF newsletter for local nonprofits.
 
We are honored to work with so many organizations that are making a meaningful difference every single day in our community’s quality of life. 
 
In this month's newsletter, you'll find:
  • Reminder to download Nonprofit Search profile information before June 30th.
  • An opportunity to inform an upcoming nonprofit workbook via a short survey on software used at your organization
  • A cautionary tale from a local nonprofit about a potential new scam
  • Three (3) CFF grant opportunities
  • Additional community grants and engagement opportunities
 
Nonprofit Search Reminder
Download your profile's information by June 30th.
 
As a reminder, Nonprofit Search will be retiring after June 30th. Moving forward, maintaining a single, up-to-date profile on Candid will be sufficient for eligibility for CFF grants and other opportunities.
 
We recommend downloading your profile's information for your records. This might also help you with information you might need for your Candid profile.
 
To download your profile:
  1. Go to your Nonprofit Search profile.
  2. Click on the blue button in the lower right corner of the screen.
  3. Save the file for your records.
 
Request for survey feedback
What software do you use at your nonprofit?
 
CFF is requesting nonprofit feedback on software used by local nonprofits to help inform an upcoming nonprofit workbook.
 
When you submit the survey, it will not automatically collect your details like name and email address unless you provide it yourself.
 
Access the survey here: Nonprofit Software Survey
 
This survey closes on July 31st.
 
Thank you!
 
 
A Close Call: How One Nonprofit Avoided a Donation Scam
A cautionary tale from a local nonprofit
 
A local nonprofit recently shared with us a cautionary story about a sophisticated donation scam that nearly resulted in a significant financial loss.
 
Over the course of several weeks, an individual contacted the organization expressing interest in its mission. The prospective donor exchanged emails, asked questions about the nonprofit's work, and even inquired about volunteer opportunities. Although he declined invitations to meet or speak by phone, he eventually informed the organization that his financial representatives would be sending a donation.
 
Shortly thereafter, the nonprofit received a check for $20,000 and deposited it. Within days, the donor claimed that the amount had been issued in error and requested that the organization wire back $15,000, allowing the nonprofit to retain $5,000 as a donation.
 
Fortunately, the nonprofit's leadership contacted its bank before taking any action. The bank had already flagged the check as suspicious and ultimately determined it was fraudulent. Because the organization waited for the check to clear before responding to the request, no funds were lost.
 
The lesson: The incident serves as an important reminder that scammers often invest time in building credibility and trust before attempting to exploit organizations. Nonprofits should be cautious of unexpected large donations, requests to return or transfer funds, and donors who are unwilling to meet or speak directly. When in doubt, verify the legitimacy of the donation with your financial institution before taking any action.
 
Grassroots grants: for nonprofit who are small but mighty
CFF's Grassroots Grants Application is Open!
 
About the grant:
Grants will focus on building infrastructure and capability for grassroots nonprofits. Infrastructure and capability may include efforts to improve governance, financial management, fundraising and development, program evaluation, technology, and continuous learning.
 
This year, we are looking for organizations working in human services, education, veterans, food security, Alzheimer's, youth development, and health and well-being.
 
Award amount: $5,000

Eligibility:
  • Must self-identify as a grassroots organization
  • Must have been in operation for more than 1 year
  • Must have raised at least $5,000
  • Annual revenue under $250,000
  • Must serve residents of Central Florida
 
We are continuing the option to add video to the Grassroots Grants Application. In lieu of writing your responses, you'll be able to create and upload a video detailing your response. Be sure to address all components to the questions, as your video response will be evaluated the same as a written application would be. Your video should be no longer than 4 minutes. Oral and written applications will be rated the same. There is no preference!
 
 
Timeline
  • June 1, 2026 – Application opens
  • July 31, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST) – Application deadline
  • Early September 2026 – Notification of award recipients
 
How to apply:
  1. Sign into your MyGrant portal. If your organization has applied to a grant through our MyGrant portal before, please sign in using your existing login. If you are unsure who in your organization has access to the MyGrant login or you have never used the portal, please contact Alissa Mahadeo at amahadeo@cffound.org.
  2. Use passcode CI2026 to access application.
  3. Application closes on July 31, 2026.
Image item
The Frank R. Ethridge Nursing Education Fund at CFF is open for applications.
 
About the grant:
The Frank R. Etheridge Nursing Education Fund provides educational assistance to men and women currently working in hospice care at the registered nurse level, as well as those who aspire to enter this field. For 2026, a total of $40,000 will be awarded.
 
Eligible applicants include organizations with 501(c)(3) status, as well as educational and healthcare institutions. Please note that this grant is awarded exclusively to nonprofit organizations and is not available to individuals.
 
Timeline
  • June 1, 2026 – Application opens
  • July 31, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST) – Application deadline
  • August 31, 2026 – Notification of award recipients
How to Apply:
  1. Sign into your MyGrant portal. If your organization has applied to a grant through our MyGrant portal before, please sign in using your existing login. If you are unsure who in your organization has access to the MyGrant login or you have never used the portal, please contact Alissa Mahadeo at amahadeo@cffound.org.
  2. Use passcode HOSPICE26 to access application.
  3. Application closes July 31, 2026.
Image item
We're looking for your bright ideas to better Winter Park!
 
About the grant:
Our Winter Park Community Grants, a signature initiative of the Winter Park Community Foundation at Central Florida Foundation, seeks to award five one-time capability building and/or programmatic grants to 501c3 organizations serving Winter Park, FL.
 
Two categories of grants will be awarded this year:
  • (3) grants for up to $25,000 (Organizations must have over $250,000 in annual revenue)
  • (2) grants for up to $10,000 (Organizations must have an annual revenue of $50,000 - $250,0000)
Our primary focus this year is unique projects that can increase the capability of your nonprofit or its programs to increase human services, education, health, arts, environment, and/or economic stability for your constituents.  Requests can include but are not limited to technology, program materials, staff training, and community collaboration.  The grant does not need to cover the full cost of the project.
 
 
Timeline
  • August 17, 2026 – Application opens
  • September 18, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST) – Application deadline
  • Early November 2026 – Notification of award recipients
 
How to Apply:
  1. Sign into your MyGrant portal. If your organization has applied to a grant through our MyGrant portal before, please sign in using your existing login. If you are unsure who in your organization has access to the MyGrant login or you have never used the portal, please contact Alissa Mahadeo at amahadeo@cffound.org.
  2. Use passcode WP2026 to access application.
  3. Application closes September 18, 2026.
Image item
Florida Nonprofit Alliance has launched the FNA Compensation and Benefits Survey to build a clearer picture of nonprofit compensation, benefits, and workforce practices across the state.
 
The more organizations that participate, the more meaningful and useful the results will be for benchmarking, hiring, retention, and long term planning.
 
 
This survey closes on July 14, 2026.
 
Image item
 

 
Image item
The City of Winter Garden is excited to announce our grant process and program for non-profit organizations focused on supporting initiatives that enhance community support and family stability, promote economic empowerment and sustainable development, and prioritize health and wellness support for our residents. These grants are to support the capability, programs, or operations of nonprofits located in and/or serving Winter Garden.
 
Learn more about the City of Winter Garden grants by clicking below.
Building Community by Building Philanthropy
Visit our Facebook
Visit our Instagram
Visit our LinkedIn
Visit our Youtube
800 North Magnolia Avenue, Suite 1700
Orlando, FL 32803, United States