Each year, Community Foundation Tampa Bay is fortunate to receive hundreds of grant applications from nonprofit organizations that are making a real difference in our region. We’re inspired by the passion, creativity, and commitment behind every proposal we review.
While we’re not able to fund every request due to limited discretionary resources, we’re grateful for the opportunity to learn about so many impactful initiatives—and we celebrate the incredible work being done in our community. Every application helps us better understand the needs and opportunities across our region, and we remain committed to supporting and amplifying your efforts in every way we can.
As you prepare your application for our Annual Competitive Grants process, we want to provide transparency of our eligibility and evaluation criteria and share tips for our process.
A Rigorous and Fair Review Process
Your application will be reviewed by a diverse and experienced group of more than 50 individuals. This includes Foundation staff, Regional Council Members, and our Board of Trustees. Together, they bring deep knowledge of community needs and a shared commitment to supporting meaningful, effective change.
We want to be upfront: the process is highly competitive. Last year, only about 20% of requests received funding. Though this is a competitive process, and not all applications will be selected for funding, this process allows for Community Foundation Tampa Bay to learn more about your organization and your priorities. We use this knowledge to amplify strong proposals by sharing them with donors, funders, and community partners who may be able to support your work.
What Reviewers Are Looking For
Reviewers are guided—not bound—by a set of criteria that help us evaluate the strength, potential, and community impact of each proposal. Think of these not as a checklist, but as key criteria to address clearly in your application:
1. Services to Vulnerable Populations
We look for projects that serve people who have been historically marginalized or who face barriers to accessing resources. If your work centers these populations, be sure to describe the specific challenges they face and how your program responds.
2. Authentic Collaboration
Are you working with other organizations such as other nonprofit, for-profit, government, or grassroots groups—to share resources and increase impact? We value collaborative approaches that avoid duplication and strengthen the nonprofit ecosystem.
3. Use of Best Practices
Tell us how your program is grounded in evidence. This could include research-based models, proven strategies, or past successes you’ve built on that have a positive impact on the target population. We’re looking for programs that reflect thoughtful design and a strong foundation.
4. Sustained Impact
We want to invest in programs that will make a difference beyond the life of the grant. Describe how your project or its outcomes will continue after our funding ends—whether through internal capacity, partnerships, or diversified funding sources.
5. Quantifiable Results
How do you know your program is working? What data can you provide to show impact? Whether it’s the number of people served, improvements in outcomes, or cost-effectiveness, give us the tools to understand your success.
Make Your Application Shine
Here are a few final tips as you prepare your submission:
- Be clear and complete. Incomplete or vague responses make it difficult for reviewers to fully understand and champion your work.
- Tell your story. Beyond data, we want to feel the heart of your mission. What sets your organization apart? Why are you uniquely positioned to succeed?
- Don’t take results personally. A declined application is not a reflection of your worth or the value of your work. We deeply respect all applicants and are grateful for your commitment to our community.
Thank you for your dedication and the incredible work you do every day. We look forward to reviewing your proposal and learning more about how you are creating positive change in Tampa Bay.
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