Nursey Foundation Impact Fund

The Nursey Foundation Impact Fund (NFIF) is a grant initiative supporting nonprofit organizations creating meaningful, local impact in the Greater Tampa Bay Area.

Through NFIF, we provide funding to community-based programs addressing critical needs in Mental Health, Hunger, Homelessness, Foster Care Transitions, and Childhood Illness.

Our focus is on strengthening organizations that are positioned to deliver effective programs and expand their impact across the communities they serve.

Nonprofits that did not apply in 2025 are encouraged to submit an application.

The second NFIF grant cohort opens April 6th, 2026, and closes May 15th, 2026!

 

The application window closes February 13th!

Making a Difference Together

Targeted Community Support

Fostering Long-Term Change

Strengthening Local Partnerships

Empowering Grassroots Nonprofits

About the Nursey Foundation Impact Fund

The NFIF Grant Initiative was established to provide financial support to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits that align with our mission and demonstrate measurable community impact. Our funding process is fair, transparent and compliant. We conduct a thorough review of all applicants, prioritizing innovative and scalable projects that effectively address urgent community needs.

 

Applicants can apply for grants up to $20,000. Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee funding, and each organization may apply only once per year. Applications will be reviewed on a competitive, first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage early submission for the best chance of approval.

 

Eligibility & Funding Guidelines

To qualify for NFIF funding, applicants must:

  • Be a 501(c)(3) public charity in good standing with the IRS
  • Headquarters and all financial governance must be based in the Greater Tampa Bay area
  • Have been operational for at least three years with a proven track record of community impact
  • Be physically located in the Greater Tampa Bay Area and serve the local community
  • Align with at least one of NFIF’s five funding pillars (your organization may operate outside these pillars, as long as the specific program or initiative seeking funding aligns with one of them)
  • Submit a complete application with all required documentation
  • Ensure your program or project does not require recipients to pay for services
  • Submit only one application per year, regardless of the outcome

Funding Restrictions

NFIF grants must be used exclusively for the approved project and cannot be used for:

  • General operating costs (such as salaries, administrative overhead, etc.)
  • Capital improvements, renovations, or land purchases
  • Religious programming or worship-based initiatives
  • Political or lobbying activities
  • Debt repayment or endowments
  • Expenses not outlined in the approved project budget
  • Research-focused organizations or projects

Application Process & Timeline

NFIF accepts applications on a quarterly basis, with each organization limited to one application per year. Please ensure you have all required materials ready before applying, as incomplete applications will require you to wait a full year before reapplying.

2026 Application Schedule

  • Q1: January 5 – February 13

  • Q2: April 6 – May 15

  • Q3: July 6 – August 14

  • Q4:  October 5 – November 13

Grant Review Process

Phase 1: Programmatic Review

Applicants submit organizational information, project details, and a budget breakdown. Applications are evaluated based on mission alignment, impact potential, feasibility, innovation, governance. Only the most competitive applicants will advance to Phase 2.

 

Phase 2: Financial Review (By Invitation Only)

Advancing to Phase 2 does not guarantee funding. Selected applicants must submit the following financial documents within three weeks of request:

• IRS Form 990 (Last 2 Years) – Required
• Balance Sheet (Last 2 Years) – Strongly Recommended
• Statement of Revenues & Expenses (Last 2 Years) – Strongly Recommended

Applicants must demonstrate financial stability and responsible fiscal management to remain eligible for funding. Failure to submit financial documents on time will result in automatic disqualification.

 

Review & Funding Decisions

Applications that successfully pass both phases will be reviewed by the Nursey Foundation Board of Directors for final funding decisions. Organizations will be notified within three months of the application deadline.

 

Grant Reporting Requirements

Grantees must submit progress and final reports to ensure transparency and accountability.

Reports must include:

• A summary of fund usage

• Impact data demonstrating measurable project outcomes

• A financial summary confirming compliance with grant terms

Failure to meet reporting requirements may result in funding suspension or ineligibility for future grants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What types of projects does NFIF fund?

We fund projects that align with our five pillars and demonstrate measurable impact, innovation, and sustainability.

 

2. How are applications evaluated?

Applications are scored based on mission alignment, impact potential, feasibility, innovation, governance, and financial stability.

 

3. When will I be notified of the funding decision?

Applicants are notified within three months of the application deadline, following Board review.

 

4. What happens if an invited applicant fails to submit financial documents for Phase 2?

Failure to submit within three weeks will result in automatic disqualification.

 

5. What size grant can I apply for? 

We will be reviewing grant requests for amounts up to $20,000; however, full funding is not guaranteed, and recipients may receive partial funding based on their request and available resources.

 

6. Does it matter when I apply for the grant? 

Yes, we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. Grant approvals will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis. Submitting your application early could increase your chances of approval.

United, We Create a Stronger Impact

With the Nursey Foundation's help, we were able to stock our shelves and get back on our feet so we could continue to provide food to the community.

Monica Wilson, Executive Director at Community Food Pantry

The Nursey Foundation has been incredibly generous to our organization. Not only have they given financially, but they have given with their time.

Belinda Leto, Executive Director at Celebrate Birthday's

There are over 5,000 individuals receiving our services and we really couldn't do it without the help of the Nursey Foundation.

Patty O'Leary, CEO at Children's Cancer Center

The Nursey Foundation has impacted us more than any other organization that we have partnered with so far.

Mary Rose Gullet, President at Honey's Mini Therapy Adventures