Red Coats’ Community Grant

The Red Coats, a group of civic and corporate leaders associated with THE PLAYERS volunteer efforts, offer an annual community grants program to support nonprofit initiatives in Northeast Florida. Their mission is to strengthen local communities by funding specific, impactful programs and projects. The grant opportunity is designed to support nonprofit organizations, government entities such as law enforcement and fire departments, and educational institutions including K-12 schools and colleges, provided they operate within the five eligible counties of Northeast Florida: Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns. The program provides grants of up to $15,000 to support program-specific needs that demonstrate measurable community impact. The funds may be used for services that address tangible needs such as increasing access, meeting community demands, and expanding organizational reach. Applications for the 2025 grant cycle open on May 12, 2025, and close on June 6, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified of their status by August 15, 2025, and awards will be distributed via ACH payment by September 30, 2025. To be eligible, applicants must either be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, a qualifying government entity, or an educational institution. The organization must also be active in at least one of the designated counties and must provide nondiscriminatory services. Each organization may only submit one application. Required documents include an IRS determination letter, the most recent W9 or 990, and a project-specific budget. Organizations must also be prepared to submit bank information for direct deposit of funds. The application process includes questions about organizational history, program goals, evaluation metrics, anticipated challenges, partnerships, and budget history. Applicants are required to describe how the grant will be publicly acknowledged if awarded. Additional terms of participation include a certification that the applicant complies with all applicable laws, including anti-terrorism laws, and confirmation of 501(c)(3) status as determined by the IRS. Funding cannot be used for travel, conferences, political activities, debt reduction, or events where staff receive tangible benefits. Additionally, grants will not be issued to individuals, private foundations, or grant-making organizations. The program seeks projects that have broad community support and demonstrate measurable results, including number of lives impacted or services provided. Feedback during the review process will not be provided, and organizations not selected for funding will not receive individual responses.