Grants and Prizes | Community Foundation

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We Don’t Just Fund. We Elevate.

Grants, prizes, and recognition for those leading with love and purpose.

We believe that every nonprofit has a story worth sharing and a mission worth supporting — no matter its size or budget.Our grants and signature awards are tailored to amplify impact, spark innovation, and reward visionary changemakers in our community.We’re not here to fund the same old status quo. We’re here to lift up leaders who lead with heart.

ENPY Awards Grant Recognition Program

Excellence in Nonprofit Performance Year-Round

Launching on September 5, 2025

The ENPY Awards celebrate nonprofit excellence in leadership, mission delivery, and community impact. Each award comes with a cash grant of up to $5,000, recognizing nonprofits and leaders who deliver real results.

Award Categories & Nomination Links

Mission-Based Awards – $5,000 each

Champion for Children Award

Honors organizations that significantly enhance children’s lives through education, wellness, or enrichment.

Veterans Service Award

Celebrates organizations serving veterans and military families with advocacy, support, and transition assistance.

Food Security Advocate Award

Recognizes organizations addressing hunger with compassion and innovation to ensure no one goes hungry.

Health & Wellness Innovator Award

For organizations advancing mental, physical, or community health with creativity and measurable impact.

Housing & Homelessness Hero Award

Honors organizations fighting homelessness and housing insecurity, providing shelter, advocacy, and hope.

Environmental Stewardship Award

Recognizes leadership in sustainability, conservation, and environmental education for a healthier planet.

Youth Empowerment Excellence Award

Celebrates programs that mentor, educate, and empower youth to thrive and step confidently into the future.

Economic Empowerment Award

Honors organizations promoting financial literacy, job readiness, and entrepreneurship to fuel growth.

Community Catalyst Award

Given to organizations that strengthen civic engagement and unite communities for greater resilience.

Arts & Culture Advancement Award

Honors nonprofits using arts and culture to heal, educate, and connect communities.

Outstanding Animal Welfare Initiative Award

This award honors a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals in Southwest Florida. From rescuing and sheltering abandoned pets, to advancing veterinary care, to creating innovative community programs that protect and support animals, this category recognizes organizations that go above and beyond to give a voice to the voiceless.

Role-Based Awards – $5,000 each

Executive Leader of the Year

For nonprofit CEOs/EDs whose vision, strategy, and leadership have elevated their organization.

Emerging Leader Award

Honors rising stars showing early-career excellence, initiative, and promise in nonprofit leadership.

Volunteer of the Year

Celebrates a volunteer whose dedication and compassion profoundly impact their organization.

Development & Fundraising Excellence Award

For fundraising professionals whose work strengthens financial sustainability and impact.

Marketing & Communications Trailblazer

Recognizes creative communicators shaping powerful campaigns and compelling storytelling.

Nonprofit Program Director of the Year

Awarded to leaders delivering results, growing services, and driving quality in nonprofit programs.

Finance & Operations Excellence Award

Celebrates behind-the-scenes professionals ensuring smooth operations and strong compliance.

Partnership Builder Award

For leaders forging strong alliances across sectors to expand impact.

Human Services Hero Award

Awarded to frontline professionals providing compassionate, direct services in communities.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Honors an individual whose career reflects unwavering dedication to direct nonprofit service.

Bonus Awards

Small but Mighty Award – $3,000

Celebrates small nonprofits making a big impact with limited resources.

Dennis Gingerich Nonprofit & Church Partnership Award – $5,000

Recognizes faith communities partnering with nonprofits to meet real-world needs.

The Enpy $100,000 Excellence Accelerator Award - $5,000

The ENPY $100,000 Excellence Accelerator Award is not just a grant—it’s a game-changer for nonprofits under $5 Million. One winning organization will receive $5,000 in cash and $95,000 in professional growth services, including HR support, leadership coaching, fundraising tools, and marketing. This award is designed to transform a nonprofit’s capacity for impact while celebrating their work on stage at the ENPY Awards.

Key Details

Eligibility: 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored programs serving SW Florida, active 18+ months

Criteria: Demonstrated impact, strong leadership & operations, alignment with category, 1–2 letters of support

Fall 2025 Timeline:

Opens: Sept. 5, 2025

Deadline: Sept. 30, 2025

Gala: Dec. 2, 2025, DoubleTree Hilton, Fort Myers

Recognition & Visibility

Winners will be celebrated through The Community Foundation newsletter (35,000+ reach), social media campaigns, and our Website Hall of Fame.

Please let me know your thoughts on these updates and the best way to move forward.

Thank you again for your work on this project—we appreciate your efforts in helping us bring The Community Foundation’s vision to life.

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