Community Foundation opens 2026-2027 grant cycle for Palm Beach and Martin nonprofits

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties is opening its 2026-2027 competitive Community Impact grant cycle on Nov. 2, with applications due Dec. 18 and awards planned for late spring 2027. The process includes free November grant-seeker sessions and will fund programs, operations and organizational growth for nonprofits serving the two-county region.

Why it matters: - The grant cycle gives local nonprofits a chance to compete for flexible funding tied to programs, operations and capacity building. - The money is aimed at organizations serving Palm Beach and Martin counties, where community needs range from workforce development to housing, hunger and mental health. - The Community Foundation awarded more than $6.56 million to 177 nonprofit organizations in 2026, showing the scale of funding moving through the program.

What happened: - The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties launched its 2026-2027 competitive Community Impact grantmaking cycle on Oct. 19, 2026. - Applications open Nov. 2, 2026, and close Dec. 18, 2026, at 5 p.m. - Grant recipients will be announced in late spring 2027. - The Foundation will host free Grant-Seeker Sessions throughout November in person and online.

The details: - Nonprofit organizations serving Palm Beach and Martin counties can apply for year-round or summer funding. - The grantmaking cycle prioritizes four areas: Economic Opportunity, Education and Youth, Thriving Communities and Capacity Building. - Economic Opportunity grants focus on job training, workforce development, financial literacy, vocational skills and life skills. - Education and Youth grants support early childhood literacy, mentoring and internships. - Thriving Communities grants can support arts and culture, housing, hunger, mental health and the environment. - Capacity Building grants can fund strategic planning, executive coaching, communications and marketing. - The Grant-Seeker Sessions are designed to explain the application process, eligibility rules and funding priorities. - Registration is available online at grant-seeker session registration. - Session dates include Stuart on Nov. 2, Belle Glade on Nov. 5, Delray Beach on Nov. 6, West Palm Beach on Nov. 16 and a virtual Zoom session on Nov. 17. - The Stuart session is set for 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Children’s Services Council of Martin County, 101 SE Central Pkwy, Stuart. - The Belle Glade session is set for 6 to 7 p.m. at the Student ACES Center, 915 S. Main Street, Belle Glade. - The Delray Beach session is set for 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W. Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach. - The West Palm Beach session is set for 2 to 4 p.m. at the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach. - The virtual session is set for 5:30 to 7 p.m., and the Zoom link will be emailed to registered attendees.

Between the lines: - Pam Rauch, chair of the Community Foundation’s Community Impact Committee, framed the grants as a way to back organizations closest to community needs and turn strong ideas into lasting impact. - The Foundation’s grantmaking process is overseen by the Community Impact Committee, a volunteer group that reviews applications to align funding with the Foundation’s mission and values. - Grants come from charitable funds established by individuals, families, businesses and organizations. - The Foundation has distributed grants to more than 3,600 nonprofit partners over its 55-year history. - Since 1972, the Foundation has distributed more than $300 million in grants and scholarships.

What's next: - Nonprofits interested in applying should review the funding priorities and attend a Grant-Seeker Session before the Dec. 18 deadline. - The Foundation will review applications and announce recipients in late spring 2027. - More information on the competitive grantmaking process is available at the competitive grantmaking process.

The bottom line: - The Community Foundation is using its 2026-2027 grant cycle to steer local philanthropy toward the region’s most urgent needs while giving nonprofits a structured path to apply for support.