At Lift Orlando, we believe that strong neighborhoods are the foundation of thriving communities. The Lift Together Community Grants program is designed to support small and impactful projects initiated and led by residents of The Communities of West Lakes: (Bunche Manor/Hollando, Clear Lake Cove, Lake Lorna Doone, Lake Sunset, and Rock Lake), Washington Shores, Lake Mann, and Johnson Village.

The Lift Together Community Grants program is committed to funding projects that benefit members of the community and align with our four pillars: mixed-income housing, community health and wellness, cradle-to-career education pathways, and economic viability. Grant amounts range from $500 to $1,500 and must directly benefit residents in Lift Orlando’s area of service. A resident-led committee will review and approve applications.

Lift Together Community Grants are open to individual residents, informal resident groups, and neighborhood associations in the service area, and to nonprofit organizations with an annual budget of less than $100,000. The application will be available until funds run out.

Eligible Projects

Funds must be used to create, plan, organize, and implement a proposal for community enhancement projects. Examples of eligible projects include: Community art projects, community celebrations, and after-school tutoring.

However, funds cannot be used for:

• Staff salary/wage expenses

• Events that charge admission

• Political or lobbying efforts, etc.

• Reimbursements/Covering previous expenses

• School field trips, school improvements and on-campus events

Applicants are required to identify two additional residents that have agreed to assist in the implementation of the project or initiative.

Application Process

To apply for a Lift Together Community Grant, please review the following information:

Who Can Apply?

• Individual residents currently living in The Communities of West Lakes, Washington Shores, Johnson Village, and Lake Mann

• Civic and nonprofit organizations with an annual budget of less than $100K operating in direct support of The Communities of West Lakes, Washington Shores, Johnson Village, and Lake Mann

Timeline + More Info

• Applications open on April 1, 2025 and close on November 16, 2026 (or until funds run out).

• Funding decisions will be made within 45 days of submission and applicants will be notified about approved or denied funding decisions. (Applications received for events/projects within 45 of the application will be denied.)

• Funds for approved grants will be delivered within 45 days or less after the agreement has been signed by all individuals listed on the grant application.

• Only one application per project can be submitted per grant cycle.

• If an applicant's project is approved for a grant, the applicant must complete the funded project and submit a final report before being eligible to apply for another grant.

• The final report should include: event/project photos and/or video, documented feedback from participants (if applicable), and receipts associated with your awarded project.

How Can You Apply?

To apply for a Lift Together Community Grant, please complete the application below. If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please don't hesitate to contact April Richardson at April@LiftOrlando.org.