Nonprofit organizations serving communities in Orange and Osceola Counties, Florida, now have an opportunity to receive funding through the 2026 Dr. P. Phillips Legacy Microgrant Program. Administered by Dr. Phillips Charities, this annual funding initiative provides financial support to eligible nonprofit organizations that are making a meaningful impact in their communities.
For the 2026 funding cycle, 15 nonprofit organizations will each receive a $5,000 microgrant to support projects and initiatives that align with the organization’s charitable mission. The program is specifically designed to strengthen smaller nonprofit organizations with annual operating budgets of $2 million or less, helping them expand their reach and better serve local communities.
Application Deadline: August 7, 2026
About Dr. Phillips Charities
Dr. Phillips Charities, consisting of Dr. Phillips, Inc. and The Dr. P. Phillips Foundation, continues the legacy of the Phillips family through strategic philanthropy focused on helping organizations that embrace the philosophy of “helping others help themselves.”
The organization supports projects that create significant and lasting impacts across Central Florida by investing in innovative programs, community-driven initiatives, and projects that address pressing local challenges.
Through the Legacy Microgrant Program, Dr. Phillips Charities seeks to empower smaller nonprofit organizations that are delivering measurable benefits to their communities.
Microgrant Overview
The Dr. P. Phillips Legacy Microgrant Program awards:
- 15 microgrants
- $5,000 per selected nonprofit organization
- Funding intended to strengthen community-based nonprofit initiatives
- Support for organizations with annual operating budgets of $2 million or less
The program recognizes that even relatively small grants can create meaningful change when invested in organizations that understand the needs of their communities.
Who Can Apply?
Organizations interested in applying must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a nonprofit organization.
- Have an annual operating budget of $2 million or less.
- Be located in and actively operate within Orange County or Osceola County, Florida.
- Work within one or more of Dr. Phillips Charities’ priority funding areas.
Priority Funding Areas
Eligible organizations must operate in one or more of the following areas:
- Arts & Culture
- Children & Youth
- Education
- Health
- Social Services
Projects that fall within these sectors are encouraged to apply for funding.
Funding Priority
Dr. Phillips Charities places special emphasis on projects that help reduce financial hardship for:
- ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households
- Low-income families
Organizations whose projects directly address economic challenges, improve financial stability, or expand access to essential services for these populations will receive priority consideration during the review process.
Why Apply?
Receiving a Legacy Microgrant can help nonprofit organizations:
- Expand community programs.
- Increase service delivery.
- Launch innovative local initiatives.
- Strengthen operational capacity.
- Reach underserved populations.
- Improve outcomes for vulnerable families.
- Build momentum for future fundraising opportunities.
Although the grant amount is modest, it can provide meaningful support for organizations working to create measurable community impact.
Application Process
Applicants must complete their submission online through the Dr. Phillips Grant Portal.
The application process includes:
- Create an account in the Dr. Phillips Grant Portal.
- Complete the organizational profile.
- Answer “Yes” when asked if you are interested in submitting a microgrant proposal.
- Complete and submit the online microgrant proposal.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Organizations that previously had accounts in the former grant portal should use the same email address and select “Forgot Password” to regain access. If no password reset email is received, applicants should create a new account.
Application Deadline
All microgrant proposals must be submitted no later than August 7, 2026.
Late applications are not expected to be considered.
Selection Timeline
Successful applicants can expect the following timeline:
- Application Deadline: August 7, 2026
- Notification of Funding Decision: On or before September 15, 2026
- Recipient Reception and Public Announcement: October 15, 2026, at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center
Organizations selected for funding are expected to have a representative attend the announcement event.
What Makes a Strong Proposal?
Dr. Phillips Charities reviews proposals based on several important criteria, including:
- Evidence of a genuine community need supported by credible data.
- Innovative and cost-effective approaches.
- Collaboration with other nonprofit organizations or community partners.
- Long-term sustainability beyond the grant period.
- Demonstrated community impact.
- Organizational expertise and leadership capacity.
Applicants should clearly explain how the proposed project addresses local needs while delivering measurable outcomes.
About the General Grant Process
In addition to the Legacy Microgrant Program, Dr. Phillips Charities also offers larger grant opportunities through its standard grant process.
For regular grants, organizations generally:
- Submit a Letter of Intent.
- Undergo an initial review.
- Receive an invitation (if selected) to submit a full proposal.
- Participate in the grant review process.
- Receive a funding decision.
Organizations receiving funding are typically required to submit progress and final reports through the grant portal.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Grant Amount: $5,000
- Number of Awards: 15
- Eligible Budget Size: Up to $2 million annually
- Eligible Applicants: Nonprofit organizations
- Service Area: Orange and Osceola Counties, Florida
- Priority Populations: ALICE households and low-income families
- Application Method: Online through the Dr. Phillips Grant Portal
- Application Deadline: August 7, 2026
- Decision Notification: On or before September 15, 2026
- Recipient Announcement: October 15, 2026
How to Apply
Interested nonprofit organizations should create an account through the Dr. Phillips Grant Portal, complete the required organizational information, indicate interest in submitting a microgrant proposal, and submit the online application before August 7, 2026.
Click here for more and to apply
Organizations are encouraged to begin their applications early to allow sufficient time to prepare a strong proposal and complete all required information before the deadline.
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