Gulf Breeze Will Do (GBWD), a women’s philanthropic group, announces the opening of its grant season. Applications will be accepted through September 30. The organization is celebrating its 10th anniversary and has awarded more than $542,000 to initiatives in the Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach communities since its inception.
Founded by a group of community-minded Gulf Breeze women in 2014, the organization serves as a funding tool for nonprofit organizations and individuals trying to make a difference in the Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach communities.
Prospective grant applicants must have a project or initiative that serves the communities in the 32561 and/or 32563 zip code areas. Organizations and groups without tax-exempt status will be considered.
Grant amounts range from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $10,000 in the following categories: 1) Art, Recreation and Sports; 2) Education; 3) Hardship Support Services; 4) Public Safety; and 5) Environment. The grant application and guidelines are available at gulfbreezewilldo.org. Grant awards will be announced in November 2024.
2023 grant recipients included:
The Arc Gateway – Unlimited Potential: Scholarships for Adults with Disabilities
- A $10,000 grant established a needs-based scholarship program, allowing those enrolled only part-time to fully take advantage of transformative programming provided by The Arc Gateway’s South Santa Rosa program.
Gulf Breeze Middle School – Making Science Fun
• A $2,994 grant was used to purchase educational tools to encourage interest in science and prepare students for state-wide testing.
Gulf Breeze Weekend Food Program – Gulf Breeze Weekend Food Program Support
• A $10,000 grant was used to purchase food items provided to children in the community facing hunger and poor nutrition.
Interfaith Ministries – Building With A Purpose – Helping & Healing Those In Need
• A $5,279.84 grant was used to build a concrete pad to provide a more stable base for the organization’s recycling trailer and additional parking for the Interfaith Ministries Thrift Store.
Midway Fire Department – Ballistic Protection Vests
• A $7,296 grant was used to purchase ballistic protection vests to protect each on-duty firefighter/paramedic.
Oriole Beach Elementary Library – Is That A Book Vending Machine?!
• A $2,007.65 grant was used to fill the existing book vending machine with books that motivate children to earn tokens to select their own book to keep from the machine.
Grant funding at GBWD is provided by collective annual membership dues of $250 per person with 100 percent of dues distributed back to the community. Every member has a vote on which organizations receive grant funding. To join, visit www.gulfbreezewilldo.org.
Ladies of the Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach communities are invited to attend the final membership drives of the year on Thursday, Sept. 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at The Pointe at Tiger Point Golf Club, 1255 Country Club Rd., Gulf Breeze. Everyone who brings a guest will be entered to win some great door prizes. A ticket will be issued for each guest, so bring all your friends and increase your chances of winning!
