Sunday’s Child will award $120,000 in grant funding this year, distributing six grants of $20,000 each to nonprofit organizations serving the Pensacola Bay Area.
Background: Sunday’s Child is a nonprofit organization committed to uplifting nonprofits that champion diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through its unique member-based grantmaking model, Sunday’s Child empowers local organizations to implement solutions that foster a more just and inclusive community. Since its inception, Sunday’s Child has made a lasting impact by supporting initiatives that address systemic inequities and promote meaningful change.
- This milestone is made possible by the generosity and dedication of Sunday’s Child members—individuals whose belief in equity, commitment to community, and passion for collective giving continue to drive meaningful change across the region.
Timetable
The 2025 grant application period officially closed on August 2, following a strong response from local nonprofits. Grant Review Committees (GRCs), made up of Sunday’s Child members, will now begin evaluating submissions to determine the finalists.
Key Dates for the 2025 Grant Cycle:
- August (Late): Grant Review Committees begin application review
- September 29: Finalists Announced
- October 12: Final Presentations and Grant Winners Announced at the Annual Meeting
Each active Sunday’s Child member will cast a vote to help determine which projects receive funding.
- For more information about Sunday’s Child, the 2025 Grant Cycle, or how to become a member, visit www.sundayschild.org or email info@sundayschild.org.
2024 Grant Winners
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity – $20,000
“Pride Build”
Our groundbreaking Pride Build initiative is more than construction; it’s a movement — a tapestry woven with intention and inclusivity promoting unity with the LGBTQIA+ community. On October 25th, allies and the LGBTQIA+ community will build a home symbolizing this unity. Pride Build, although a one-day event, is part of a year-round effort to foster dialogue and raise awareness about housing inequality in this community. Grant Allocation: Framing the home ($15,000): Symbolizing strength and unity within the LGBTQIA+ community, the framing represents marginalized individuals coming together to stand strong. Comprehensive marketing featuring the Sunday’s Child logo ($4,173.60) and additional materials ($592) such as tumblers, sweatbands, and PopSockets to promote inclusivity, community cohesion, and awareness.
Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida – $20,000
“Equipment and Assistive Technology for Independence Program”
The Equipment and Assistive Technology for Independence Program gives opportunities for a higher quality of life for each participant. We endeavor to meet the unique needs of each person to optimize their independence. Grant funds will be allocated in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties to purchase needed equipment and assistive technology for optimizing the independence of individuals with disabilities. Staffing costs for this program are paid through state and federal contracts. Like Sunday’s Child, we want to provide services to as many people as possible. Funding for this program will be $200 to $1,000 per person. Using the example of these limits, we would be able to assist 20 to 100 people. The program itself is sustainable through our recycling, reuse, and refurbishment efforts.
Golden Elite – $20,000
“Moving Forward Together: Van Expansion Project”
Since receiving the 2019 Sunday’s Child grant for a 15-passenger van, Golden Elite has experienced substantial growth, now serving over 150 youth per year, up from 50-60 participants previously. This expansion necessitates an additional 7-passenger van to accommodate the influx of underserved youth, many from single-parent or grandparent households. The grant will enable us to continue providing access to our track and field program for these vulnerable demographics, fostering a supportive environment where they can thrive both athletically and personally.
Capstone Adaptive Learning – $20,000
“Barkery Blooms”
In 2018, the Barkery (2600 West Fairfield, Pensacola) began with a Sunday’s Child grant. This project provides job training for people with disabilities in running a business baking/selling all-natural, limited-ingredient pet treats. Student bakers make $15 an hour. Treats are sold at area businesses, markets, and Capstone Pet Place in Milton. Our project will proceed to the next level by relocating to another Capstone-owned facility (1000 West Leonard Street), rather than sharing space with other Capstone programs currently. Funds will be used to purchase (and install) restaurant-grade equipment (oven, refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, and sink) at the new stand-alone location. The move allowing for more weekly hours to make more treats has a two-fold outcome: More students working at the Barkery gaining hard/soft job skills; More treats to fill more orders for existing/new retail stores.
FIRST CITY ART CENTER – $20,000
“Hear me, See me Sunday’s Child Inclusion Stage”
“Sunday’s Child Inclusion Stage” imagines the construction of a permanent, covered performance stage adjacent to our parking lot as a centerpiece of our campus. The stage will be approximately 480 square feet. This structure will be handicapped accessible and will include electrical service for band performances. We anticipate the construction to take 2 months. The Sunday’s Child Inclusion Stage will have a tremendous impact on the FCAC campus, enhancing our various events, festivals, and programming. There will be a consequential impact on the greater community by providing a much-needed performance venue. Impact will be measured by use, which we anticipate being often. There is no other venue of this type in our area.
HOPE ABOVE FEAR – $20,000
“Empower”
Through Empower, we will create and disseminate a professionally produced video detailing the escalating impact of the drug epidemic among Pensacola Bay area teenagers. The video will feature stories from local students and families directly impacted by teen substance and fentanyl use. We will also distribute resource pamphlets and motivational swag. Video production will start in mid-July. Leveraging partnerships with ECSD and other community partners, presentations will begin in the 2024/2025 school year, targeting all EC middle and high school students and their families by December 2025. Presentations will impart crucial information on substance abuse and particularly fentanyl, encourage open dialogue, and promote healthy coping mechanisms among area teens.
Read about 2023 winners.