Submit your story before the deadline to be considered for this grant round — applications due September 26, 2026.
Grant Applications
Is There a Fit?
Before applying, we invite you to learn about our mission, what we fund, and how the process works. Scroll down to explore — then take 2 minutes to check your eligibility. If you pre-qualify, you'll be prompted to submit a short story or letter of intent.
Our Purpose
"We partner with exceptional organizations doing exceptional work — to protect what matters, educate those who will lead, and nurture community wellbeing."
The J.W. Couch Foundation believes that purposeful philanthropy starts with deep alignment. Before you apply, we encourage you to explore who we are and what we fund.
Mark Your Calendar
2026 Grant Cycle
We review applications twice a year. Submit your letter of intent by the application deadline to be considered in that cycle.
Q1 2026
Cycle 1Application Due
Mar 27
2026
Decisions By
Apr 30
2026
Q3 2026
Cycle 2Application Due
Sep 25
2026
Decisions By
Oct 30
2026
$50K+
Minimum Grant Award
2×
Award Cycles Per Year
3
Funding Pillars
What We Fund
Our Three Pillars
Preservation
Protecting our natural and historical world — wildlife, land, architecture, and the ecosystems that sustain life.
- Historical Preservation
- Wildlife Conservation
- Food & Waste Management
- Animal Wellbeing
Education
Investing in forward-thinking schools, teachers, and programs that build the next generation of thinkers and leaders.
- Early Childhood Education
- 21st-Century Education
- Teachers
Wellness
Championing mental health, digital wellbeing, and access to nature so communities can thrive whole-heartedly.
- Mental Health
- Digital Wellbeing
- Get Outside
- Mentorship
Not sure if your mission fits? Read more about each program →
Special Opportunity
The Storytelling Grant
Great nonprofits do transformational work — but too often, that work goes unseen. Our Storytelling Grant is designed to help nonprofits across all three of our charitable programs share the real-world impact they're making in their communities through the power of video.
If your organization is creating meaningful change and you have a story worth telling, we want to help you tell it.
How It Works
The Application Process
01
Pre-Qualification
Answer 4 quick questions to see if your organization is a good fit. If you pre-qualify, you'll be prompted to submit a short story or letter of intent.
02
Tell Us Your Story
Submit a short video letter of intent (60–90 seconds) or 3–5 photos with a brief written narrative — sharing your mission and the impact you're making in your community.
03
Our Team Reviews
We review every story submission against our current priorities and the difference you're making in your community.
04
Receive an Invitation
If your story resonates, we'll invite you to submit a full grant application. We also prospect select nonprofits directly — applications are by invitation only.
05
Application & Decision
Invited organizations complete the full application, reviewed twice a year (Q1 and Q3). Selected organizations are contacted directly.
Foundation Impact
Grants That Make a Difference
Every year, the J.W. Couch Foundation invests in organizations whose work creates lasting change. From preserving endangered ecosystems to expanding access to early childhood education, our partners are redefining what's possible in their communities.
Read Our Impact Stories
Wildpath
Through a Panther's Eyes: Florida's Wild Future
Wildpath's Emmy Award-winning Path of the Panther initiative is bringing the story of Florida's most iconic predator into classrooms across the state. With support from the J.W. Couch Foundation, this 2025 grant fuels a statewide educational rollout designed to inspire the next generation to protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to See If You Qualify?
Answer 4 quick questions to see if your organization is a good fit. If you pre-qualify, you'll be prompted to submit a short story or letter of intent.
Start the Pre-Qualification QuizTakes less than 2 minutes · No account needed