Grant Application Guidelines
The SECO Energy Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life in our communities through grant funding. We support programs and projects of local non-profit organizations based on the Cooperative Principle of Concern for Community.
2026 Grant Application Deadlines
December 20, 2025 Closed
Board Meeting: January 29, 2026
March 20, 2026 Closed
Board Meeting: April 23, 2026
June 20, 2026
Board Meeting: July 23, 2026
September 20, 2026
Board Meeting: October 22, 2026
Grant Award Types
Community Grants
Limited to $25,000 in any 12-month period. These grants require an audit or review by a certified, independent auditor as part of our commitment to responsible stewardship of public donations.
Mini-Grants
Limited to $5,000 per application submission and $10,000 in any 12-month period. Organizations may reapply once their program is complete and a Final Grant Report has been submitted. No audit required.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Charitable organizations must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:
Organized and operates for charitable purposes which are tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) with IRS determination letter, or an organization described in Section 509(a)(1), or an organization to which contributions are deductible under Section 170(b)(1)(A)(v)
Completed three or more years of continuous operation
Annually file IRS Form 990, 990EZ, or other annual form as required by the IRS
Be registered with the State of Florida to solicit contributions — verify your organization's compliance at Check-A-Charity
The project must assist residents in one of the following SECO territories: Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and/or Sumter Counties
The Foundation Does Not Award Grants To:
- • Individuals
- • For-profit organizations
- • 501(c)(3) entities not organized for charitable purposes
- • Fundraising or sports-related events
- • Non-charitable event or corporate sponsorship requests
- • Religious organizations, unless the gift is designated to a secular program that benefits a broad range of the community with formal mission, separate budget and staff
- • Political organizations or lobbying activity
- • Labor unions
- • Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veterans or disability statuses
The Foundation Will Generally Not Consider:
- • Expenses not directly related to the project or program
- • Salaries
- • Administrative, managerial, or fundraising costs
- • The purchase of vehicles
Grant Application Requirements
The grant application requests the following information:
The Grant Process
Decision Process
Grant applications will undergo a preliminary review to confirm they meet the minimum eligibility requirements before the Board meeting. The Foundation may request additional information from applicants as needed.
The Foundation Board meets four times a year to review grant applications. Grantees will be notified of the award status via email or phone within 10 days of the Board's decision.
Reporting Requirements
To ensure transparency and accountability, all grantees are required to complete a Grant Report Form upon completion of the funded program or project. This form includes:
- • Program summary describing how grant funds were used
- • Total number of unduplicated individuals served
- • Demographics of the population served
- • Measurable goals achieved through the program
- • Optional: Significant challenges encountered
- • Supporting documentation (receipts, photos, videos, testimonials)
Questions About Grants?
Please contact our Executive Director for assistance with your grant application.