MLK Communities in Action Mini-Grant Program

MLK Communities in Action Mini-Grant Program is sponsored by City of St. Petersburg. This mini-grant program fosters community healing, wellness, and service, with one of the focus areas being Arts and Culture Events.

Projects should promote unity, health, and volunteerism.

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Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. MLK Communities in Action Mini-Grant Program MLK Communities in Action Mini-Grant Program The City of St. Petersburg's 2026 MLK Communities in Action Mini-Grant Program is an initiative aimed at fostering community healing, wellness, and service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy.

This grant opportunity is available to small businesses, nonprofits, and community-based organizations registered in Florida, supporting activities that promote unity, health, and volunteerism between January 2, 2026, and February 15, 2026. Eligible projects must align with one of four focus areas: Arts and Culture Events, Community Support Services, Environmental Activities, or Health and Wellness Activities.

Award Amount: $1,500 per organization (maximum) Total Awards: Up to 20 (maximum $30,000 Distributed) Funding Type: Advance payment allowed with approved budget 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organizations Faith-based organizations and educational institutions Community-based organizations and civic groups The application period for this grant has closed. Stay tuned for updates.

Community Support Services The Project STEM Mentors in Motion initiative by the AEDI Foundation, aims to inspire underserved youth through a one-day STEM mentorship event. The project includes activities like STEM Mentor Circles, Innovation Stations, and a Mini Engineering Design Challenge, and seeks $1,500 in funding to cover materials, mentor support, and other expenses.

Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association, Inc The Project Proposal The Sounds of Hope is a community-centered initiative by the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association (ADTBJA) to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Al Downing through a free public event featuring live jazz performances, historical narratives, and insights into the healing power of music.

The project aims to uplift community spirit, inspire hope, and strengthen cultural identity, with partnerships from Legacy-56, Inc., WADA, and GRACE to support outreach, logistics, and mental health insights.

Boss Babes Collective LLC Community Support Services The Dream Builders Youth Expo project is a free K-12 literacy and empowerment event designed to uplift young people and families through mentorship, reading engagement, and positive identity development.

The event, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, will take place at the Enoch Davis Center and features interactive "Dream Stations" such as a Build-a-Dream Book Station, Vision Board Creation Zone, and Youth Open Mic.

The Expo aims to address community needs related to literacy access, mentorship, and confidence-building, with expected outcomes including increased reading engagement, strengthened intergenerational relationships, and enhanced self-expression. The project is budgeted at $1,500, covering costs for books, supplies, and promotional materials.

Health and Wellness Activities The Nourish the Block project proposal outlines a community wellness event inspired by Dr. King's vision, scheduled for January 17, 20261. The event aims to provide stress relief and holistic care through activities like yoga, sound baths, and wellness demonstrations, targeting residents of South St. Pete who face barriers to accessing such resources.

The project emphasizes inclusivity, cultural relevance, and community connection, with a focus on serving Black and Brown communities. Buss Down Scrub Down Cleaning Service The Kid Clean Kamp — MLK Day Service Proposal aims to equip St. Petersburg youth with essential skills in cleaning, organizing, wellness, teamwork, and responsibility through hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and community cleanup activities1.

The project aligns with MLK Day's focus areas of Community Support and Health & Wellness, and it is expected to serve 70–100 youth, providing over 200 hours of skill-building and increased family engagement. Charlie Parker Pottery DBA The Clay Co-op The Clay Co-op is a community ceramics studio that offers classes, memberships, artist residencies, and clay distribution.

They have developed DIY clay kits to provide creative opportunities for individuals who cannot access art spaces due to various barriers. These kits are designed to support historically excluded groups and will be distributed through partnerships with local organizations, including Bay Pointe Elementary School and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Community Support Services The Project Proposal outlines the "Loads of Love" initiative by Team J & S Inc., which aims to provide free laundry services, hygiene essentials, and acts of kindness to low-income families, seniors, and other vulnerable residents in St. Petersburg.

The project will take place at a laundromat, transforming it into a welcoming hub with free wash and dry cycles, volunteer assistance, and wellness activities, all while promoting community connection and dignity. Cultured Books Literacy Foundation The Project DREAM POWER \ Letters from St. Pete project, s an intergenerational writing and storytelling initiative inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy.

The project involves collecting "dream letters" from residents, installing Community Dream Boxes at library branches, and hosting community writing sessions, with the goal of presenting the compiled letters to Mayor Ken Welch and city officials by February 10, 2026. The project aims to strengthen emotional wellness, connection, and civic engagement while honoring Dr. King's vision for unity.

Dominion Helping Hand Ministry Inc. The "One Story, Many Voices" event by Dominion Helping Hand Ministry Inc., scheduled for February 2026 during Black History Month. The project aims to celebrate African American heritage through cultural storytelling, dance, and drama, promoting cultural pride and community connection while providing equitable access to arts programming for families in Childs Park and surrounding neighborhoods.

DOS Crescent Foundation Inc. The DOS Crescent Foundation aims to support two areas: Arts and Culture Events, specifically the 36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Essay & Oratorical Contest, and Health and Wellness Activities, particularly the Men's Community Health Forum. The proposal emphasizes community engagement, inclusivity, and promoting health and wellness in St. Petersburg.

DreamMakerz Production INC The MLK Communities in Action Mini-Grant proposal supports the L. I. F.

E. (Ladies in Film and Entertainment) Awards, an initiative by DreamMakerz Production and the Sunshine City Film Festival to honor women’s contributions to film and entertainment. Scheduled for January 16, 2026, at the Salvador Dalí Museum during MLK Weekend, the event promotes equity, cultural enrichment, and community engagement through awards, networking, and artistic programming.

By amplifying underrecognized voices, the program aligns with Dr. King’s values of justice, empowerment, and inclusion while inspiring future creatives. Health and Wellness Activities The Empact Solutions document outlines a one-day Community Health & Wellness Day organized by Empact Solutions and partners to reduce preventable chronic diseases and promote wellness in underserved neighborhoods.

Key activities include a 5K Wellness Walk, health screenings, a nutrition class, and a healthy food giveaway, with a focus on serving low- to moderate-income residents, including Black and Brown communities, older adults, returning citizens, and under- or uninsured families. The event honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by advancing health equity and strengthening the "beloved community" through service and shared action.

Faith Youth Services (Faith Alternative Juvenile Program) Community Support Services The MLK Communities in Action Mini-Grant Project by Faith Youth Services is a six-week mentoring and personal development program aimed at supporting youth ages 14-21 in St. Petersburg's under-resourced neighborhoods.

The project, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s commitment to service and community uplift, includes mentoring circles, community service, and a Youth Empowerment Celebration, all designed to build confidence, life skills, and community connection. The Grow Or Die Corp for the "Roots of Resilience: Neighborhood Reclamation Rally," a volunteer-led cleanup event in St.

Petersburg on January 18, 2026, aimed at addressing environmental inequities in underserved neighborhoods. The project involves removing litter, distributing native seed kits, and promoting community unity and wellness, with a budget of $1,500. Health and Wellness Activities The proposal outlines ICARE St.

Pete’s plan to host a Free Dental Day on January 24, 2025, offering no-cost dental care to at least 50 uninsured and low-income residents in South St. Petersburg. The event will feature volunteer dental professionals providing cleanings, exams, and education via a mobile unit, aiming to improve community health, reduce emergency visits, and connect participants with ongoing care.

Community Support Services The Project Proposal: MLK Communities in Action Mini-Grant Little Tree Homestead outlines a plan to enhance community engagement and sustainability by growing 500 Collard Green plants to be given away at the 2026 Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival. The proposal highlights the organization's mission to promote self-sufficiency through organic gardening and their recognition by the city of St.

Petersburg for community stewardship. The funding will be used for seeds, soil, and containers, with planting scheduled for January 2nd, 2026. Community Support Services The M.

A. D. 4 Love Inc project promotes healthy relationship practices through community activities.

The proposal highlights an event called "Discussions Over Dinner," scheduled for January 17, 2026, aimed at providing a safe space for couples to discuss relationship issues and find solutions. The event seeks $1,500 in funding to cover costs for a host/speaker, food, venue rental, and marketing. The proposal emphasizes the need for such initiatives due to rising domestic violence and divorce rates in St.

Petersburg, FL. National Council of Negro Women, St. Petersburg Metropolitan Section, Inc Community Support Services The Lunch & Learn: Nourish and Invest program, which aims to serve 125 elementary students by providing nutritious lunches and early financial literacy education.

The program addresses food insecurity and lack of early financial literacy, promoting both short-term academic performance and long-term economic empowerment. It aligns with the City of St. Petersburg's community grant priorities by supporting basic needs, educational enrichment, equity, and long-term impact.

Neighborhood Home Solutions The NHS Rain Garden Resilience Workshop is a hands-on educational event aimed at empowering South St. Petersburg residents with practical tools to strengthen their homes, increase environmental resilience, and build community connections.

The workshop includes activities such as a rain garden demonstration, native plant lessons, sustainable home care sessions, and a guided reflection circle inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of community service and empowerment. The project is designed to address environmental challenges and promote equity, inclusivity, and non-discrimination.

Peas and Love Edible Gardening Health and Wellness Activities The Peas & Love: Free Food Gardens project is a community-focused initiative aimed at providing simple, sustainable vegetable and herb gardens to St. Pete residents at no cost. The project will install 3-5 raised garden beds in underserved neighborhoods, complete with seasonal starter plants, nutrient-rich soil, and gardening tutorials.

This initiative aims to empower residents with healthier food options, foster community connections, and inspire lasting change in wellness and self-reliance. The project will be completed between January 2 and February 15, 2026. Pinellas County Urban League Health and Wellness Activities The "Power of a Dream Food Truck Friday Festival" will be held on February 6, 20261.

The event, organized by the Pinellas County Urban League (PCUL), aims to enhance their monthly Food Truck Friday into a larger community wellness festival inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. The festival will feature various wellness activities, including martial arts, yoga, mental wellness sessions, and healthy cooking demonstrations, all designed to uplift the mind, body, and spirit.

The proposal requests $1,500 to support the event and emphasizes its alignment with PCUL's pillars of health, education, job training, and community development.

Rise and Thrive Foundation Health and Wellness Activities The Rise & Thrive Foundation is launching the Rising Well Parenting: MLK Community Wellness Weekend, a culturally relevant health and mental-wellness event designed to support parents, caregivers, and children in South St. Petersburg.

The aim of the project is to reduce generational mental-health stigma, increase access to community resources, and strengthen family well-being through hands-on engagement. Saving Our Seniors / Produce PAC Community Support Services The Your Neighborhood Produce Store to launch a weekly Free Produce Day in St.

Petersburg, aimed at increasing access to nutritious produce for low-income seniors, disabled adults, and families experiencing food insecurity. The project will provide produce vouchers, guided shopping, nutrition education, and community resource connections, with a budget of $1,500 for fresh produce and outreach materials.

Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, Inc. Health and Wellness Activities The 2025 MLK Communities in Action Proposal aims to improve the health and wellbeing of St. Petersburg's older adults through social connection, healthy eating, and volunteering. The project includes a Health & Wellness Lunch and Learn event, featuring a nutritionist, a catered healthy lunch, and information on the Health Buddies program and volunteer opportunities.

The goals are to increase seniors' knowledge of wellness resources, with at least 25 participants signing up for follow-up support. The event is scheduled for February 2026 and will be supported by established community partnerships and volunteers.

Health and Wellness Activities The Project Proposal: Rooted in Wellness – The Dream Lives On is a community wellness initiative hosted by The Deuces Live, Inc. in partnership with Burg Cares, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of unity, healing, and service.

The event, scheduled for January 18, 2026, at Deuces Corner Park, aims to serve over 100 residents with activities such as health screenings, fitness sessions, cooking demos, and community resource sharing.

The Nail Junki Beauty Lounge Health and Wellness Activities The Beauty & Wellness Community Pop-Up Event is a local initiative aimed at promoting self-care, wellness education, and inclusive beauty services by connecting residents with small businesses and professionals.

The event seeks to address gaps in affordable wellness resources while fostering diversity, cultural expression, and community engagement through demonstrations, services, and activities. Expected outcomes include improved access to self-care, increased wellness knowledge, and greater visibility for women- and minority-owned businesses.

Unparalleled Rhythm Records LLC The project "Brothers in Dialogue: Healing Through Film," aims to support emotional wellness and unity among boys and men in St. Petersburg through film, dialogue, and mentorship. The project involves activities such as film screenings, open discussions, writing exercises, and mentorship pairings, and is designed to address themes of fatherhood, belonging, and identity.

The initiative is scheduled to run from December 3, 2025, to February 15, 2026, and includes partnerships with various community organizations.