The Ocean Reef Community Foundation strives to support and empower the immediate and adjacent communities through innovative approaches that address the root causes of issues, aiding neighbors towards self-sufficiency and success. This effort is funded by the generosity of the Ocean Reef Community, with a focus on projects that enhance service capacity, support innovative programming, and leverage support for the Ocean Reef community and its employees.
The Community Grants Program by the Ocean Reef Community Foundation aims to support qualified charities within and around its geographical area. It prioritizes funding for projects that show innovative ways to tackle the root causes of community problems, enable people to become self-sufficient, and successfully expand services or initiate new programs. The program is particularly interested in proposals that leverage additional funding sources and partnerships, thereby attracting further support to their defined areas. While general operating costs are typically not funded, exceptions may be made for one-time expenses related to organizational growth or the launch of new programs, provided there's a plan for future sustainability. The Foundation emphasizes the need for applicants to seek multiple funding sources, showing a preference for projects that offer a portion of the funding and use the grant to attract more donations. Priority program areas include education, youth, health and family services, and broad community projects within Ocean Reef Club and surrounding areas like Key Largo, Florida City, and Homestead. Requests purely related to environmental issues are directed to the Ocean Reef Conservation Association.