Coral Gables Community Foundation
CatalogAbout
The Coral Gables Community Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that promotes a thriving, collaborative and generous vision for the Coral Gables community in Florida. Since 1991, the Foundation has invested over $30 million into the community through various programs including scholarships, community grants, donor advised funds, and charitable initiatives. The Foundation manages over $18 million in assets and administers 170+ donor advised funds on behalf of families, while also providing scholarship opportunities through 30+ unique scholarship funds. Their focus areas include education, arts, and community enhancement in the City of Coral Gables.
Funding Opportunities
The Raymond Bravo Scholarship
The Raymond Bravo Foundation, established at the Coral Gables Community Foundation in 2025, honors the memory and generous spirit of Raymond Bravo, a proud Miami High alumnus and successful lawyer. The Fund is dedicated to extending a helping hand to needful students from any high school in Miami Dade County Public Schools. Rooted in Raymond's belief that success requires hard work, natural ability, and help from others, the Fund seeks to ensure that financial difficulty does not prevent students from achieving their educational goals and professional dreams. Through scholarship awards, The Raymond Bravo Fund provides tuition support, empowering students to pursue higher education and realize their fullest potential. For 2026, the award is expected to be a one-time disbursement of $3,500.
The Mitchell Zuñiga Football Scholarship
The Mitchell Zuñiga Scholarship provides college assistance to a graduating high school senior who played football for Coral Gables Senior High School. Mitchell's Foundation, founded by his mother, Martha C. Méndez Mishael, is intended to keep his memory alive by providing students the opportunity to excel in education while participating in football. Mitchell Zuñiga was born in Red Bank, New Jersey, and raised in Miami. Football was his great passion in his high school years at Coral Gables Senior High School where he played on the offensive line for 4 years. Helping and caring for others was his nature, and he volunteered at Habitat for Humanity for several years. Mitchell attended Santa Fe College in Gainesville where he graduated with an Associate's Degree, then transferred to University of Central Florida and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management. This scholarship honors his memory by supporting students who share his passion for football and education.
Walter & Alma Vogel Memorial Scholarship
The Walter & Alma Vogel Memorial Scholarship was established in 2022 by Lori Thomas, in honor of her parents, to support educational opportunities for deserving local high school graduates. This four-year scholarship provides up to $10,000 distributed in annual installments paid directly to the bursar of the recipient's college or university. The scholarship is designed for full-time seniors at Coral Gables Senior High School who demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum 3.5 GPA, possess financial need, and plan to major in science, technology, music, or music education. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout their college studies and be enrolled full-time in a minimum of 12 credit hours per consecutive semester to continue receiving the scholarship in subsequent years.
The Lady Suzanna P. Tweed Scholarship
The Lady Suzanna P. Tweed Scholarship was created by Lady Tweed before her passing in 1994, reflecting her love for children and her desire to help deserving students continue their education. The scholarship benefits students who demonstrate commitment to education, volunteerism, and leadership. It is maintained with care by Roy Gonas and is awarded to students who have attended Coral Gables Senior High School for at least two years, including their senior year. The scholarship supports students who demonstrate all-around excellence in academics, athletics, and/or extra-curricular activities with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0. Recipients must enroll as full-time undergraduate students in an accredited college or university and may pursue any recognized course of study. Financial need is a key consideration, with applicants required to provide a FAFSA score report. The scholarship has a value of $1,000 for a one-year term and has supported numerous students since 2005.
The Luke Sturgill Memorial Scholarship
The Luke Sturgill Memorial Scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who will attend a vocational or technical school. Students must pursue a degree or certificate from a vocational or technical institution. The scholarship was established by Luke's aunt and Coral Gables resident, Laura Russo, in his memory to support educational opportunities for deserving high school graduates. Eligible students must be seniors in good standing at one of eleven eligible high schools in the Miami-Dade County area for at least the 11th and 12th grade, with an overall unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher. The scholarship specifically supports students pursuing vocational and technical education, including Associate's Degrees, but may not be used at traditional four-year universities. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $2,500 and can be awarded for one, two, or four years. Multi-year scholarship recipients must demonstrate proof of full-time enrollment and maintain satisfactory grades to continue receiving the award.
Shine Bright Scholarship
The Shine Bright Scholarship was established by long-time Coral Gables Community Foundation Board Member and Scholarship Committee Chair, Matthew Meehan and Rod Hildebrant. This scholarship is awarded annually to a student or students who have demonstrated overall academic achievement and leadership within the school and in their community. As a young adult, Matthew was a recipient of a college scholarship and knows firsthand the value of higher education. The scholarship is inspired by ShineWater, one of Matthew's companies that promotes optimum health using natural ingredients and partners with communities in developing countries to bring permanent, sustainable healthcare to the chronically underserved. The scholarship values thoughtful effort and clear communication, requiring students to demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit essays focused on service, mentorship, leadership, or creating solutions to identified needs. The award varies in value and can be for up to four years.
The Jeannett Slesnick Community Spirit Scholarship
The Jeannett Slesnick Community Spirit Scholarship provides up to four years of college tuition assistance to a graduating senior from Coral Gables High School, Miami Senior High School or International Studies Preparatory Academy (ISPA) who has demonstrated an interest in communications, journalism, leadership and/or historic preservation. Special attention will be given to applicants who are applying to the University of Florida, Florida International University, the University of Virginia, the University of Mary Washington, or St. Thomas University (Miami Gardens). The scholarship was established in 2022 by Jeannett and Don Slesnick to support educational opportunities for deserving local high school graduates. As a Past Chair of the Board of the Coral Gables Community Foundation, Jeannett dedicated her life to being involved in her community. In addition to her successful real estate career, Jeannett served as a City Commissioner in Coral Gables and served on numerous boards of non-profit organizations including the South Florida Red Cross, Coral Gables Museum, Actors' Playhouse, Junior League of Miami and St. Phillip's Episcopal Church. Applicants must have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0, possess a desire to study communications, journalism, leadership and/or historic preservation, demonstrate financial need (provide a FAFSA score report), and submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, mentor, coach or supervisor. Students must apply to at least one of the following institutions: University of Florida, University of Virginia, University of Mary Washington, or St. Thomas University. This is a one-year award with recent awards ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 in 2025. The scholarship has awarded 31 scholarships since 2019, supporting students pursuing careers in journalism, communications, government, and historic preservation.
The Dave Ragan Jr. Memorial Scholarship
The Dave Ragan Jr. Memorial Scholarship provides college tuition assistance to a graduating senior who has shown an interest in golf during his/her high school years. Overall academic success, a love for golf and an intention to play golf at the collegiate level are factors in the selection process. The Dave Ragan Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Dave Ragan III, Head Golf Professional at Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club in his father's memory to support youth development and educational opportunities through golf. David William Ragan Jr. (1935-2018) was an accomplished American professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour and the Senior PGA Tour, and was inducted into the UF Athletic Hall of Fame as a Gator Great.
The Rotary Foundation of Coral Gables Scholarship Fund
Multiple academic scholarships are available to Coral Gables High School seniors through The Rotary Foundation of Coral Gables Scholarship Fund. Scholarships will be awarded based on community service, strong academic performance, demonstration of leadership, integrity, financial need and potential to achieve career goals. The scholarship program reflects Rotary's motto of 'Service Above Self' and the Four-Way Test ethical guide. Applicants are evaluated on their academic merit (minimum 3.0 GPA), community involvement, and alignment with Rotary values. Children and grandchildren of Rotarians are not eligible to apply. This is a one-time disbursement scholarship designed to support deserving high school seniors from Coral Gables High School as they pursue higher education.
The Julian Perez Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund
The Julian Perez Memorial Scholarship provides college tuition assistance to graduating male seniors from Coral Gables Senior High School or MAST Academy. The scholarship was established by Julian's loving wife and Coral Gables resident, Mayra Vide-Perez, and Julian's family and friends in his memory to support educational opportunities for deserving, college-bound young men who possess financial need. Julian Perez was born in La Salud, Cuba, and arrived to the United States in 1961. He had a successful career with Miami-Dade County for 35 years and is remembered as an incredibly loyal and kind man. Throughout the years, both Mayra and Julian mentored young people through their volunteer efforts. Mayra is honored to carry on Julian's legacy through this scholarship fund. The scholarship is administered by the Coral Gables Community Foundation and checks are sent directly to the bursar's office of the recipient's college or university.
The Principal Ralph V. Moore Jr. Scholarship
Named after the late Ralph V. Moore Jr. upon his retirement as Principal of Coral Gables Senior High School, this scholarship was established in his name at the Coral Gables Community Foundation for his years of service to the school and his community. This scholarship is given annually to a graduating senior who has shown the most dedication to Coral Gables Senior High during their years of attendance. Academic achievement and financial need may be additional factors in the evaluation process. Ralph V. Moore, Jr. was the principal of Coral Gables Senior High School from 1977-1993 and was involved in the 1991 founding of the Coral Gables Community Foundation. The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exemplary service to school and community, excellence in academics, athletics and/or extra-curricular activities, with a minimum weighted GPA of 3.0 or higher. Recipients must enroll as full-time undergraduate students at an accredited college or university and may pursue any recognized course of study.
The Kerdyk Family Trust Music Scholarship
Named after long serving Commissioner William H. Kerdyk, Sr. and continued by his family, this scholarship fund was established at the Coral Gables Community Foundation. Bill Kerdyk, Sr. had a love of music he shared with his own children and established this scholarship fund to help students who also have a love of music. This scholarship is given annually to a graduating senior who has shown an interest in music during his or her high school years. Overall academic success, a love for music and an intention to study music are factors in the evaluation process. An applicant's desire to study music in college and/or pursue a career in music will be weighed heavily in the selection criteria.
High-Achieving Four-Year Scholarship
This 4-year scholarship is given annually to students who have demonstrated overall academic achievement and dedication to service within the school and in their community, and have low family income. The Foundation also considers applicants' motivation, financial need, and personal experiences. The scholarship supports students planning to enroll as full-time undergraduate students in post-secondary community colleges, vocational, technical schools or state or private four-year colleges or universities. Preference is given to Coral Gables Senior High graduates, as well as undocumented students. Recipients must maintain a minimum overall 3.0 GPA throughout their college studies and send complete transcripts to the Foundation upon the completion of each academic year.
The Coral Gables Bar Association Scholarship in Memory of Ervin A. Gonzalez
The Ervin A. Gonzalez Scholarship Fund was established by the Coral Gables Bar Association in 2017 in Ervin's memory. The scholarship provides college tuition assistance to a graduating high school senior who has shown an interest in pursuing a career in law, political science, public policy or related fields. Overall academic success, an interest in civics and the law, and an intention to become a lawyer are factors in the selection process. The scholarship is named after Ervin A. Gonzalez (1960-2017), a Coral Gables resident and premier civil trial attorney who led significant personal-injury and class-action cases in Florida and nationally. He was a partner with the prominent Coral Gables law firm Colson Hicks Eidson and served in numerous leadership positions including governor of The Florida Bar, president of the Dade County Bar Association, and as an adjunct professor at the University of Miami School of Law where he mentored young law students. The scholarship is administered by the Coral Gables Community Foundation and checks are sent directly to the bursar's office of the recipient's college or university.
The Grant and Bridget Daugherty Nursing Scholarship
The Grant and Bridget Daugherty Nursing Scholarship is specifically designed for Coral Gables High School graduating seniors who plan to major in Nursing. This two-year renewable scholarship supports students who have demonstrated academic excellence and financial need. The scholarship is administered by the Coral Gables Community Foundation and provides financial assistance for nursing education. Applicants must have attended Coral Gables Senior High School for at least two years including their senior year, have taken science or health courses in high school, and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. The scholarship aims to support students pursuing education and careers in the nursing field, with a focus on those who have financial constraints that might otherwise limit their educational opportunities. Recipients receive direct payment to their college or university's bursar's office, ensuring the funds are used for educational purposes.
The Garcia Perseverance Scholarship
The Garcia Perseverance Scholarship is awarded annually to students who have overcome a hardship or series of difficulties in their life and have had to persevere in order to attend an institution of higher learning. Established in 2015 by the late Carlos F. Garcia and Debbie Garcia La Rocca, this scholarship recognizes the importance of higher education and was created to help the community's best and brightest achieve their dreams of higher education. The scholarship is designed as a supplemental scholarship that helps recipients attending state schools in Florida fill unmet financial needs. The award provides $4,000 paid over the course of four years in installments of $1,000 per year, with scholarship checks sent directly from the Coral Gables Community Foundation to the bursar's office of the recipient's college or university.
The Dr. Thomas E. Deal Scholarship
The Dr. Thomas E. Deal Scholarship provides four-year college tuition assistance to a graduating senior from Coral Gables Senior High School who plans to pursue a career in medicine. It was established by Dr. Thomas E. Deal's daughter Sarah and her husband Steven, a fellow Gables graduate, to support educational opportunities for deserving high school graduates planning to pursue a career in medicine. The scholarship provides $20,000 in total support distributed over four years, with $5,000 installments paid directly to the recipient's college or university each year. Recipients must have attended Coral Gables Senior High School for at least two years including their senior year, maintain a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher, demonstrate financial need, and intend to pursue a medical career. To maintain the scholarship, recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout their college studies and submit transcripts annually to the Foundation.
The CGCF Culinary Arts Scholarship
This scholarship is given to graduating seniors from Coral Gables Senior High School enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program and who plan to enroll in a culinary arts and/or a hospitality program in college. The scholarship supports students demonstrating exemplary dedication to the Culinary Arts program in high school, service to their school and community, and a commitment to pursuing culinary arts or hospitality studies at the post-secondary level. Overall academic success, a love for the culinary arts/hospitality fields and an intention to study culinary arts/hospitality in college are factors in the evaluation process. Financial need may be an additional factor in the evaluation process. The scholarship value ranges from $2,000 to $10,000, split over two or four years, with payments sent directly to the bursar's office of the recipient's college or university. Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA throughout their college studies and submit transcripts annually to maintain the scholarship.
Coral Gables Community Foundation Four-Year Scholarship
Established by the Coral Gables Community Foundation's Board of Directors in 2015, this 4-year scholarship is given annually to students who have demonstrated overall academic achievement and dedication to service within the school and in their community. The Foundation also considers applicants' financial need and personal experiences. The scholarship supports high school seniors from Coral Gables Senior High School who plan to enroll as full-time undergraduate students in post-secondary college or university. Recipients must maintain the scholarship by keeping a minimum 3.0 GPA throughout their college studies and attending an accredited college or university full-time. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, providing consistent financial support throughout the undergraduate journey.
At a Glance
- Total Funding Opportunities
- 19
- Active Now
- 19
- Source Domain
- gablesfoundation.org
Catalog Data
This funder profile was automatically extracted from grant listings. Information may be incomplete.
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