Gulf Breeze Will Do Names 10 Finalists for 2026 Community Grants

Gulf Breeze Will Do, a women's philanthropic organization, has selected 10 finalists for its 2026 grant awards from 18 applications requesting a combined $112,229.27. The finalists are requesting $52,260.35 total, though the organization has $44,600 available to distribute, according to a news release from the group.

The finalist projects span four categories: Art, Recreation & Sports; Education; Hardship Support Services; and Public Safety. Standout requests include a $10,000 grant for Gulf Breeze Middle School's "Protecting Every Heart" program, a $9,904.65 request from Soundside High School's ESE Department for a poster and banner production program, and a $9,708.59 proposal from Midway Fire District for firefighter thermal imaging equipment.

Other finalists include the Gulf Breeze Middle School Band seeking $6,534.98 for a touring support program, Gulf Breeze Elementary's project to replace outdoor water fountains ($2,843.99), and the Santa Rosa Education Foundation's Take Stock In Children laptop and backpack program ($2,902.47). Members of Gulf Breeze Will Do will vote on which projects receive funding at the organization's Annual Meeting on November 8 at 2 p.m. at the Gulf Breeze Recreation Center.

The organization, which serves Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach communities, operates on a model where 100 percent of annual $250 membership dues are awarded back to the community as grants. Every member votes to determine which organizations receive funding.