Big Nova Foundation
At a glance
Key takeaways
- Big Nova Foundation funds Central Florida nonprofits with demonstrated regional impact, and the filing says it does not fund organisations that have not operated in Central Florida for at least two years, though exceptions may apply for partnerships with established 501(c)(3) organisations.
- Most of its grants fall between $5,000 and $250,000, with about 8 in 10 of its 38 grants to organisations in that range and a median of $20,000, so a modest request near that level fits its usual pattern, although its largest grant was $1,000,000.
- Applications are due by 1 November each annual cycle; focus-area proposals go through GrantHub, and proposals outside those categories should contact the foundation directly.
- It prioritises projects closely aligned with its mission that have significant potential impact, with a particular interest in paediatric cancer research and support for patients and families during treatment, and it decides funding by available resources and the merit of proposals received, so a well-aligned proposal is the best way to approach it.
Overview
Big Nova Foundation is a US private foundation based in Sanford, FL.
What they fund
Profile derived from the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings (TY2024, TY2023) and its website, with every statement checked against those sources. Sources read on 7 October 2026.
Priority Areas
Big Nova funds Central Florida nonprofits with demonstrated regional impact, including 501(c)(3) organisations. Applicants are expected to have operated in Central Florida for at least two years, although exceptions may apply for partnerships with established 501(c)(3) organisations. Its focus areas are preserving Florida’s natural wonders, uplifting people facing hardship, championing patient support and research, and strengthening community foundations. It supports conservation and wildlife work; programmes addressing poverty, housing assistance and pathways to self-sufficiency; research into childhood illnesses; and support for young patients and their families. Community-strengthening support includes educational programmes, resource centres and projects enhancing public spaces. It prioritises cancer research, particularly paediatric cancers, alongside support for patients and families during medical treatment, and seeks innovative partners focused on long-term solutions.
Themes
- Preserving Florida's Natural Wonders
- Uplifting the Less Fortunate
- Patient Support and Research
- Strengthening Community Foundations
Geographic Focus
Central Florida.
What They Don't Fund
- Organizations that have not operated for a minimum of 2 years in Central Florida
How to apply
Focus-area applications are available on GrantHub; organisations with proposals outside those categories can contact the foundation directly.
Deadlines: Applications are due by 1 November each annual cycle.
Application success factors
- Grant size: In its TY2024 filing, half of its 38 grants to organisations were $20,000 or less.
What the foundation says:
- It prioritises projects that closely align with its mission and have the potential for significant impact.
- It seeks partners who share its passion for innovation and long-term solutions.
- It prioritises cancer research, particularly paediatric cancers, and support for patients and families during medical treatment.
- It determines funding allocations by available resources and the merit of proposals received.
Where grants go
From grants to organisations in the foundation’s filings for tax years 2023–2024.
Grant dollars by state
- The largest single recipient received 25% of grant dollars to organisations.
- No grants were paid directly to organisations outside the US.
- <1% of grant dollars went to intermediaries that regrant to other organisations.
Grants
How much do they typically give?
Share of 38 grants in tax year 2024 by size
Median $20,000 (tax year 2024)
The largest grants to organisations in the foundation’s latest filing:
- IDignity · Idignity's permanent operational headquarters$1,000,0002024 tax year
- Conservation Florida · D ranch preserve nature center$600,0002024 tax year
- Salt Outreach · Bridge funding for orlando mobile drop-in center$300,0002024 tax year
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society · Fulfillment of moore family pledge$250,0002024 tax year
- NMDP Foundation · General support$250,0002024 tax year
- One Purse · General support$250,0002024 tax year
- Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida · Call center funding$250,0002024 tax year
- Unity Youth Association · Uya summer learning experience$200,0002024 tax year
Grants to organisations listed in the foundation’s Form 990-PF filings. Grants to individuals are not shown.
Officers and directors
- Stephen Moore — Secretary
- Sarah Asma — Treasurer
- Sally Moore — Vice President
- Thomas Moore — President
- Michael Trees — Chief Financial Officer
From the latest Form 990-PF filing
2 years of tax filings
| Year | Total expenses | Grants paid | Assets | Filing document |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 tax year | $10,000 | $0 | $75,134,324 | Filing for 2023 tax year |
| 2024 tax year | $4,514,557 | $3,946,570 | $75,927,351 | Filing for 2024 tax year |
Figures from the foundation’s IRS Form 990-PF filings. Assets are at fair market value at year end. The document icon links to each year’s filing on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer.
Sources
Registers and filings
Other sources
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At a glance
Applying to Big Nova Foundation?
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Applying to Big Nova Foundation?
Hinchilla drafts your answers around this funder's priorities, using your organisation's own documents.
No credit card required