← Back to US Funders Directory

Big Nova Foundation (Moore Charitable Foundation)

Annual Giving
$75.0M
Grant Range
$50K - $8.0M
Decision Time
3mo

Big Nova Foundation (Moore Charitable Foundation)

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $75+ million in assets (grantmaking ramping up since 2023 establishment)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Rolling basis throughout the year
  • Grant Range: $50,000 - $8,000,000+
  • Geographic Focus: Central Florida (primary), broader Florida for pediatric health initiatives

Contact Details

Overview

Big Nova Foundation (legally registered as Moore Charitable Foundation, EIN 92-2765938) was established in 2023 by the Moore family, who have been rooted in Central Florida for six generations and nearly 100 years. The foundation was formalized following the 2023 sale of Sunniland Corporation, where patriarch Thomas Moore worked for 40 years. With assets exceeding $75 million, Big Nova focuses on transformative projects across four core areas: environmental conservation, supporting vulnerable populations, pediatric cancer research and patient support, and community infrastructure development. The foundation's personal connection to pediatric healthcare began in 2011 when a family member battled leukemia, inspiring a deep commitment to blood cancer research that has resulted in over $14 million in cumulative grants to blood cancer organizations. The foundation emphasizes relationship-building over transactional grantmaking, with Executive Director Sarah Asma stating: "We're not just writing checks. We're relationship builders, seeking out innovative projects and passionate leaders with a shared vision for a brighter Central Florida."

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Big Nova operates a unified grant program accessible through two pathways:

  • Targeted Grant Applications (via GivingHub): Specific opportunities aligned with foundation priorities, application deadline November 1st annually
  • General Proposals (via email to grants@big-nova.org): For projects outside specific categories, accepted on rolling basis

Grant Range: From $50,000 to multi-million dollar commitments

  • Small-scale community projects: $50,000 - $250,000
  • Significant organizational support: $300,000 - $600,000
  • Major multi-year research commitments: $1,000,000 - $8,000,000+

Application Cycle: Annual cycle runs February through November with November 1st deadline for current-year consideration. Decisions made on ongoing/rolling basis throughout the year.

Priority Areas

1. Preserving Florida's Natural Wonders

  • Wildlife conservation and habitat protection
  • Environmental education programs
  • Land and water conservation initiatives
  • Ecosystem preservation projects

Recent grants: Conservation Florida ($600,000 for inaugural nature center); Central Florida Zoo ($50,000 for amur leopard conservation breeding program)

2. Uplifting the Less Fortunate

  • Homelessness services and housing support
  • Food security and nutrition programs
  • Services for youth aging out of foster care
  • Case management for vulnerable populations

Recent grants: SALT Outreach ($300,000 for services to unhoused community); The Sharing Center ($342,865 for Oasis shower facility renovation); Rescue Outreach Mission ($1,000,000 three-year commitment for case management); Faine House (facility purchase funding for youth aging out of foster care); Picnic Project ($50,000 for food distribution)

3. Championing Patient Support and Research

  • Pediatric cancer research (especially blood cancers/leukemia)
  • Patient financial assistance programs
  • Bone marrow registry expansion
  • Medical research facilities and equipment

Recent grants: Blood Cancer United (formerly Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) ($8,000,000 in September 2024 responding to federal funding crisis; $5,000,000 in 2023; $1,000,000 for Dare to Dream project - totaling $14+ million cumulative); National Marrow Donor Program/NMDP ($3,000,000 in December 2024 for transplant patient support; over $6,000,000 cumulative for research scholars, patient support, and registry recruitment); Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida ($50,000+ for elevator replacement)

4. Strengthening Central Florida Communities

  • Local infrastructure improvements
  • Education and youth development programs
  • Economic development initiatives
  • Public space enhancement

Recent grants: United Youth Association ($250,000 for summer programming and life skills); Florida SPECS Inc. ($180,000 for solar panel installation on affordable housing); Lee P. Moore Park (revitalization support); IDignity ($1,000,000 for capital campaign toward first operational headquarters)

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's focus areas suggest limitations:

  • Projects outside Central Florida (except for pediatric health/cancer research which extends statewide)
  • Organizations without demonstrated community impact
  • Projects not aligned with their four core focus areas

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

  • Thomas Moore, President/Board Chairman: Chemical Engineering degree (University of Florida), MBA (Rollins College). Recently retired after 40 years with Sunniland Corporation. Married to Sally since 1980, with three children and four grandchildren. Sanford native and Seminole High School graduate.

  • Sally Moore, Vice President/Board Member: Extensive volunteer background with PTAs, booster clubs, and charitable boards. Sanford native and Seminole High School graduate.

  • Sarah Asma, Treasurer/Executive Director: Fourth-generation Floridian, attorney with Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel. 10+ years public defense experience, Board-Certified Criminal Trial Expert. Degrees in Psychology (BA), Non-Profit Management (MA), and Juris Doctorate. Also serves as NMDP Foundation board member.

  • Stephen Moore, Secretary/Board Member: Youngest child of Tom and Sally. Education degree from University of Central Florida, former elementary teacher, worked at Sunniland Corporation. Serves on Grant Proposal Committee.

Staff:

  • Michael Trees, Chief Financial Officer/Finance Manager: Long-time Moore family associate. Accounting & Finance degree from UCF, Master's in Accounting from Walden University.

Family Legacy: Lee P. Moore (grandfather/former mayor of Sanford, 1969-1984) established the family's commitment to community service. The Moore family has been in Central Florida for six generations.

Key Quote from Leadership: Sarah Asma stated regarding their pediatric health focus: "When a young member of our family was diagnosed with leukemia, an unrelated donor stepped forward to offer her a chance at a cure. The family wanted to give back, knowing how critical it is for patients to have access to transplants and support."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Big Nova Foundation accepts public applications through two pathways:

Option 1: GivingHub Portal (for targeted grant opportunities)

  1. Visit https://givinghub.foundationsource.com/38320/big-nova
  2. Review available grant opportunities aligned with foundation priorities
  3. Submit application through online platform
  4. Applications accepted February through November annually
  5. Deadline: November 1st for current-year consideration

Option 2: Direct Email Submission (for general proposals)

  1. Email proposals directly to grants@big-nova.org
  2. Include clear alignment with foundation's mission and focus areas
  3. Accepted on rolling basis throughout the year

Eligibility Requirements:

  • 501(c)(3) nonprofit status with demonstrated Central Florida impact
  • Minimum 2-year operational history in the region
  • Exception: Groups partnering with established 501(c)(3)s may qualify with less operational history

Application Requirements:

  • Projects must align with stated goals of protecting the planet, uplifting those in need, inspiring change through research, and building stronger communities
  • Emphasis on innovation and long-term solutions
  • Clear demonstration of Central Florida community impact

Decision Timeline

  • Decisions made on ongoing/rolling basis throughout the year
  • Specific timeframes vary based on project scope and funding amount
  • Foundation prioritizes projects with strongest mission alignment and greatest potential impact
  • Funding allocations determined by available resources and proposal merit

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. The foundation reports zero grants in their 2023 tax filing (first operational year) but has announced numerous major grants publicly, suggesting selective but substantial grantmaking focused on transformational impact rather than volume.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policy not explicitly stated. However, the foundation demonstrates commitment to multi-year relationships with key partners (e.g., NMDP receiving multiple grants totaling $6+ million; Blood Cancer United receiving cumulative $14+ million), suggesting openness to continued funding for high-impact partners.

Application Success Factors

Foundation-Specific Insights:

  1. Relationship-Building Approach: Executive Director Sarah Asma emphasizes: "We're not just writing checks. We're relationship builders, seeking out innovative projects and passionate leaders with a shared vision for a brighter Central Florida." Applications should demonstrate potential for long-term partnership, not just transactional funding.

  2. Boldness and Innovation: The foundation website states: "While we have core focus areas, we're always open to exploring new partnerships that align with our mission." They explicitly welcome "bold ideas" - don't be afraid to propose ambitious, transformational projects rather than incremental improvements.

  3. Central Florida Connection: Despite making statewide grants for pediatric health, the foundation's heart is in Central Florida. Projects should demonstrate deep understanding of and connection to the Central Florida community, ideally referencing the Moore family's six-generation legacy in the region.

  4. Personal Connection to Cause: The foundation's pediatric health focus stems directly from a family member's 2012 leukemia diagnosis and bone marrow transplant. Applications addressing blood cancer research, patient support, or transplant access particularly resonate. As Sarah Asma stated about their NMDP support: "When a young member of our family was diagnosed with leukemia, an unrelated donor stepped forward to offer her a chance at a cure."

  5. Community Infrastructure and Legacy: The foundation supported revitalization of Lee P. Moore Park (named for Thomas Moore's father, Sanford's former mayor). Projects that strengthen community infrastructure and create lasting legacy align well with the family's multi-generational commitment to Sanford and Central Florida.

  6. Financial Vulnerability and Timely Need: The foundation's $8 million emergency grant to Blood Cancer United in September 2024 was explicitly in response to federal funding cuts threatening research. They respond to critical moments when organizations face funding crises that threaten transformative work.

  7. Comprehensive Solutions: Recent grants show preference for holistic approaches - The Sharing Center received $342,865 not just for showers but complete facility renovation providing "dignity and relief"; Rescue Outreach Mission received $1 million for case management programs addressing root causes of homelessness, not just immediate needs.

  8. Two-Year Operating History Minimum: Explicitly stated requirement, though partnerships with established 501(c)(3)s can help newer initiatives qualify.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Scale matters: Big Nova makes transformational grants ($50,000 minimum observed) rather than numerous small grants. Don't undersell your project's potential impact or budget needs - they fund at scale.

  • Personal story connection: The foundation's entire pediatric health focus emerged from one family member's illness. If your organization's work connects to personal stories similar to the Moore family's experience (childhood illness, community legacy, multi-generational impact), highlight these parallels authentically.

  • Central Florida roots required: Even for large grants, demonstrate deep Central Florida connection. Six generations of Moore family history in Sanford means they value organizations truly rooted in the community, not national organizations parachuting in.

  • Multi-year thinking: Major partners receive repeated, escalating support (NMDP: $6+ million cumulative; Blood Cancer United: $14+ million). Frame proposals as beginning of long-term partnership rather than one-time ask.

  • Timing and responsiveness: The $8 million Blood Cancer United grant came in direct response to federal funding crisis. If your organization faces urgent threat to critical programs, Big Nova may respond quickly to time-sensitive needs.

  • Innovation over maintenance: Website explicitly seeks "innovative projects and passionate leaders" with "bold ideas." Frame requests around transformational change, new approaches, or scaling proven innovations rather than maintaining status quo.

  • Direct email welcome: Unlike many foundations, Big Nova explicitly invites direct email contact (grants@big-nova.org) for proposals outside specific categories, suggesting accessibility and openness to relationship-building conversations before formal applications.

References

← Back to US Funders Directory