Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards $180,000 in grants to area nonprofit organizations

Funding supports wide spectrum of needs across the area

SARASOTA, FL – The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has awarded 12 nonprofit organizations grants totaling nearly $180,000 in its most recent competitive large grant cycle. The support will strengthen programming among a diverse group of nonprofit organizations with an overall aim to expand access to their services, which range from veterans’ support to financial literacy training.

The supported programs illustrate the innovative approaches by our nonprofit community to provide inclusive and equitable access to education, healthcare, and housing. Projects range from mental health support for veterans to restoring murals depicting black history, as well as filling library shelves with large print books for the visually impaired, ensuring our youngest learners have access to early childhood education, and providing youth aging out of foster care with financial literacy classes.

“Woven throughout each of these projects is a shared commitment to strengthen our community. It’s refreshing to see so many nonprofit partners building social capital, economic security, and educational opportunities while celebrating our diversity, promoting equity, and fostering greater inclusivity,” said Kirsten Russell, Vice President, Community Impact. “These grant awards bring us closer to creating a community where everyone can thrive.”

Organizations Supported:

• Adventure for All
• Easterseals Southwest Florida
• Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library
• Good Samaritan Pharmacy & Health Services
• Harbor58
• Just for Girls
• Minorities in Shark Sciences
• National Alliance on Mental Illness Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Inc.
• Operation Warrior Resolution
• Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society Inc.
• St. Vincent dePaul CARES
• Step Up Suncoast Inc.

Looking Ahead

The Community Foundation reviews applications for large grants four times a year; The next deadline for grants over $10,000 is Jan. 31, 2023. Applications and additional details are available at www.cfsarasota.org/nonprofits/grants.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is committed to improving the lives of all people, with a goal of supporting the varied missions of our nonprofit partners.