Community Foundation of Sarasota County Reaches New Financial Milestones, Awarded National Re-Accreditation

SARASOTA, FL – The Community Foundation of Sarasota County concluded its most recent fiscal year by awarding the greatest annual amount of grants ever made by the institution and growing its managed assets to a record amount. At the same time, the 39-year-old non-profit foundation once again achieved accreditation by meeting national standards of excellence.

With total assets of $398.4 million as of June 30, 2018, the Community Foundation reached a new milestone. During the fiscal year that ended on the same date, more than $34.3 million in grants were awarded from 1,452 individual funds in diverse fields such as arts and culture, animals and environment, civic engagement, education and human services. In the last five years the Community Foundation’s assets have grown by $119 million thanks to our generous and caring donors. Across the foundation’s history, more than $251 million has been granted in support of strengthening our community.

“We are proud to share that, thanks to our generous donors, we have grown our charitable assets to more than $398 million,” said Richard R. Gans, board chair for the Community Foundation. “The real story behind this number is that we have had the privilege of helping shape charitable giving in our community that is inspired by kindness, meaningful passions and with a goal for creating real impact and accomplishments.”

The foundation has also been awarded re-accreditation by the Council on Foundations. The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® exemplifies the highest standards of operational excellence and integrity in community philanthropy. Executed with rigor and expertise, the accreditation process was initiated by the sector and remains a peer-driven effort that ensures accountability and compliance above and beyond legal requirements.

"We are immensely aware of the trust given to us and the responsibility we have to operate at the highest level and in support of the entire community,” said Roxie Jerde, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. "By partnering with our donors, we ensure that our community thrives, addressing the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors and finds innovative solutions to causes and issues that affect our region.”

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County was founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council and has grown one fund at a time by matching donors with causes they care about to create lasting community impact.

Copies of the foundation’s financial report, including a summarized financial position audited by the firm Kerkering, Barberio & Company are available at the foundation’s website. The Community Foundation of Sarasota County received an unqualified (clean) audit opinion as of June 30, 2018 and 2017.

To establish a fund or receive advice and guidance on community investment, contact Marlo Turner, CFRE, Senior Vice President of Donor Engagement, at mturner@cfsarasota.org or call (941) 556-7178.

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About the Community Foundation of Sarasota County: The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council as a resource for caring individuals and the causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community. With assets of over $398 million in more than 1,400 charitable funds, the Community Foundation awarded grants and scholarships totaling $34 million dollars last year in the areas of education, the arts, health and human services, civic engagement, animal welfare and the environment. For more information, visit www.CFSarasota.org or call (941) 955-3000.