Community Care

Community Knowledge

New data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) indicates that, in 2023, Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties all had very low community resilience scores, which measures a community’s ability to withstand and recover from natural hazards. These are concerning findings in light of FEMA’s designation of the Suncoast as a high-risk region for natural hazards that may be more vulnerable to annual losses from weather events than most counties in the nation.

Recovering from disasters is even more difficult for individuals and families living on the economic brink. In 2022 more than 45 percent of Florida households live at or below the ALICE threshold (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed), meaning that while they are employed they struggle to afford necessities like housing, utilities, childcare, auto expenses and technology. These community members work hard to make ends meet, and they are particularly at risk if an unexpected crisis occurs.

Family financial instability affects school-aged children, 50 percent of which enrolled in Sarasota County Schools qualify for free- and reduced-priced lunch. In surrounding counties, these numbers are higher—Charlotte County’s rate is 86 percent, DeSoto County’s is 98 percent and Manatee County’s is 62 percent. The Student Emergency Fund provides essential support for these students and helps ensure financial difficulties do not hinder their educational progress and overall well-being.

Community Impact

In September 2022, in the days before Hurricane Ian made landfall on Florida’s gulf coast as a dangerous Category 4 storm, the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund (SDRF) was activated for the four-county area of Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. The SDRF was established to address the long-lasting impacts natural disasters have on people's lives and to anticipate future needs beyond emergency relief, with the aim of recovering equitably and building resilience.

To date, , including case management, access to mental health services, children and youth services, legal services, home repair and housing needs, and Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs) and Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COADs). Organizations like Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay, Arcadia Habitat for Humanity, and Wintergarden Presbyterian Church are helping those most affected by Hurricane Ian rebuild what they have lost.

An example of a Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund investment that helped individual families at a community-wide scale is Stars Academy in Port Charlotte. After Hurricane Ian destroyed eight childcare facilities in Charlotte County, many families struggled to find safe and affordable childcare. We were proud to support the Stars Academy, which opened in July 2024. More than 90 percent of the children served by the new center are homeless, in foster care, or living in poverty.

Community Knowledge

Stable, safe housing is critical to individuals and families, but renting or owning a home in our area is a challenge for many as home values and rents continue to increase. This is a burden especially for renters, whose wages have not kept pace with the escalating cost of renting. Households are considered to be cost burdened if they spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Currently, 30 percent of Sarasota residents are housing-cost burdened.

A healthy and thriving community is one where everyone has a safe place to call home. In our region, the struggle to afford a place to live is increasingly challenging for many. In 2024, there were an estimated 1,604 homeless people living among Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties. This is a challenge that affects economically vulnerable people for a multitude of reasons, including rising rents, disruptions in work, an unexpected medical emergency, or the aftermath of a natural disaster. A strong community offers everyone the opportunity to rebuild and thrive, and this is a central mission of our Community Foundation. 

Community Impact

Since its creation in 2000, Season of Sharing, a trusted, time-tested community safety net has helped more than 50,000 individuals and families rebound from emergency setbacks by providing financial assistance for essential living expenses. By making payments directly to utilities, landlords and mortgage holders, childcare providers, and auto repair shops, Season of Sharing encourages neighbors to help neighbors in need, providing a critical lifeline for households at the economic edge in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties.

An effort that has been strengthened by our community’s generosity, more than 60,000 gifts have been made, and more than $42.5 million has been distributed over time, enabling our neighbors to remain in their homes and restore their lives with dignity.

Community Knowledge

Access to quality health care is key to the well-being of a community. Health insurance coverage supports access to care, leading to a variety of positive health outcomes, including longer life expectancy and reduced financial strain on individuals and families. US Census data from 2022 indicates that more than 12% or more than 2.5 million Floridians are uninsured. When community members have access to affordable healthcare, they’re protected from the devastating financial impact of medical emergencies, which improves both physical and financial health.

In the past few decades there has been an increase of public awareness and education surrounding mental health. Poor mental health can result in struggles with daily activities that affect the individual, their loved ones, and the larger community. Additionally, poor mental health also creates adverse economic effects in part due to health care costs and reduced productivity. There is a clear need for targeted mental health interventions and expanded access to services in counties with high rates of poor mental health. The region's mental health outcomes vary, with an average of more than 15 percent of adults reporting poor mental health across the four counties.

Along with adequate healthcare, nutrition is key to overall well-being. However, continuous access to nutritious food is a barrier for many in our community. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food benefits, access to a healthy diet, and education on food preparation and nutrition to low-income households. In Florida, more than one million households receive assistance as a part of SNAP, with 34,000 households in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties receiving SNAP benefits.

Community Impact

Schoolchildren who rely on free and reduced-price lunches while attending school can be left without access to healthy meals when school is out for weekends, holidays, and seasonal breaks. We are proud to support All Faiths Food Bank’s BackPack Program, which provides pre-packed food for weekly distribution to schoolchildren from 76 schools and youth-serving organizations. Providing students with kid-friendly and healthy foods enables them to learn and thrive, which can have positive long-term effects on their current health and future prospects.

When we address both the physical and mental health needs of children, students have the support and resources they need to face challenges with confidence. We with the School District of Sarasota County and The Florida Center for Early Childhood to provide mental health counseling and therapists to Sarasota County schools. This program reduces the barriers many families face in accessing mental health treatment for their children. There are no out-of-pocket costs for the family, and by having a therapist based at a child’s school, families are free from scheduling and travel logistics of getting a child to a medical provider.

The Community Foundation also supports the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program, which provides food to those in need year-round, with special attention given to the Holiday Season.

Community Knowledge

Of all the nonprofit organizations in Charlotte, Desoto, Manatee and Sarasota Counties, 7.21% report that animals are their primary focus. These organizations play a vital role in promoting animal welfare and protecting local wildlife. They focus on rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption, as well as educating the public about responsible pet ownership and conservation efforts. From animal shelters to wildlife sanctuaries, these groups work tirelessly to care for stray and abandoned pets, protect endangered species, and support local communities. Their efforts not only enhance animal wellbeing, but also foster a sense of compassion and environmental stewardship across the region.

Community Impact

We strengthen organizations that serve domestic and rescue animals by supporting emergency medical needs and veterinary treatment, foster programs, and acquiring large and specialized equipment through an annual grant cycle. Since 2020, we have granted more than $721,000 to nonprofit organizations working towards the enhanced welfare of animals.

One of our grant recipients, Farmhouse Animal & Nature Sanctuary, used the funds to purchase a tractor to maintain the property after the organization sustained damage from Hurricane Ian. The sanctuary cares for exotic, domestic, and farm animals that rely on a hospitable environment for their overall health, safety, and well-being.

Community Knowledge

Access to parks and natural areas plays a vital role in promoting physical activity, enhancing quality of life, and providing opportunities for recreation that support overall health and well-being. Neighborhood parks foster a sense of community, preserve open spaces, and contribute to the natural beauty of our surroundings. In our four-county region, residents and visitors alike benefit from more than 100 square miles of public parks, offering countless opportunities to connect with nature and each other.

As our region continues to welcome new residents, we are supporting many approaches to conserving our environment.

Community Impact

With consideration for the transformative benefits that parks and natural spaces bring to our community, we are committed to supporting nonprofits that protect and enhance these vital resources. We are proud to support the Resilience Incubator, a unique collaboration of 11 nonprofits dedicated to environmental advocacy in a shared office space. This space is designed to encourage the exchange of ideas, resources, and expertise among its members, empowering organizations to work together, amplifying individual impact through the collective. Additionally, the Resilience Incubator will provide valuable training opportunities for participating nonprofits—many of which are small and volunteer-driven—helping them strengthen essential areas such as fundraising, event planning, and strategic development. This initiative is a powerful example of how collaboration can empower organizations to achieve more together.

We are proud to support programs that expand access to and engagement with nature. Our funding enables children from Sarasota County Public Schools to visit Selby Gardens and enjoy the vibrant flora found within. Additionally, we provide support for a program with Selby Gardens connecting students with the science of renewable energy, preparing them for future opportunities in this growing field.  By providing students with hands-on experiences in sustainability and showcasing real-world applications at the Selby Gardens, we are encouraging students to develop an understanding of environmental stewardship that will positively affect their futures and our community for generations to come.

Community Knowledge

Median home value and median home rent metrics provide valuable insight into property value and rental market trends across our community. In 2024, average median home value for Charlotte, Desoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties was $317,252, while average median home rent was $1,268. On average, nearly 30% of households in the four-county region are considered housing cost-burdened, dedicating a significant portion of their income to housing expenses. When housing costs take up such a large share of household budgets, it leaves less income available for other essential needs like food, transportation, and healthcare.

Beyond difficulty affording essentials, housing insecurity can be an outcome of being housing cost-burdened. In the four-county region, 11% of adults report being housing insecure, which has effects on overall health, safety, and well-being Addressing housing insecurity is essential to ensuring a better quality of life for all residents.

Community Impact

Addressing homelessness requires a thorough understanding of its root causes and a commitment to implementing comprehensive solutions that promote housing stability. To break the cycle of poverty and empower families to envision a brighter future, we proudly support the Pathways Home transitional housing program run by Family Promise of South Sarasota County. This program provides residents with personalized guidance and vital support in areas such as life skills development, financial literacy, and income generation, creating a strong foundation for sustainable financial independence.

Another supported project of note is the foster care transitional housing program with CASL for young adults.