Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards $110,000 in Capacity Building Grants to 15 Local Nonprofits

Funding supports organizations serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties.

SARASOTA, FL – The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has awarded $110,000 to 15 nonprofits serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties to support organizations’ ability to carry out their missions.

Most of the funding will support operational and fundraising capacity, which will strengthen organizations’ stability and potential for expanding programs and services. Grants provide funding for expert consultation in fundraising, strategic planning, evaluation, and development; staff and board training; and website and software upgrades. In one case, a grant will supply emergency funding to exterminate termite infestations in historic, culturally significant buildings.

“It’s impressive to see the range of ideas nonprofits are innovating to expand their ability to meet needs and deliver vital services to their constituents,” said Kirsten Russell, Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation. “Their consistent discovery of new ways to improve outcomes highlights a defining characteristic of our nonprofit community: they go above and beyond to ensure progress and maximize results.”

Recipients showcase the diversity of missions and operations of organizations serving the region, from supporting vulnerable populations like youth, veterans, and people with disabilities to strengthening our area’s arts opportunities. Here is a list of nonprofits awarded:

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc., which is committed to serving people with disabilities and disadvantages by offering opportunities to achieve independence.

Jewish Family and Children's Services of the Suncoast, Inc. (JFCS), an organization that provides mental health and human services to empower all individuals and families toward well-being and self-reliance.

Old Punta Gorda, Inc. dba Punta Gorda Historical Society, which works to protect significant and historic properties by fostering a deep sense of community, commitment, and support.

Redlands Christian Migrant Association, Inc., the largest nonprofit provider of early childhood education in the State of Florida, delivering services to families in rural communities and children who speak English mainly as a second language, if at all.

Take Stock in Children of Sarasota County, providing deserving low-income children with resources such as mentors, scholarships, and long-term support to promote academic success.

The Rosemary Youth Ballet, a studio that trains aspiring professional dancers and fosters a love of the ballet artform.

Operation Warrior Resolution, which provides innovative, holistic treatments for veterans and their families that support optimal mental and physical health and success.

Child Evangelism Fellowship Manasota Chapter, which seeks to evangelize youth through an after-school club called “Good News Club.”

Sarasota Music Conservatory, providing education that engages and inspires music students through excellence in educational, artistic, and cultural programs.

Girls on the Run of Southwest Florida, a running organization that fosters confidence and community through sport.

League of Women Voters of Sarasota County, a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure a representational democracy.

Sarasota Rising, which produces exciting events that build community pride, elevate artistic expression, and boost economic prosperity.

Booker Promise Foundation, an organization at Booker High School that provides students with essential skills and resources to earn a college degree or technical certificate, creating pathways to productive and successful futures.

All Friends Network, enhancing quality of life for young adults with disabilities through facilitating an online network and hosting a variety of social events for members.

Manatee Children's Services, an organization that advocates for and provides resources, skills, and shelter to alleviate abuse through prevention and intervention for all children and their families.

Capacity Building Grants are one of several competitive grant opportunities the Community Foundation presents annually. For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, $300,000 has been awarded to 42 nonprofits serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties.

As a partner to more than 700 nonprofit organizations serving the region, a primary function of the Community Foundation is to enhance the organizations’ autonomy and self-sustenance. Grant cycles like this one provide practical support for that goal.

For nearly 45 years, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has been key to unlocking possibilities for everyone who calls our area home. Through the generosity of donors and the trust of the community, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $435.8 million in grants and scholarships to support education, health and human services, the arts, the environment, animal welfare, and other needs that enhance quality of life. To learn more about available grant opportunities, visit www.cfsarasota.org/nonprofits/grants.

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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 $489 million in more than 1,580 charitable funds, the Community Foundation awarded grants and scholarships totaling $40 million dollars last year in the areas of education, the arts, health and human services, civic engagement, animal welfare and the environment. Since its founding, the Community Foundation has been able to grant more than $435.8 million to area nonprofit organizations in our community thanks to the generosity of charitable individuals, families, and businesses. For more information, visit www.CFSarasota.org or call (941) 955-3000.