Stay up to date with timely and relevant news articles provided by FPN!
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County Announces 2026 Date for the 10th Giving Challenge
April 18, 2025
The 24-hour giving event offers local nonprofits much-needed funding boost
SARASOTA, FL—The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has announced that it will host its 10th online giving day from noon to noon, April 15-16, 2026. The Giving Challenge is a 24-hour giving event that supports nonprofit organizations in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties.
The event in 2026 will mark the 10th Giving Challenge hosted by the Community Foundation since 2012. For the milestone anniversary new prizes are being developed by the Community Foundation to mark the occasion. Throughout its 12-year history, the participation from community members and nonprofit organizations has grown tremendously. The very first challenge in 2012 raised $2.4 million for 107 local nonprofit organizations in 36 hours. The most recent Giving Challenge in 2024 raised $17.2 million in 24 hours, benefiting 724 nonprofit organizations. Nationally, the Giving Challenge is recognized as one of the top 10 largest giving days, even when compared to those in larger metropolitan cities, highlighting our uniquely philanthropic community.
Kirsten Russell to Present at National Community Foundation Conference
March 31, 2025
The CFLeads Forum convenes community foundation CEOs and board chairs committed to community leadership.
SARASOTA, FL – Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Kirsten Russell, Vice President of Community Impact, will be among the professionals presenting at this year’s CFLeads Forum at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, April 1 – 3 2025. CFLeads is a national network of community foundations committed to community leadership. This year, community foundations will come together at the Forum to explore the theme of Courageous Community Leadership: Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact.
Russell will join other leaders in philanthropy to present on the panel discussion, “Navigating Disaster Response: Strategic Partnerships for Effective Disaster Preparedness and Recovery.” Rusell will be joined in the session with peer colleagues from across the nation with experience in disasters both natural and manmade, including Tatiana Hernandez, Community Foundation Boulder County, Vanessa Bechtel, Ventura County Community Foundation, Diana Zarzuelo, Greater Houston Community Foundation, and virtual speaker Keanu Lau Hee, Hawai’i Community Foundation.
Together, they will share the lessons they’ve learned from various strategies including implementing rapid deployment of funds, partnerships across sectors, and using community leadership techniques to support long-term solutions.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards Nearly $170,000 Supporting Animal Welfare
March 6, 2025
Grants support nonprofit organizations that serve animals and promote humane care in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties
SARASOTA, FL – Nearly $170,000 will be awarded to 11 nonprofit organizations by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County through its annual Animal Welfare competitive grant cycle to promote the humane care of domestic, farm, and wild animals across four counties.
The charitable funds will provide essential support for a wide range of programs that care for animals, including end-of-life services for pets, veterinary care for wild sea birds and turtles, and rescue of domestic, farm, and exotic animals. This initiative is made possible through the generous contributions from the Helen C. Schwieder Fund, the Martha Leiter and Nancy Streetman Fund I, the Robert Parker Fund, and others.
The grants awarded in this cycle emphasize the critical need for access to emergency veterinary services during times of crisis. Additionally, a key focus is on providing vital veterinary equipment, not exclusively for emergencies but crucial to the overall health and well-being of animals.
Community Rallies to Raise Record Breaking $7.19 Million for Season of Sharing
February 12, 2025
SARASOTA, FL – The Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s annual Season of Sharing campaign raised a record $7,197,345.22 million from 2,743 gifts to help individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. Dollars raised through the seasonal campaign will cover living expenses including rent/mortgage, utilities, childcare, or transportation needs for residents of Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties throughout the next year when help is most needed.
This year’s unprecedented total comes on the heels of a historic hurricane season that saw three back-to-back hurricanes, plus an unnamed storm in June that delivered record rainfall, wreak havoc on a community still recovering from 2022’s Hurricane Ian, in addition to individual personal crises.
The Patterson Foundation Contributes $500,000 for Recovery From Recent Global Disasters
January 29, 2025
The Patterson Foundation is providing $500,000 to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) to strengthen recovery from recent global disasters.
- $250,000 to the CDP California Wildfires Recovery Fund to support communities across the state as they work to rebuild and recover.
- $250,000 to the CDP Global Recovery Fund to strengthen recovery efforts from the magnitude 7.1 earthquake and aftershocks that struck Tibet and other disasters worldwide.
Both funds will support medium- and long-term recovery efforts such as rebuilding homes, infrastructures and livelihoods for communities affected by the disasters, especially for those of more vulnerable populations.
Through these two contributions, TPF hopes to catalyze recovery efforts from these disasters in the months and years to come while highlighting the prevalence of large-scale disasters affecting people around the world.
THE WINTER PARK HEALTH FOUNDATION PROMOTES LINDSAY KIST TO VICE PRESIDENT
January 8, 2025
Winter Park, FL – The Winter Park Health Foundation (WPHF) today is announcing the promotion of Lindsay Kist to the position of Vice President, effective January 1, 2025. In her expanded role, Kist will lead the Foundation’s efforts in community impact, encompassing grantmaking, education, and partnerships, as well as community engagement, which includes communications, marketing, and outreach initiatives.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Raises Nearly $9 Million for Disaster Response and Recovery After Historic Hurricane Season
Funds support both immediate needs and long-term assistance in the hard-hit region.
December 19, 2024
SARASOTA, FL – The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has so far raised nearly $9 million in eight weeks, after the one-two punch of Hurricanes Helene and Milton capped off a hurricane season marked by three named storms in rapid succession that devastated the region.
Of the current total, $4.9 million has been raised for the Season of Sharing campaign, the time-tested and trusted community safety net that helps individuals and families recover from economic crises. An additional $3.8 million has been donated to the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund for long-term recovery, which supports nonprofit organizations addressing community needs long after an initial disaster occurs. While the number of dollars raised is promising, the unprecedented need experienced by the community threatens to outpace available resources.
Bishop-Parker Foundation awards almost $3 million in grants
Funds will be used to support education, health and human services, and other community needs
December 17, 2024
BRADENTON, FL - Bishop-Parker Foundation recently awarded almost $3 million in grants during its fall 2024 grant cycle.
“Each grant cycle, we have an opportunity to continue building on the philanthropic legacies of our founders, Ned and Patty Bishop and Mary Parker,” said Wendy Deming, CEO of Bishop-Parker Foundation. “They helped Bradenton and Manatee County become the communities they are today, with thriving arts and cultural institutions, strong health and human services organizations, and nonprofits supporting everything from education to mental health. This round of grants ensures that this good work continues.”
Bishop-Parker Foundation contributes $100,000 to Season of Sharing to provide post-hurricane relief to Manatee County
The gift will help Manatee County residents rebound from financial crises propelled by Hurricanes Helene and Milton
October 30, 2024
SARASOTA, FL – After the devastating impacts to Manatee County brought on by the back-to-back destruction unleashed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Bishop-Parker Foundation has announced a $100,000 contribution to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Season of Sharing to be directed to Manatee County residents in need.
Brian and Sheila Jellison Family Foundation Supports Hurricane Relief and Recovery with $1 Million in Gifts to Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Two matching gifts of $500,000 each support immediate needs and long-term recovery efforts from storm damage in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto counties.
October 24, 2024
SARASOTA, FL – After the devastating impact of Hurricanes Milton and Helene, the Brian and Sheila Jellison Family Foundation has continued its longstanding disaster recovery support with two matching gifts totaling $1 million to address immediate and long-term community needs and inspire additional giving from caring individuals both near and far:
- A $500,000 matching gift towards Season of Sharing to provide immediate relief for residents in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. This gift, once matched, has the potential to raise a total of $1.2 million for Season of Sharing, which has a match in place from The Patterson Foundation, which contributes $100,000 for every $500,000 raised by the community.
- A $500,000 matching gift towards the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund to support long-term recovery throughout the region once emergency relief efforts have concluded.
Baltimore Orioles Support Hurricane Milton Relief Efforts
Orioles to donate up to $500,000 to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Orioles fans encouraged to donate
October 17, 2024
Baltimore, MD and Sarasota, FL – In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Milton, the Baltimore Orioles have partnered with the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support relief efforts through Season of Sharing, a long-running initiative that provides support to neighbors in need. The Orioles have committed to donating an initial $250,000 and matching every additional dollar raised up to another $250,000 to aid families and individuals affected by the hurricane across Sarasota and Manatee counties. With this support, the initiative could raise a total of $500,000 for critical resources to those in need. Furthermore, if the $500,000 target is reached, The Patterson Foundation will provide an additional $100,000.
"In times of crisis, it's essential for us to stand together as a community," said David M. Rubenstein, Orioles Owner and Control Person. “We hope that this match challenge inspires our fans and community members to give generously and help provide immediate relief for those affected by Hurricane Milton."
For over two decades, Season of Sharing has provided a vital safety net for residents by offering one-time financial assistance for essential living expenses. Now, as families face the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, donations will go directly to covering urgent needs such as rent, utilities, transportation, and childcare, helping families recover and regain a sense of security.
The Patterson Foundation Seeds Local Efforts for Hurricane Helene Immediate Relief and Long-Term Recovery with Community Foundation of Sarasota County
The Patterson Foundation’s gifts highlight the importance of strategic recovery in our community support
September 30, 2024
SARASOTA, FL – With Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic impacts on Sarasota and Manatee counties’ barrier islands, The Patterson Foundation has initiated major support for two initiatives managed by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County:
- The Patterson Foundation will activate its challenge match of donating $100,000 for every $500,000 raised by the community for Season of Sharing to help provide a financial bridge for those displaced from their homes or facing disruptions from work.
- The Patterson Foundation will seed the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund with an additional $100,000 to help support long-term recovery efforts led by local nonprofits in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene.
These gifts come just weeks after The Patterson Foundation seeded the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund—initially established as a response to Hurricane Ian’s catastrophic impacts—with a separate $100,000 gift, signifying an evolution of the fund to support disaster responses beyond any one storm or moment in time.
Season of Sharing, which typically kicks off annually at the beginning of November, is actively fundraising now to help ensure that impacts to those whose livelihoods are put on pause are as minimal as possible. A trusted, time-tested safety net for nearly 25 years, Season of Sharing covers expenses related to housing, utilities, transportation and childcare to help avoid compounding financial setbacks that can be the result of a missed payment. It is anticipated that the hospitality industry will be disrupted across the region; this is a jobs sector that employs more than 70,000 individuals in Sarasota and Manatee counties in accommodations, food service and retail. As with any disaster, many in our region require swift assistance. Those in need should call 2-1-1 to be directed to support from Season of Sharing and other services.
Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund Seeded with $100,000 Gift in Anticipation of Additional Long-Term Needs during Hurricane Season
The Patterson Foundation’s gift signifies a commitment to long-term resiliency
September 17, 2024
SARASOTA, FL – While it was established in 2022 in response to Hurricane Ian’s catastrophic impacts across the region, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund is evolving to support disaster responses beyond any one named storm or moment in time.
The perennial fund is being seeded once again in 2024 with a $100,000 gift by The Patterson Foundation, a longtime philanthropic partner of the Community Foundation, to build upon the lessons learned locally during the last two years of recovery since the Category 4 storm Ian caused $115 billion in damage across the state of Florida.
“We have to prepare for what will happen in the future, and we want to ensure that the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund lives on and is responsive to future disasters, which we know are going to happen,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation.
New data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) suggests the region far exceeds the national average in vulnerability to natural hazards. The data, based on such factors as exposure, frequency of storms, and historic loss, ranks this area as extremely prone to risk and loss.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards $475,000 to Support Continued Hurricane Ian Recovery
Grants address ongoing long-term efforts to restore stability in Sarasota, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties
August 28, 2024
SARASOTA, FL – As the second anniversary of Hurricane Ian approaches, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund continues to support ongoing unmet needs in the hardest-hit areas of the region, most recently through grants totaling $475,000 to Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay, EPIC Community Resource Center, United Way of South Sarasota County, and SunCoast Communities Blood Bank.
Ian’s estimated damages were initially figured at $50 billion across the state of Florida. As needs emerged, costs continued to rise, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and today the storm is considered to have caused $115 billion in damages. Along with destroyed and damaged personal property, many relied upon services in the area have been disrupted because the storm’s damage rendered public buildings—like daycare centers, medical facilities, and schools—uninhabitable.
United Way of Central Florida Invests $4,846,490 in 85 Services for Central Florida Residents
August 7, 2024
United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) is proud to announce its 2024-2025 investment of $4,846,490 in 85 vital community services throughout Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. These investments are dedicated to improving the lives of Central Florida residents in four impact areas: Education, Basic Needs, Financial Stability, and Health.
This year’s funding supports a wide range of programs, including after-school tutoring, emergency food and shelter assistance, early childhood development programs, financial literacy classes, and health services. These programs will provide critical support to children, families, and individuals throughout Central Florida, helping them to achieve academic success, financial stability, and overall well-being.
WINTER PARK HEALTH FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NICHOLAS ABRAHAMS AS ITS NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO
Abrahams Joins Winter Park Health Foundation from Various Executive Leadership Roles at the Orlando Economic Partnership and will Assume the Role on August 26
July 26, 2024
WINTER PARK, FL – The Winter Park Health Foundation (WPHF) Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the selection of Nicholas Abrahams as the organization’s new president and CEO, effective August 26. Abrahams joins WPHF from the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP), where he served in various leadership roles, most recently as senior vice president of partnerships and regional investment.
As a seasoned executive with a proven track record of fostering impactful relationships and driving stakeholder engagement, Abrahams will lead WPHF's efforts to continue its mission of improving the health and wellbeing of its focus communities of Eatonville, Maitland, and Winter Park. With more than $131.5 million invested in these communities throughout the past 30 years, WPHF is a recognized leader in implementing and supporting innovative programs that address health issues.
Abrahams will succeed Patricia Maddox, who has served as president and CEO since the organization's founding in 1994. Under her leadership, WPHF has achieved numerous milestones, including the formation of its Coordinated Youth Initiative with Orange County Public Schools, the ideation, development, and operation of the Center for Health & Wellbeing, and more than $100M invested in grants and projects benefiting the communities of Eatonville, Maitland, and Winter Park.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards More Than $1.7 Million in Scholarships
Funding supports students and adults pursuing postsecondary education
July 23, 2024
SARASOTA, FL – The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has awarded more than $1.7 million in scholarships to people in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties pursuing higher education through enrollment in colleges, universities, or technical and career training programs.
Awards this year include nearly $790,000 to students under the age of 24 who are enrolling in post-secondary education immediately following high school; $213,000 to adults older than 24 who are going back to school, and an additional $738,000 awarded for renewable scholarships in both age groups to support ongoing pursuits of a degree or program.
Funding strategies aligned with the State of Scholarships Regional Assessment, a study published in 2022 that was commissioned by the Community Foundation in collaboration with the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation. Key objectives of the report include identifying the best use of scholarship resources to reduce inequities and supporting students in the completion of their post-secondary programs.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards More than $500,000 for Vital Programming
Grants support nonprofit organizations promoting access to educational, health, and human services in the region
July 16, 2024
SARASOTA, FL – The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has awarded more than $500,000 to 33 local nonprofit organizations through its Programmatic Grants cycle to support organizations that provide access to education, health care, or basic human needs for people who face systemic barriers in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties.
Awards reflect growing needs for support to access necessities, with $75,000 funding programs that provide food to families, $164,000 funding programs that provide healthcare (including mental health) services to uninsured and vulnerable populations, and another $264,000 funding family support services, including childcare, academic support, and specialized educational programs to empower people living with disabilities.
ALLEGANY FRANCISCAN MINISTRIES ANNOUNCES $1.286 MILLION IN CLIMATE JUSTICE & CARE FOR CREATION INITIATIVE
July 16, 2024
Palm Harbor, FL - Allegany Franciscan Ministries is proud to announce a transformative investment of $1,286,500 over the past year to support its new priority focus area: Climate Justice & Care for Creation. This significant contribution includes $774,000 in awards to 22 organizations across Florida, selected through a competitive grant process.
The grants are dedicated to initiatives that:
- Educate workers, employers, and communities about the impact of extreme heat on outdoor workers and those spending significant time outside.
- Raise awareness about climate gentrification and its effects on low-income communities and communities of color.
- Develop coalitions addressing the climate crisis.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County publishes “State of the Nonprofit Sector Report”
Findings highlight strengths of nearly 750 nonprofit organizations serving in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties and the challenges the sector faces
July 9, 2024
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has developed a report detailing the vital contributions of the nonprofit sector in the four-county region and evaluating strengths and opportunities for supporting organizations whose missions enhance our livelihoods.
Using data from The Giving Partner, an online database of nearly 750 nonprofit organizations serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties, the “State of the Nonprofit Sector Report” analyzes several indicators of nonprofit well-being, capacity, and ability to respond to the ever-changing needs of the community.
Overall, the report finds that the nonprofit sector in the four-county region is robust and diverse, catering to the needs of individuals and communities. Still, challenges in raising unrestricted funding interfere with service and program delivery.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Welcomes New Board Members, Appoints Officers
New members include Dan Denton, Erin Duggan, and Mitzie Henson.
June 25, 2024
SARASOTA, FL – The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has elected officers and appointed new members to its Board of Directors, which governs the organization.
The Hon. Charles E. Williams, a circuit court judge of the 12th Judicial Circuit, will step into the role of secretary. Continuing service in their roles of chair, vice chair, and treasurer, respectively, will be Marilyn Thompson, a retired human resources executive with Johnson & Johnson; Paul G. Hudson, market leader at Northern Trust; and Andrew Stultz, president and owner of Atlas Building Company of Florida.
Joining the Board for three-year terms are Dan Denton, Erin Duggan, and Mitzie Henson.
"It is an honor for our Board of Directors to welcome these new members,” said Marilyn Thompson, Board Chair. “Each brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will preserve the excellence of our community foundation and ensure the foundation continues to create a community where everyone can achieve their full potential.”
Selby Foundation Supports 45 Students With Academic Scholarships, Renewable for Up to Four Years of College
June 25, 2024
SARASOTA, FL- The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation has named 45 new Selby Scholars, outstanding students who are eligible for up to four years of a renewable scholarship award to their chosen accredited college or university.
Twenty-four Scholars are first gen students, the first in their families to attend college. Graduating high schools in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto Counties, students are engaged in their communities and plan to use their education to help others.
Many Scholars plan to major in STEAM fields including mechanical engineering, food and nutrition science, computer science, bioengineering, aerospace engineering, and chemistry and more specifically, in health-related fields including nursing and behavioral cognitive neuroscience. Others will pursue degrees in business, finance, journalism, and other disciplines.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Announces Retirement of President and CEO Roxie Jerde in June 2025
June 11, 2024
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s president and chief executive officer will retire next year in June 2025 at the conclusion of the organization’s fiscal year, announced its board of directors.
Roxie Jerde has led the Community Foundation since March 2011, which has almost tripled in asset growth under her leadership and now oversees more than half a billion dollars in charitable assets. The Community Foundation is recognized across Florida and throughout the country for its philanthropic stewardship and innovation. Jerde will retire June 30, 2025, and a national search will be conducted to identify the foundation’s next executive.
Board chair Marilyn Thompson said she values Jerde’s leadership and the culture of teamwork and excellence she has instilled at the foundation, which was established in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council. The board will follow its succession policy, beginning by forming a search committee this summer with an aim of identifying a new leader – the foundation’s third CEO in its history – later in the spring of 2025.
Media inquiries can be directed to Mischa Kirby, APR, at mkirby@cfsarasota.org.
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.
May 29, 2024
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.
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.
2024 Giving Challenge Competitive Campaign Prizes Awarded to 63 Nonprofits
Nearly $100,000 was awarded to organizations through contests of creativity and strategy.
May 24, 2024
SARASOTA, FL – Prizes for the 2024 Giving Challenge have been announced, with an additional 63 nonprofits receiving extra dollars to recognize excellence in prize categories relevant to communications and development strategies used during their campaigns.
Overall, more than $150,000 in prize money was awarded to 270 of the 724 participating nonprofit organizations, with award winners announced at a Giving Challenge celebration on May 10.
Some 220 prizewinning organizations were selected through random drawings for categories like Giving Challenge newcomers and volunteer-led organizations, while others chose to enter competitions where creativity and execution of communications and development campaigns were adjudicated by independent review committees. Several organizations earned multiple prizes through competitive contests, earning as much as $6,500 in addition to what they received via Giving Challenge donations.
Collier Community Foundation Receives a Momentous Unrestricted Estate Gift of Approximately $17 Million
May 9, 2024
NAPLES, FL – The Collier Community Foundation (CCF) is honored to announce it has received an unrestricted estate gift of approximately $17 million from G. Jeffrey “Jeff” Provol, a Naples resident whose legacy will significantly impact the community through his quiet yet visionary philanthropy. These generous funds represent the most substantial gift CCF has received in its 39-year history.
When Provol, 81, who wasn’t married and had no children, passed away on September 5, 2023, he left this enduring gift in the trusted hands of CCF so that the funds could address emerging and future issues and natural disasters. “It’s hard to put into words the impact these funds will have in the long run,” said Collier Community Foundation President and CEO Eileen Connolly-Keesler. “This gift will allow for larger impact grants to nonprofits critical to this community.”
This gift exceeds the $14.45 million received in unrestricted funds established as the Wilfred and Joan Larson Fund in 2021, which has already resulted in over $2 million in grants to the community.
2024 Giving Challenge Raises more than $17 Million to Support 724 Local Nonprofit Organizations
More than $92 million has been raised since 2012 through nine online giving events supporting nonprofit efforts to address community needs and opportunities.
April 11, 2024
SARASOTA, FL – Within 24 hours on April 9 and 10, donors across the community united with an outpouring of support for the 2024 Giving Challenge, raising $17.2 million for 724 participating nonprofit organizations serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties.
This year’s challenge enjoyed an outpouring of support, with $10.5 million raised through 90,147 gifts received by more than 53,000 donors, a record number of donors. With an additional $6.7 million contribution from The Patterson Foundation’s dollar-for-dollar match on all donations $25-$100, the 2024 Giving Challenge affirmed our community’s commitment to the vital nonprofit organizations that enhance quality of life here.
Giving Challenge’s “100 Percent Club” Gains Members
Two additional donors working with Community Foundation of Sarasota County will donate $100 to all 728 nonprofits in 2024 Giving Challenge
March 28, 2024
Inspired by Joe and Mary Kay Henson's generosity, advisors to the Frank G. Berlin Foundation, a component fund at the Community Foundation, and trustees managing the H. Gladstone McKeon Trust have likewise committed $100 to each of the 728 nonprofit organizations taking part in the 2024 Giving Challenge, a 24-hour online giving event from noon to noon April 9-10.
The Frank G. Berlin Fund and H. Gladstone McKeon Trust bring membership up to three of the unofficial "100 Percent Club," philanthropists who have decided to support each organization with a $100 donation to leverage the matching funds provided by The Patterson Foundation, which provides a 1:1 match on all unique donations from $25 to $100.
These gifts, totaling $218,400, will become $436,800, an auspicious and record-setting beginning of the Giving Challenge.
Sarasota Couple Will Donate $100 to All 728 Giving Challenge Nonprofit Participants
Repeating their leadership in 2022, Joe and Mary Kay Henson have agreed to ignite the “100% Club” and inspire others to join
March 15, 2024
Just as they did in 2022, Sarasota-based philanthropists Joe and Mary Kay Henson have pledged to donate $100 to every nonprofit that will take part in the Giving Challenge 2024, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s 24-hour online giving event happening noon to noon April 9-10.
Donating $100 to all 728 participating nonprofit organizations will leverage the generous 1:1 match on all donations from $25-$100 that The Patterson Foundation is again contributing. This means that the Hensons’ donation of $72,800 will become $145,600.
The couple hope to inspire giving by others who have the means to take full advantage of The Patterson Foundation’s match, which is unlimited.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County “Parent Leadership Grant” Opened March 1
The grant encourages nonprofit organizations to incorporate parent voice in decision-making.
March 13, 2024
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has opened a new grant opportunity that invites nonprofit organizations to focus on using lived expertise as a key consideration in developing programs meant to empower families.
The grant opportunity, which connects the Foundation’s “2Gen Philosophy” with its funding priorities encourages nonprofits to include parents in positions of leadership, counsel, and decision-making. The grant application will close April 1, 2024.
The 2Gen—or two-generational—approach to family well-being strives to disrupt inter-generational cycles of poverty through focusing on children and the adults in their lives, simultaneously and intentionally.
During a regional 2Gen Summit hosted by the Community Foundation in February that welcomed more than 250 guests, the importance of lived expertise was emphasized through a panel of parents that shared their journeys from economic and social instability to now: having gained higher education, leading to higher paying, stable careers.
Photo: Parents who have benefited from community-wide 2Gen support share stories during a “Lived Expertise” panel at the third regional 2Gen Summit on Feb. 6. Moderated by Ascend Fellow Anthony Barrows, the panel offered practical recommendations for helping parents achieve stability through education and employment. Photo credit: Nancy Guth
C. Herman & Mary Virginia Terry Foundation to Expand Philanthropy
Betsy C. Cox Named President and Kathleen S. Shaw Named Executive Vice President
February 29, 2024
Jacksonville, FL – The C. Herman & Mary Virginia Terry Foundation, now known as the Terry Family Foundation, has named Betsy C. Cox, niece of Herman and Mary Virginia Terry and a local attorney, as president of the 40+ year old family foundation in anticipation of an increased philanthropic presence in the near future. Kathleen S. Shaw, a veteran grantmaker with deep experience in Northeast Florida, has been named executive vice president of the Terry Family Foundation and will lead the anticipated expansion of grantmaking when she joins the Foundation on March 25, 2024.
Kathleen Shaw will join the Terry Family Foundation following more than 20 years at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, most recently as Senior Vice President, Programs and Initiatives. In more than 25 years working in the local nonprofit community, Kathleen built many successful grantmaking initiatives across a broad array of fields. She has led teams of professional grantmakers in the deployment of millions of philanthropic dollars on behalf of some of our communities’ largest donors, and she shares her expertise with other grantmaking professionals and philanthropists locally, regionally and nationally.
Barancik Foundation’s Romanoff Selected for “Change Leaders in Philanthropy” Fellowship
February 28, 2024
Sarasota, FL — Kelly Romanoff, senior vice president for strategy and evaluation at Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, has been selected as a 2023-24 Change Leaders in Philanthropy Fellow. The fellowship is a program of Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO), an international membership organization of more than 5,000 funders committed to transforming the practice and culture of philanthropy to help nonprofits and communities thrive.
The Change Leaders in Philanthropy Fellowship is a nearly year-long peer-learning program for senior executives responsible for key change efforts within their organizations. Romanoff is one of 20 leaders across the sector who were chosen for the 2023-24 program.
At Barancik Foundation, Romanoff manages a portfolio of initiatives and grants and leads the Foundation’s efforts to assess and learn from its work in order to inform future funding decisions and strategic direction. She has led the creation and development of several major regional initiatives, including First 1,000 Days Suncoast, which is a network of accessible services for vulnerable families during and immediately following pregnancy.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Regional 2Gen Summit Underscores Importance of Supporting Families
The event convened practitioners, parents, and policymakers to continue existing enthusiasm and galvanize new support for empowering families and communities
February 22, 2024
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s regional 2Gen Summit on Feb. 6 drew 250 attendees in support of a “whole family” approach to disrupting intergenerational poverty.
Held at Florida Studio Theatre in Sarasota, the Summit convened practitioners, parents, and policymakers to examine current local and nationwide programs that support a 2Gen approach. National experts from Ascend at the Aspen Institute and five of their Fellows shared strategies to propel existing human services, education, and cultural programs into an integrated and coordinated effort that puts families at the center of the work of our dynamic nonprofit community.
Rather than focusing on children or adults individually, 2Gen strategies consider the interdependency of children and parents and bolsters support for them simultaneously and intentionally.
“Season of Sharing” Surpasses $4.2 Million in Donations in 24th Annual Campaign
Seven matching gifts totaling $700,000 contributed by The Patterson Foundation enhance the millions provided by the community to support neighbors in need all year long.
February 14, 2024
SARASOTA, FL – Thanks to an abundance of community generosity, the annual “Season of Sharing” campaign raised $4.21 million to help people experiencing financial crisis in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. This is the second-highest annual amount raised since Season of Sharing was established in 2000 by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune to provide a safety net for neighbors in crisis. During the last three months, more than 2,600 gifts were given by donors of all means to offer stability for those on the economic edge in our region.
Now in its 24th year, the campaign has restored security and peace of mind for nearly 49,000 households from Punta Gorda to Parrish by providing more than $43.5 million to assist with housing, utilities, childcare, and transportation.
HEALTH FOUNDATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS
January 29, 2024
MIAMI, FL - The Health Foundation of South Florida, with a legacy of serving South Florida for more than 30 years and investing over $145 million to make our region healthier for all, is proud to announce the appointment of a dynamic and diverse group of new members to its Board.
Committed to advancing health and well-being across South Florida, the new board members bring a wealth of expertise, leadership experience, and passion to guide the Foundation's mission to improve the health of South Florida communities, with a focus on vulnerable, low-to-moderate-income populations.
“We welcome these exceptional leaders to our Board, confident that their professional expertise and unwavering commitment to the community will contribute significantly to steering and championing our mission to ensure that all South Floridians have equal opportunity for health and wellbeing,” said Loreen Chant, President and CEO of the Health Foundation of South Florida.
Application Open for Community Foundation of Sarasota County Scholarship Opportunities
Applications for students under age 24 are due March 1, 2024.
January 25, 2024
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has opened its Traditional Scholarship Application for students planning for the 2024-2025 school year. With a single application, a student may be considered for up to 79 different scholarships available to students residing in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties.
This year’s application cycle at the Community Foundation is extended due to changes in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that are expected to prolong the FAFSA experience for many students.
Six Philanthropic Leaders to be Recognized at Manatee Community Foundation’s 2024 Spirit of Manatee Awards
January 25, 2024
Manatee Community Foundation has announced the winners of the 2024 Spirit of Manatee Awards, each being recognized for leadership in philanthropy in Manatee County. Each will be honored at the 2024 Spirit of Manatee Awards Luncheon on March 13, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center.
“Well known for their generous charitable giving and leadership in our region, each of our winners embodies an authentic and caring commitment to our community,” said Veronica Thames, executive director of Manatee Community Foundation.
The event sells out, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. The last day to purchase is February 27, 2024.
Michael Walsh Begins Term as Chair of the Coral Gables Community Foundation
January 19, 2024
CORAL GABLES, FL – The Board of Directors of the Coral Gables Community Foundation is pleased to welcome Michael Walsh as its Chair for 2024 and 2025. Walsh has served as Chair Elect since he was voted to the position at the close of 2021 and he has served in leadership roles on the Board of Directors since being elected to join in 2017.
Walsh is a Wealth Manager and Principal at Evensky & Katz/Foldes Wealth Management in Coral Gables. Evensky & Katz has been a long-time, major supporter of the Coral Gables Community Foundation, making more than $1M in grants through The Evensky & Katz Charitable Fund.
The new leadership was received officially by Coral Gables Mayor Vince C. Lago as the Community Foundation’s Directors gathered at the Thesis Hotel rooftop.
.jpg)
OMAR GUEVARA-SOTO JOINS STAFF OF CHARLES & MARGERY BARANCIK FOUNDATION
Food - Service Innovator and Entrepreneurial Leader Brings Expertise in Food Insecurity, Related Issues of Health and Economic Stability
January 19, 2024SARASOTA, FL — Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation has expanded its staff by hiring food and nutrition innovator and 2023 Bush Fellow Omar Guevara-Soto for the new position of Strategic Initiatives Officer. Guevara-Soto, who started his role on January 1, will help develop initiatives, foster collaborations, and drive grantmaking to advance the Foundation’s priorities, with a particular focus on food insecurity, nutrition, and food systems as they relate to health equity and economic stability in the Sarasota region.
Guevara-Soto joined Barancik Foundation from Minneapolis Public Schools, where he helped to transform food-service operations across the 30,000-student school district over more than a decade. For the past seven years, he served as the district’s assistant director of culinary and nutrition services.
Manatee Community Foundation Announces 2024 Scholarship Program Opening on January 1st
January 8, 2024
BRADENTON, FL – The Manatee Community Foundation is thrilled to announce the opening of its annual scholarship program starting January 1st, 2024. Designed to support the educational aspirations of promising students, the application will run until March 1st, 2024, offering a vital opportunity for Manatee and Sarasota students to pursue their academic goals.
In the previous year, 2023, the Foundation proudly awarded 152 scholarships, embodying its commitment to fostering educational excellence and empowering our community.
The scholarship program is a testament to the Foundation's unwavering dedication to investing in the future of our region by building the workforce needed and providing opportunities for everyone in our community to thrive. With a diverse array of scholarships tailored to various fields of study and academic achievements, the Manatee Community Foundation aims to provide accessible pathways to higher education for deserving local high school students and adults who want to attend college or trade school.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards Nearly $110,000 to 15 Area Nonprofits
Grants support capacity building in nonprofits serving Sarasota and Manatee Counties
January 4, 2024
SARASOTA, FL – The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has awarded 15 local nonprofit organizations through grant opportunities aimed at strengthening organizations’ capacity to fulfill their missions.
These awards will help local charitable organizations by supporting operational goals like cultivating strong fundraising plans, developing leadership and staff skills, strengthening communications plans, measuring impact, and more. Many recipient organizations in this cycle provide support to people in the community who may be living with disabilities, chaotic homelife issues, homelessness, or other challenging experiences.
“In many cases, organizations awarded through this cycle are the primary support system for vulnerable people and families, or else working to dismantle stigma that further limits individual potential,” said Kirsten Russell, Vice President of Impact at the Community Foundation.
The Community Foundation Announces 2024 Grant Opportunities for Nonprofits
Seven opportunities are open now, and three more open later this year
January 4, 2024
JACKSONVILLE, FL — The Community Foundation welcomes nonprofit organizations to apply for funding to support their work through seven grant opportunities that are open now, and more that will open later in the year. Explore all open grant opportunities at jaxcf.org/apply.
The Community Foundation annually awards about $3 million in grants through its Foundation-directed grantmaking and collective giving initiatives, supporting nonprofit organizations of all sizes, working on a variety of issues, and serving the entire six-county North Florida region.
Opportunities opening this month include:
- Supporting Neighborhoods
- A.L. Lewis Black Opportunity & Impact Fund
- LGBTQ Community Fund
- Putnam County
- College Scholarships
Manatee Community Foundation Awards Over $56 Million Making A Transformative Impact In Our Community
January 4, 2024
MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA – Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) celebrates over $56 million of community impact since its inception in 1998, and its commitment to strengthening and enhancing our community through philanthropy, education, and service – now and forever.
In 2023, MCF and its board, committed donor family, corporate ambassadors and nonprofit partners worked to achieve greater things, together.
- 152 lives changed through meaningful scholarships
- 825+ grants supporting nonprofit organizations in our community and beyond
- 500+ nonprofit partners supported though capacity building investments
- A swift Hurricane Idalia Response that enabled community resilience
- 25 years as the only community foundation in Manatee County
- 56+ million dollars of impact in our community since inception
Of the over $56 million in grants made since its founding, $25 million were directed to meet human services needs of the communities we support, followed by over $10 million toward education, $8 million to support arts and culture, and $5 million to care for animal welfare and environmental causes.
Franklin G. Berlin Foundation Awards $188,000 in Grants to Three Nonprofit Organizations
Grants include $75,000 to Season of Sharing
December 21, 2023
SARASOTA, FL—The Franklin G. Berlin Foundation, a component fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, has advised on $188,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations serving Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, and Charlotte Counties. The grants will support: $30,000 to Mote Marine Laboratory, $48,000 to The Bay Park Conservancy, $25,000 to Harvest House, and $75,000 was directed to the Community Foundation’s Season of Sharing donation campaign.
Florida’s Black Students and the State Benefit from College Enrollment and HBCUs
December 21, 2023
The benefits of a college education are undeniable for Black students in Florida. Helios released today a two-part research study in partnership with the Institute of Higher Education at the University of Florida that shows a college degree has significant advantages. And those benefits increase for some Black Florida students who attend historically Black colleges and universities.
The findings are based on one of the largest and richest student-level datasets in the U.S. that follows a group of Black students throughout the state of Florida from high school, through college, and tracking their financial outcomes by the time they're in their 30s.
Johnson Scholarship Foundation Board Chair Malcolm Macleod Has Released an Exciting Book About How to Use Philanthropy to Make Real Change
December 6, 2023
In this timely book, Malcolm Macleod shows readers how to make a real impact when they donate money. It’s written for donors big and small, whether they are foundations or families who want to make the world a better place. Malcolm Maclead is Chair of the Board of Directors of the Johnson Scholarship Foundation. The privately endowed U.S. foundation gives grants to organizations that help people overcome barriers to education and employment. He was president and CEO of the foundation until he retired in April 2020.
Nonprofit Organizations Gear Up for the 2024 Giving Challenge
Registration is now open for the 24-hour online giving event, hosted by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County
November 17, 2023
For the hundreds of nonprofit organizations expected to take part in the 2024 Giving Challenge, the months leading up to the event in early April are crucial for gaining traction to make the most of the short—but energizing—online giving event.
Registration opened Nov. 1 and is ongoing through Jan. 12, 2024, with those registered by Dec. 12 automatically eligible to be entered into a drawing for a $500 cash award. Interested nonprofit leaders can register at givingchallenge.org. All participating organizations must have a profile on The Giving Partner, a powerful online directory of nonprofit organizations, by Jan. 12, 2024. Participation in the Giving Challenge and registration on The Giving Partner are free and available to all registered 501(c)3 organizations serving Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and/or Sarasota counties.
Season of Sharing Enters 24th Year Beginning Nov. 5
The safety net became an essential resource amid shifting financial realities
November 3, 2023
SARASOTA, FL – The Community Foundation of Sarasota County kicks off the 24th annual Season of Sharing fundraising campaign on Nov. 5, with donations amplified through partnerships with The Patterson Foundation and Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
The Season of Sharing fund is a longstanding, vital safety net for residents of Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties experiencing acute need. The fund offers residents one-time financial assistance for basic living expenses such as rent or mortgage, utilities, transportation, or childcare. Since its inception in 2000, Season of Sharing has raised and distributed more than $38 million benefiting more than 50,000 households.
“Season of Sharing embodies this community’s uniquely compassionate and generous character,” said Roxie Jerde, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. “The act of paying it forward has been a powerful saving grace for our neighbors in need who just need a little help getting a foothold to regain security.”
Jerde notes that this past year, after the Community Foundation partnered with The Patterson Foundation to activate the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund as a resource for long-term healing after Hurricane Ian’s historic damage, Season of Sharing was an invaluable resource for immediate needs. Likewise, Season of Sharing has been a support in other times of turmoil over the last decades, both personal and community-wide.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards $80,000 to Area Nonprofits for Building Capacity
Grants support nonprofit organizations serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties
October 24, 2023
SARASOTA, FL – The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has awarded grants to 12 area nonprofit organizations that will help support their operations through the foundation’s Capacity Building grant cycle.
Capacity Building grants are designed to help strengthen nonprofit organizations’ ability to achieve their mission. Grant dollars are utilized for services and operational needs as varied as hiring fundraising consultants or purchasing equipment needed for operations. This cycle’s recipients serve primarily in the arts, animal welfare and environmental conservation, and social services to vulnerable individuals and communities.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards nearly $625,000 for Hurricane Recovery Efforts
More than half of Suncoast Disaster Recovery Funding has been committed through grants and future funding
October 17, 2023
SARASOTA, FL – At the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County awarded a second round of grants totaling $625,000 to nonprofits to address ongoing impacts of the catastrophic storm.
Combined with the nearly $1 million in grants awarded in June, and $720,000 reserved for future funding, more than half of the $5 million raised through the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund in the storm’s immediate aftermath has been deployed or committed to serving the region in ongoing recovery efforts.
Programs supported through this grant include hurricane survivor advocacy and case management, youth services, home repairs, and delivery of essential assets, such as appliances and furniture, to households.
Local Black-Led Nonprofit Organizations Join National Give 8/28 Giving Day to Build a More Equitable Community
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County steps up support by hosting a community mixer uniting donors with nonprofits.
August 2, 2023
SARASOTA, FL – August is Black Philanthropy Month, and several Sarasota-Manatee nonprofit organizations will be taking part in Give 8/28, a 15-hour digital giving event designed to support Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofit organizations. With the goal of boosting overall Give 8/28 performance in our area, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County is hosting a community mixer that will bring donors together with Give 8/28 participants to discover their missions and impact in our community. The mixer, providing ample learning opportunities for community members, will be from 5-7 p.m. August 28 at Westcoast Black Theater Troupe. Give 8/28 is like the Giving Challenge, which many of the participating nonprofits have taken part in to hone their skills in preparation of this national giving day. People interested in supporting the community by participating in Give 8/28 can attend the mixer to meet the people inspiring change through their organizations. Those who cannot make the event can still donate online.
NEW MEMBERS TO JOIN MANATEE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Douglas J. Elmore and Debra Estes will join the Manatee Community Foundation board of directors on July 1, 2023.
June 27, 2023
BRADENTON, FL- Elmore has a deep history of community involvement including leadership roles with Easterseals of Southwest Florida, Mote Marine Laboratories and Ringling College Library Association. He is a partner at Williams Parker, Attorneys at Law, practicing in the areas of trusts and estates.
Estes is the Director of ESOL, Migrant and Dual Language Programs for the School District of Manatee County with 25+ years of as a public-school educator. She has been at the helm of the ESOL program in the School District of Manatee County nine years. Estes serves on the Florida Association of Bilingual and ESOL Supervisors (FABES) board, including a term as president from 2018-2020.
Manatee Community Foundation’s new board officers are: Chair Robert “Buzz” Turner; Vice Chair Dannie Sherrill; Treasurer Garrett Shinn; Secretary Steve Roskamp; and immediate Past Chair Jeanie Kirkpatrick.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards nearly $150,000 to Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness and support groups
Four local nonprofit organizations have received funding for brain research and support programs
June 27, 2023
SARASOTA, FL- In recognition of June as International Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has awarded $150,000 to four nonprofits in the region supporting care, awareness and research of cognitive diseases.
Many experts caution that finding ways to end or mitigate syndromes of brain and memory decline is urgent, as the cost of these disorders, in medical care, wraparound support, and loss of productivity owed to informal care of patients by family, is significant.
Community Foundation grants provide relief in a range of areas, from supporting research efforts to providing services for dementia patients who need it. Funds were allocated to The Roskamp Institute, The Pines of Sarasota Foundation, The Alzheimer's Disease & Related Disorders Association, and The Senior Friendship Centers.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards $120,000 to Area Nonprofits
Grants support capacity building in nonprofits serving counties along the Suncoast
June 20, 2023
SARASOTA, FL – The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has awarded 20 local nonprofit organizations nearly $120,000 through grant opportunities with the purpose of strengthening each organization’s capacity to fulfill its mission.
Most of the grants awarded will support organizations’ marketing and development efforts, a critical component for nonprofits to increase visibility, but an area that is often underfunded. Some of the grants support staff professional development and board development, which aim to help the nonprofits shape and implement thoughtful strategic plans. Other grants support expanding an organization’s impact through investing in their staff and volunteers.
The Community Foundation Recognized at Council on Foundations Conference for Award-Winning Public-Philanthropic Partnership with the City of Jacksonville
The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida was honored with the HUD Secretary’s Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships for its role in helping lead the launch of the Office of Strategic Partnerships at the City of Jacksonville’s Office of the Mayor
June 15, 2023
DENVER, CO – A public-philanthropic partnership in Jacksonville was recognized as a national model yesterday through the Secretary’s Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships, a recognition offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Council on Foundations.
The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida was honored at the Council on Foundations’ Leading Locally conference in Denver for helping to lead the launch of the Office of Strategic Partnerships in the City of Jacksonville’s Mayor’s Office. The award is given to foundations annually to recognize excellence in partnerships that have transformed the relationship between the public and philanthropic sectors and led to measurable benefits for local communities.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards nearly $1 million for Hurricane Recovery Efforts
An additional $720,000 has been earmarked for future funding
June 14, 2023
SARASOTA, FL – Just as a new hurricane season gains steam, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has awarded nearly $1 million to local nonprofits to address ongoing impacts of Hurricane Ian, with another $720,000 reserved for multi-year grants for long-term recovery efforts that will take several years to take root. Programs supported through this grant include hurricane survivor advocacy and case management, mental and behavioral health treatment, youth services, and still-lingering home repairs.
Grants were announced for nonprofit organizations helping rebuild their communities in Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, and Charlotte counties with emphasis placed on the areas hardest hit by the storm, namely south Sarasota County, Charlotte County and DeSoto County.
Unlike relief, which is immediate reparation of damage to get society moving again, recovery focuses on the long view and helping people restore their lives on several fronts—economically, emotionally, and spiritually. To determine funding priorities for the nearly $5 million raised, a task force was convened that included Community Foundation staff and board members, along with key stakeholders in hard-hit communities. Through several listening sessions, the task force developed the scope of funding priorities.
The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida Selects Isaiah M. Oliver
Effective July 31, Oliver will succeed Nina Waters, who is retiring after 22 years with The Community Foundation.
May 10, 2023
JACKSONVILLE, FL – Following a nationwide search, the Board of Trustees of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida (TCF) today announced that it has unanimously selected Isaiah M. Oliver as TCF’s new president, effective July 31, 2023.
A proven community leader and a bright star in the field of place-based philanthropy, Oliver will continue the Foundation’s focus on donor stewardship and strategic philanthropy that improves the lives of everyone in the six-county Northeast Florida region. Oliver will serve as the third president of The Community Foundation, stepping into the role after more than nine years at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint (Flint, MI), where he currently serves as President and CEO.
“Throughout this process, Isaiah has impressed us as a dynamic, collaborative leader who has the vision and the skills to advance our mission of stimulating philanthropy to build a better community,” said The Honorable Brian J. Davis, chair of The Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “We are happy and excited to welcome him to Northeast Florida as The Community Foundation’s next president.”
Oliver will succeed TCF President Nina M. Waters, who will retire on September 1 after 22 years with the Foundation. Under her leadership, The Community Foundation has established itself as a premier philanthropic anchor institution, with more than $1 billion in total gifts since its founding, an engaged network of 660+ fundholders and donors, and a record $57.7 million in grants distributed in 2022. It has also grown multiple philanthropic initiatives, including the Women’s Giving Alliance, the Beaches Community Fund, the LGBTQ Community Fund for Northeast Florida, the A.L. Lewis Black Opportunity and Impact Fund, the Donors Forum, Art Ventures and many more.
Top of page
Native Forward Scholars Fund Leader Angelique Albert Joins Johnson Scholarship Foundation's Board of Directors
May 1, 2023
WEST PALM BEACH, FL –The Johnson Scholarship Foundation (JSF) is pleased to announce that Angelique Albert of Native Forward Scholars Fund has joined the Foundation’s Board of Directors
Albert (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes) has dedicated her career to serving Tribal communities. As Native Forward’s chief executive officer, she leads the nation’s largest scholarship provider to Native students, which has distributed more than $350 million in scholarships to students representing over 500 Tribes across all 50 states.
“The Johnson Scholarship Foundation has a strong legacy of partnering with organizations across North America to enable students to pursue greater educational and career opportunities,” said Robert A. Krause, the Foundation’s CEO. “Angelique Albert brings over 25 years of experience as a leader in nonprofit, philanthropic, business and government industries. The Foundation will look to her for insights on how to better serve our program areas, including Indigenous communities.”
Albert is a 2014 graduate of Gonzaga University’s Master of Business Administration in American Indian Entrepreneurship (MBA-AIE) program, which was created in 2001 in partnership with the Foundation. The program was designed to meet the unique needs of Indigenous students living on reservations and spark economic growth.
Read full press releaseTop of page
SELBY FOUNDATION AWARDS $1,042,735 IN CAPITAL FUNDS FOR NONPROFITS IN REGION
April 26, 2023
SARASOTA, FL – The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation is awarding $1,042,735 in grants to support nonprofits located in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties with capital funds needed to better serve youth, families, neighborhoods, the environment, and the arts.
“The positive effect these funds will have on people living in a four-county region will be felt for generations through the important work of nonprofit organizations shaping the success of our community,” said Susie Bowie, Selby Foundation President and CEO.
“Bill and Marie Selby were passionate about opportunity for everyone, and we can see the continued impact of their legacy reflected in these outstanding grants.”
Socrates Rivers Joins The Community Foundation as Director of Development
Rivers will lead the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of new funds and fundholders
March 29, 2023
JACKSONVILLE, FL – The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida is pleased to announce Socrates Rivers has joined the staff as Director of Development, as the Foundation continues to grow.
Socrates is an experienced fundraising professional with more than 17 years in development, finance, and business, most recently having served as the Director of Major Gifts & Corporate Giving at the FSCJ Foundation. He also serves on the boards of the United Community Outreach Ministry and the First Coast Tiger Bay Club of Jacksonville. Socrates is a graduate of Ohio University and holds an MBA from the University of Akron.
As Development Director, Socrates is responsible for the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of new funds and fundholders at the Foundation. The primary role is working with potential and existing fund holders to open new funds and facilitate giving to fundholders’ interest areas and preferred organizations. He will steward a portfolio of existing fundholders, providing ongoing relationship management and philanthropic service. He will work closely with John Zell, Vice President of Development.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards Nearly $200,000 supporting Animal WelfareGrants support nonprofit organizations that serve animals and promote their humane care in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto Counties
SARASOTA, FL – The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has awarded 12 local nonprofit organizations through its annual Animal Welfare competitive grant cycle to promote the humane care of domestic, farm, wild and exotic animals across four counties.
More than $196,000 will be awarded to support emergency veterinary treatment and capacity building for nonprofits that center on caring for animals with generous support from the Helen C. Schwieder Fund, the Robert Parker Fund, the Martha Leiter and Nancy Streetman Fund I, along with others. Awards this year reflect the diverse needs across animal welfare. Challenges are on the rise in both in domestic and wild animal care, as factors ranging from environmental disasters to economic strain have impacted the health and humane care of animals of all types, said Kirsten Russell, Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation.
Selby Foundation Awards Over $226,000 in Hurricane Ian Relief to Area Nonprofits
SARASOTA, FL - The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation has awarded $226,614 in Hurricane Ian relief to six Charlotte, DeSoto and Sarasota county nonprofits. The funding will go to discretionary disaster relief, roof, floor and ceiling repairs as well as outdoor lighting and fencing.
“The devastation from Hurricane Ian has severely impacted area nonprofits, many of whom serve some of our area’s most vulnerable populations. We are pleased to be able to assist with their basic needs as these organizations recover and restore their service to the community,” says Carol Butera, Selby Foundation CEO and President.
Read more to see list of grants
Top of page
Attaway Will Transition to Counsel Role; Neslund Appointed as President/CEO of the GiveWell Community Foundation
February 7, 2023
LAKELAND, FL – GiveWell Community Foundation (GWCF) announced today the initiation of a leadership transition. John Attaway, Jr. has decided to step down as president and chief executive officer, effective March 1, 2023. The board of directors has appointed Catherine (Callie) Neslund as his successor. Attaway will remain on staff in a counsel role.
The decision was made at the January 31 board meeting, when the executive committee presented their recommendation to the board of directors who voted to approve Neslund as the organization’s next president/CEO.
“On behalf of the board, I want to thank John for his valuable contributions to GWCF over his past three years as president and CEO. His steady hand guided the organization through COVID and Hurricane Ian, providing support to those most impacted while at the same time growing the foundation and significantly solidifying its operations,” said John H. Gray, Jr., chair of the board of directors. “Callie has the vision and the drive to take GWCF to new levels of success and community impact.”
Read full press release
Top of page