Susie Bowie to become CEO of Selby Foundation effective March 1, 2023
SARASOTA, Florida (November 21, 2022) - The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation’s Board of Directors is proud to announce that Susie Bowie, currently Executive Director of the Manatee Community Foundation, will become its next CEO effective March 1, 2023. As previously announced, Carol Butera, the Foundation’s current CEO, will retire in April 2023.
Board Chair and lead in the search effort, Barbara Zdravecky, noted “Susie’s demonstrated leadership in the local Foundation arena compliments the values of our founders, Bill and Marie Selby. The attributes of humility, collaboration, stewardship, innovation and social responsibility match well with her style and accomplishments.”
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The LGBTQ Community Fund Awards a Total of $87,000 to Five Local Agencies
Grants will support teens, disabled adults, nonprofit leaders, and transgender youth
JACKSONVILLE, Florida (November 17, 2022) – The LGBTQ Community Fund for Northeast Florida approved $87,000 in grants to five local nonprofits in its ongoing efforts to build an inclusive community where all people can thrive. Grantees will be funded from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023.
“We are proud to invest in organizations serving LGBTQ communities as they need support now more than ever,” said Glenn Miller, chair for the Advisory Board for the Fund, which is housed at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. “We are grateful to the Fund’s donors for their generosity, which is making a growing impact in Northeast Florida.”
The grants represent funding for both new and existing programs for LGBTQ people of all ages.
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Season of Sharing Enters 23rd Year Beginning Nov. 13
The longstanding safety net fund expected to be vital helping individuals and families with immediate needs in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County will kick off the 23rd annual Season of Sharing fundraising campaign on Nov. 13, 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 $34 million benefiting more than 41,000 households.
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GiveWell Community Foundation and United Way of Central Florida Respond to Polk, Hardee, Highlands Communities Affected by Hurricane Ian
LAKELAND, FL (November 7, 2022) – GiveWell Community Foundation (GWCF) and United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) announce $205,600 in grants to provide Hurricane Ian relief throughout Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. After surveying the most pressing needs in the hurricane’s aftermath, twenty local nonprofit organizations were selected to receive funding that will support recovery and rebuilding efforts throughout the community.
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Selby Foundation Awards 3rd Quarter “Small and Mighty” Grants to Three Area Nonprofits
SARASOTA, Florida - The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation has awarded its 3rd Quarter 2022 “Small and Mighty” (SAM) grants totalling nearly $29,000 to three area nonprofits. These awards will be used for capital purchases and technology upgrades that allow the benefitting organizations to more effectively deliver their mission to the community. 
About the Award Recipients
La Musica Di Asolo, Inc. - Formed as a 501(c)3 in 1987, La Musica offers performances by outstanding European and American musicians and free admission to students and educators to their concerts. The organization’s primary focus is to reach out to young students, stimulating a love for music which will bring them as older students and adults to rehearsals and performances. Through these programs, La Musica strives to foster a growing audience for the arts.
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Apply for Selby Foundation Q4 SAM Grants starting September 30
SARASOTA, Florida - The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation Q4 SAM Grants Cycle opens on Friday, September 30, and will close at 3:59 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1. The Grant Portal will be open during that period for area not-for-profit organizations to create an account and access existing accounts as they begin the application process. Grant recipients will be notified by December 31.
Awarded quarterly, the Small and Mighty (SAM) grants were created to meet the emerging needs of area nonprofits with operating expenses under $300,000. The Foundation’s grants support the construction, acquisition and/or renovation of facilities, as well as the purchase of equipment or software. These grants may also include the costs of related technical services. Projects focusing on education, human services, arts and community projects including history, science, and/or the environment will be given top priority.
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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS PARTNER FOR RETURN OF “ON THE TABLE SWFL” INITIATIVE
October 12 mealtime conversations unite residents, inspire solutions to strengthen the region.
Fort Myers, FL – September 6, 2022 – Charlotte Community Foundation, the Collaboratory, and Collier Community Foundation today jointly announced the return of a major regional civic engagement initiative, On the Table SWFL. On Wednesday, October 12, thousands of neighbors, colleagues, friends, and new acquaintances will gather to share their stories and generate ideas to create a more sustainable and vibrant Southwest Florida.
Anyone across the region can host an On the Table SWFL session, and everyone is welcome to join the conversation and have their voices heard. The topics, issues and ideas discussed during each conversation will be completely organic and driven by participants’ interests and
perspectives, as well as the opportunities and challenges in their community that are most important to them. Mealtime conversations can take place in homes, backyards, at local restaurants, schools, community centers, places of worship, libraries, offices, retail
establishments – literally anywhere a host chooses. They can be sit-down, catered, picnic or potluck – completely up to each host.
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UWCF Announces 2022 Campaign Goal
United Way of Central Florida announced on Thursday its highest fundraising goal for the organization to date in front of a crowd of donors, volunteers and community members at LEGOLAND Florida Resort.
Campaign Chair Melony Bell, along with Resource Development chair Nick Plott, announced that the total fundraising goal for 2022-2023 is $10,657,000.
“If we all just give 10% more of ourselves; time, talent or treasure; this will demonstrate the power that we can have in our community,” Bell said. “Together, we can make a difference for our neighbors.”
To help achieve this goal, companies and organizations choose to run their campaign early to help kickoff the year. These companies are called “Pacesetters” and this year, raised more than $400,000.
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Kacie Smyth Named Director, Donor Services at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida
She was the Foundation’s first-ever Women’s Giving Alliance Director
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – August 24, 2022 -- The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida has promoted Kacie Smyth to Director, Donor Services. Kacie joined The Community Foundation in June 2021 as the Foundation’s first-ever director of the Women’s Giving Alliance (WGA), an initiative of The Community Foundation. In her WGA role, Kacie partnered with the member-elected volunteer leadership and managed all operational aspects of the 400+ member organization, including membership, communications, and grantmaking. In her new role, Kacie will manage donor services, including donor relationships and customer service initiatives. She will work with the VP, Donor Services to implement the strategic direction for donor education, stewardship, asset development and philanthropic leadership initiatives.
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Bishop and Parker Family Legacies Continue As One Foundation, Two New Trustees Appointed
BRADENTON, Florida, August 1, 2022 -- The Edward E. and Lillian H. Bishop Foundation and the Mary E. Parker Foundation have recently completed the process of consolidation and will be conducting business as the Bishop Parker Foundation. This consolidation combines the assets of the two Foundations, providing administrative and operational efficiencies. At their July meeting, two new Trustees were appointed to join Robert Blalock, Burdette Parent and Mary Jarrell. 
Barbara M. Jennings is a community volunteer with extensive, valuable experience working with local Manatee County non-profit organizations. Barbara is a retired businesswoman and university administrator who came to Bradenton from Ohio. She has earned university degrees in three separate fields – education, urban studies, and law. Her multi-disciplinary background is especially valued as the Foundation continues to strategically focus on best meeting its mission and goals to build a better community.
Mary L. Ruiz is CEO of Ruiz Strategic Advisors, a management consultancy specializing in strategic planning for growth companies and nonprofit agencies. She is a senior healthcare executive and a respected leader in impacting public behavioral health policy. She worked as Chief Strategy Officer of Centerstone of America, a multi-state behavioral health system based in Nashville, TN. From 1996-2016, she served as CEO of Centerstone of Florida, a hospital and outpatient behavioral health system headquartered in Bradenton. Mary chairs the Board of Trustees of New College of Florida, the public liberal arts honors college the state university system. She is past president of the Internationals Women’s Forum of Southwest Florida, a global invitation-only group of preeminent women leaders.
The Edward E. and Lillian H. Bishop Foundation, incorporated in 1964, has made outstanding philanthropic contributions to Manatee and Sarasota organizations, greatly impacting their ability to implement mission goals. After the Bishop’s passing, Mary E. Parker carried on their legacy of philanthropy in addition to setting up and administering her own Foundation. The lives of thousands of people and animals have been positively impacted by the millions of dollars contributed through the years, with the majority of gifts being made anonymously. The areas of interest supported by the Foundation continue to be health, education, human services, environment, the arts, and animal welfare.
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Selby Foundation Announces Retirement of President/CEO Carol Butera and Search Committee Process
SARASOTA, Florida - The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation’s Board of Directors has announced the retirement of its President and CEO, Carol Butera, effective in Spring 2023.
Butera joined the Foundation in July 2017 as its Executive Director and was later promoted to President and CEO. Prior to joining the Foundation, she served as Vice President of Development at Children First for a decade and at the Sarasota YMCA for a decade prior to that. Her career service in the nonprofit sector goes deep - she came to Sarasota in 1996 after working in Haiti for the Hôpital Albert Schweitzer. Her goal has always been to bring lifelong change to children and families in the community. And, her leadership of the Foundation over the past five years has had a tremendous impact.
“Carol’s experience in the nonprofit sector and her kind - but firm - hand as she guided nonprofit organizations to eligibility for grants has made her uniquely qualified to be a mentor and coach - not just a grantor,” shared Barbara Zdravecky, Board Chair of the Selby Foundation. “Carol demonstrates personal commitment to skillfully manage multiple projects, while at every opportunity, conveying sincere appreciation with grace and style.”
Butera’s accomplishments include moving the Selby Foundation from a Trust to a Private Foundation in 2019 enabling the Foundation to better manage its corpus of $70 million dollars and to direct its programs in perpetuity. During her tenure, Butera expanded the traditional two-year grant cycle adding Small and Mighty Grants (SAM) quarterly which enable nonprofits with annual operating expenses of less than $300,000 to apply for grants outside of the traditional grant cycle. With the Board’s leadership, Butera recently commissioned two scholarship studies in the region which will lead to strengthening the Foundation’s current scholarship program, helping it to focus on critical gaps in the four-county region.
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UWCF Awarding $32,513 in Grant Funds for Family Financial Stability Programming
United Way of Central Florida is officially requesting proposals from qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations for a Family Financial Stability Grant.
$32,513 in grant funds are available for the development or expansion of Family Financial Stability Programming in Polk or Hardee Counties of Florida. Preferred consideration will be given to programs providing service in northeast Polk County.
Programming proposals must include general public access to financial education classes and free tax preparation services. Additional programming may include money coaches, mentors, access to online financial education and other services known to improve the financial stability of low-income individuals and families. Only new programs or nonprofit organizations that do not currently receive funding from the United Way of Central Florida are eligible.
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UWCF Providing $4,889,173 to Services for Central Florida Residents
The money raised is allocated to services within Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties that focus on the areas of Early Childhood Education, Academic Achievement, Community Partnership School, Financial Stability, Health, Ending Hunger and Basic Needs.
Community Investment Team volunteers confirm that the current services UWCF purchases are the best use of our donors’ investments. They do this by reviewing program applications, discussing program outcomes, and participating in site visits. Teams then make informed funding recommendations that help kids succeed in school, provide financial stability resources for individuals and families, and give everyone in our community access to services that meet their health needs.
Each team is comprised of individuals with a combination of the following skills: strategic thinking, outcome measurement, community leadership and financial expertise. Teams also meet with experts in the field, participate in a group discussion and develop an informed, consensus-based recommendation.
The Community Investment process ensures wise investment of hard-earned dollars contributed to our campaign and is unique to United Way. A full list of our 2022-2023 purchased services can be found here.
The total allocation for these 80 funded services is $4,889,173.
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Selby Foundation Announces $887,000 in Scholarship Awards for the 2022-23 Academic Year
The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation has awarded over $656,000 in need-based scholarships to 154 new and returning scholars from Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota county high schools.
Additionally, the Foundation has made institutional awards totalling $231,000 which will benefit students attending University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, Charlotte Technical College, Suncoast Technical College, Manatee Technical College and State College of Florida. Awards are made by those institutions to students based on financial need.
The Selby Scholar program is a four-year, renewable, need-based scholarship program, which selects 40 high school graduates from the surrounding four-county area each year, based on students’ academic preparedness, as well as their demonstration of maturity, grit, and resilience in the face of adversity.
The 2022-23 Selby Scholar cohort includes high-achieving graduates from 17 high schools and two associate-degree colleges in the Foundation’s four-county service area. The students will be attending Florida colleges and universities as well as Wake Forest University, Kalamazoo College, Barnard College of Columbia University, Macalester College, Columbia College Chicago and College of the Holy Cross.
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Selby Foundation Awards 2nd Quarter “Small and Mighty” Grants to Four Area Nonprofits
SARASOTA, Florida - The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation has awarded its 2nd Quarter 2022 “Small and Mighty” (SAM) grants totaling $24,155 to four area nonprofits. These awards will be used for capital purchases and technology upgrades that allow the organizations to more effectively expand on delivering their mission to the community.
To see the benefiting organizations, read the full release
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The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Nonprofits Scramble to Comply With Fla. Law That Limits DEI Training
June 27, 2022 - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida used to send staff members to training on diversity, equity, and inclusion. When they returned, those employees would train other staff members and volunteers based on what they learned. But that can’t happen anymore, says CEO Sara Alford.
“That would be a risky proposition,” she says.
That’s because of a new Florida law that goes into effect July 1. The Individual Freedom Act — or the Stop WOKE Act, as its proponents call it — restricts efforts to address race, gender, or national origin that are often discussed in diversity, equity, and inclusion training. It bans the discussion of unconscious bias and many forms of systemic racism in training, certification, or any other activity that is required as a condition of
employment or certification. Violations of the law could lead to lawsuits with penalties of up to $100,000.
Because of the law, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida this month decided that it will need to set aside money to bring in a human-resources person regularly to deliver training that complies with the law.
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TD Launches 5th TD Ready Challenge Focused on Equity-Based Solutions for Climate Change
$10 million in grants to be awarded to organizations in Canada and the U.S.
TORONTO, ON, AND CHERRY HILL, NJ, June 30, 2022 - TD announced today that applications are now open for the 2022 TD Ready Challenge. This year, TD is seeking to support eligible non-profit and charitable organizations that are focused on solutions to assist people and communities who may be negatively impacted by climate change and the transition to a low-carbon economy.
For 2022, there is a maximum total of 10 grants available of either CDN $1 million or USD $1 million each depending on the country of residence of the applicant.
“Climate change may be impacting everyone, but certain populations are more likely to face worse consequences from its effects," said Janice Farrell Jones, SVP, Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship, TD Bank Group. "As we all work towards a net-zero world, it is crucial that all voices and different perspectives be included in new ways of adapting to environmental changes. This year’s TD Ready Challenge will focus on providing support to organizations that are developing scalable solutions to ensure that everyone is supported during the transition to the low-carbon economy of tomorrow.”
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Ten Local Nonprofits Receive Grants from Rising Generation Philanthropists
The 2022 class of the Weaver Philanthropic Initiative awarded a total of $60,000
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – June 23, 2022—Following six months of learning about strategic philanthropy, twelve rising generation philanthropists have completed The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida’s experiential program—the Weaver Philanthropic Initiative, now in its 23rd year. The twelve members of the 2022 WPI class delved more deeply into our community’s needs and opportunities, and how to maximize their charitable giving, just like their predecessors. After exploring critical issues in the community and learning how to define their philanthropic leadership style, each class member chose a nonprofit in which to invest. The Community Foundation matches each participant’s grant with discretionary dollars, resulting in a total of $60,000 granted to the following organizations this year:
• Jewish Family & Community Services for Emergency Relief
• Seaside Playgarden Playground
• Tiger Academy
• Boys & Girls Club of NEFL Summer Academy
• Mission of Hope and Family Meals for Haiti
• Marine Science Education Program of DCPS
• YMCA of First Coast
• Sandy Miller Metrotown program of One Jax Institute
• Stronger than Stigma
• Groundwork Jacksonville.
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Joan McCaw Joins Selby Foundation
SARASOTA, Florida - The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation welcomes Joan McCaw as its Office Manager. Prior to joining the Selby Foundation, McCaw served as Grants and Scholarship Manager at the Manatee Community Foundation. She brings decades of experience in office management, accounting and finance to the Foundation.
“Throughout her career, Joan has built a reputation for providing the highest level of service, always focused on education and service to the community. We are pleased to have her join our team of philanthropic professionals,” said Carol Butera, Selby Foundation President and CEO.
McCaw joins team members Diane Ballinger, Grants Manager, and Kiarra Womack, Scholarships & Special Projects Manager; led by Carol Butera, President and CEO, and board members Barbara Zdravecky, Chair; Keith DuBose, Vice Chair; Cathy Layton, Immediate Past Chair; Carolyn Johnson, Secretary / Treasurer; Hector Tejeda and Susan Hines.
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BEACHES COMMUNITY FUND DELIVERS MORE THAN $260,000 TO BEACHES NONPROFITS
A total of $1.8 million granted in just seven years by generous Beaches families
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – June 9, 2022—The Beaches Community Fund, an initiative of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, recently made more than $260,000 in grants to 14 Beaches-serving nonprofits that tackle the difficult issues facing their Beaches-area neighbors. The 30+ Beaches-area
families who make up this collective giving effort received many strong applications in 2022 and responded enthusiastically by making grants to address several key community needs. These latest grants bring the Fund’s Beaches-area investments to more than $1.8 million since the Fund was established in 2015.
The Beaches Community Fund (BCF) continued to prioritize direct financial aid and food assistance, while also funding needs for additional educational supports for students and people with special needs. Through the grants, BCF members also invested in the long-term sustainability of Beaches nonprofits by
funding capacity building strategies provided in partnership with the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida.
“We appreciate hearing first-hand how these organizations bring expertise and a servant’s heart to help those in need at the Beaches,” noted Melissa Roland, a member of the Beaches Community Fund. “The Beaches Community Fund shares their desire to create long-term impact in the area, and improve the quality of life for its citizens.”
Looking ahead to 2023, fund members will be involved in learning opportunities around affordable housing and health disparities to better understand how these issues affect life for Beaches residents.
To see which agencies received grants to improve the lives of those living between Mayport and Guana, read full press release here.
Photo caption: Joanne E. Cohen, VP, Philanthropic Services at The Community Foundation, addresses members of the Beaches Community Fund during their recent ratification of the 2022 grants to Beaches-area nonprofit organizations. Photo credit: laird/blac palm, inc.
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Apply for Selby Foundation Q3 SAM Grants Starting July 1
SARASOTA, Florida - The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation Q3 SAM Grants Cycle opens on July 1 and will close at 3:59 p.m. on August 1. The Grant Portal will be open during that period for area not-for-profit organizations to create an account and access existing accounts as they begin the application process. Grant recipients will be notified by September 30.
Carol Butera, President and CEO of the Selby Foundation shares “The Selby Foundation Board realizes that many smaller organizations make a big impact in our community. They often just need one thing - a sign, a laptop, an awning - to help a person access necessary services. Through this process, we’ve made it easier for those organizations new to the grants submission process to participate and benefit.”
About SAM Grants
These quarterly Small and Mighty (SAM) grants were created to meet the emerging needs of nonprofits with operating expenses under $300,000. Since this program’s inception in the Fall of 2021, eight organizations in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties have been awarded grants ranging from $2,800 to $20,000, covering needs such as technology, interior renovation, lighting and even sheet music.
Please see the attached release for the full list of organizations benefiting since the inception of the SAM Grants program, along with quotes from two recipients on the impact these grants have had on their organizations.
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United Way of Central Florida Recognizes Community Volunteers and Donors at 2022 Annual Meeting
LAKELAND, Fla. – United Way of Central Florida honored community members Thursday night at its Annual Meeting, awarding Philanthropist of the Year, George W. Jenkins Outstanding United Way Volunteer, Citizen of the Year and more.
Greg Littleton, President & CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust and UWCF 2021 Board Chair, announced new Mission and Vision statements for the organization.
"Our Vision Statement, or goal for United Way is, To unite our community and empower everyone to achieve their full potential," Littleton said. "Our New Mission Statement is: To inspire our community to give, advocate and volunteer by identifying needs and mobilizing vetted resources to create positive, local change."
Littleton also acknowledged awards UWCF received over the last year.
"(UWCF was) honored with local and national recognition, receiving the National Philanthropy Day award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Exemplary COVID-19 Response Award from United Way Worldwide," he said. "Congratulations to the entire team regarding their resilient and innovative response to the various impacts of COVID-19. CEO Christina Criser Jackson and COO, Rod Crowley were recognized during United Way's Southeast Regional Conference in Greenville, South Carolina by Angela F. Williams, CEO of United Way Worldwide."
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd was on hand to recognize the hard work done by United Way of Central Florida staff, volunteers and United Way Ambassadors. He also highlighted the generosity of UWCF's Top 50 companies and a group of key donors.
"(Démocratie and Alexis de Tocqueville Society members) raised $1.5 million to improve lives in this community and secured additional funding above and beyond," Sheriff Judd said.
Via video presentation, Barney Barnett and sons Nicholas and Wesley announced the renaming of UWCF's Family Fundamental, a program founded by the late Carol Jenkins Barnett. A resource center for parents, Family Fundamentals will be renamed The Carol Jenkins Barnett United Way Children's Resource Center when it reopens this fall at Bonnet Springs Park.
United Way also presented awards for Philanthropist of the Year, George W. Jenkins Outstanding Volunteer, Spirit of Central Florida, Citizen of the Year and Difference-Maker award.
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