Member News

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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, 2024

Sarasota, 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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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SELBY FOUNDATION AWARDS $1,042,735 IN CAPITAL FUNDS FOR NONPROFITS IN REGION

April 26, 2023

SARASOTA, FLThe 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.”

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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.

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Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards Nearly $200,000 supporting Animal Welfare

Grants 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.

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Selby Foundation Awards Over $226,000 in Hurricane Ian Relief to Area Nonprofits

SARASOTA, Florida - 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.

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Attaway Will Transition to Counsel Role; Neslund Appointed as President/CEO of the GiveWell Community Foundation

LAKELAND, FL (February 7, 2023)
– 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.” 

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Apply for Selby Foundation SAM Grants Starting February 1

SARASOTA, Florida - The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation SAM Grants Cycle opens on Wednesday, February 1, and will close at 3:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 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 Wednesday, May 31.

Awarded tri-annually, 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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