Funding will help strengthen organizations’ ability to fulfill their missions
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has awarded $322,450 through its programmatic and capacity building grant cycles to 29 nonprofits serving Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto and Charlotte counties, the nonprofit has announced.
“These grants support critical services in education, health care, basic needs and strategic development, all of which aim to empower nonprofits and the people they serve,” a news release explains. “Programmatic grants directly fund services that address immediate community needs, especially for individuals and families facing economic hardship,” the release adds. “Capacity building grants, meanwhile, help organizations improve their internal operations by funding areas such as strategic planning, technology upgrades and leadership development — tools that strengthen long-term impact,” the release notes.
“Investing in nonprofits through programmatic and capacity building grants is an investment in the well-being and resilience of our entire community,” said Kirsten Russell, vice president of community impact at the Community Foundation, in the release. “Together, these grants fuel both action and endurance, helping nonprofits break down systemic barriers and build a stronger, more equitable future for all,” Russell added.
Grants have been awarded to the following organizations:
Am and Fm Enterprise Inc. helps the elderly, senior and less fortunate maintain dignity with love.
Baby Basics of Sarasota County Inc. is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that provides diapers, wipes, books and kindness to low-income working families who do not receive government assistance.
Foster the Family Florida supports and encourages foster and adoptive families while mobilizing and equipping the community and church for foster care and adoption, and advocates for vulnerable children.
Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Inc. builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.
Links to Success provides resources, services, experiences and guidance to prepare students for post-secondary education and careers.
Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee Inc. assists individuals to live independently by providing caring, supportive services. In addition to the traditional, delivered meals to homebound or disabled seniors, this program includes the Food Bank of Manatee, Daybreak Adult Day Center and Friendship Dining Centers.
North Port Meals on Wheels is dedicated to delivering one nutritious meal and one friendly visit per day to local seniors who are unable to prepare meals for themselves to remain independent and healthy in their own homes.
One More Child Foundation Inc. provides services to vulnerable children and struggling families through foster care, anti-trafficking, child hunger and single moms and family support programs.
Take Stock in Children of Manatee County Inc. provides college scholarships, mentors and hope for deserving at-risk students to break the cycle of poverty and help them reach their greatest potential.
Truly Valued Inc. promotes positive self-esteem, education, confidence and character among youth and families.
Samaritan Counseling Services of the Gulf Coast Inc. provides professional spiritually integrated counseling services.
Sarasota Sharks Inc. provides an environment in which all patrons can develop as individuals through participation in an array of aquatic programming.
St. Vincent DePaul CARES addresses the devastating impact that homelessness has on people and engages the community in support of solutions-based responses to rapidly rehouse without barriers and provide wrap-around services to ensure long-term stability for the people it serves.
Manatee Children’s Services advocates for and provides the resources, skills and shelter to alleviate abuse through prevention and intervention for all children and their families.
UnidosNow Inc. supports the growing Latino community in Manatee and Sarasota counties through education, integration and civic engagement.
Children’s Dream Fund Inc. makes dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses living throughout West Central Florida.
Easterseals Southwest Florida Inc. provides services for people with disabilities and their families across a lifetime by empowering individuals to live their lives to the fullest.
Face Autism provides sensory-friendly activities, support groups, therapeutic services, structured classes and other necessary resources to families with autistic children in the Gulf Coast area, empowering autistic youth with the necessary developmental and educational skills to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Foundation for Dreams Inc. celebrates the abilities and develops the strengths of children with special needs and chronic illnesses ages 7 to 17 by collaborating with families to provide individualized result-based goals, family support and recreation in a camp environment.
Special Olympics Florida Inc. provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities who wish to participate in them, giving the persons continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Southeastern Guide Dogs Inc. aka Dogs Inc. supports individuals with extraordinary dogs that transform lives throughout the country at no cost to recipients, offering lifetime support free of charge.
Art 4 Change Inc. creates positive social change through art, education, advocacy and service.
CreArte Latino Cultural Center is a channel for cultural exchange between Latinx/Hispanics and the community at large through the arts, education and service.
Jazz Club of Sarasota promotes, preserves and performs jazz and educates people about the original American music art form.
Key Chorale Inc. is dedicated to transforming lives through innovative programming, artistic excellence, educational outreach and service to the community.
Sarasota Performing Arts Center Foundation Inc. aims to create and sustain a vibrant performing arts center, advance education and enrich communities by inspiring minds through the power of the arts.
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens provides a natural setting along the Peace River showcasing world-class sculpture and unique botanicals to inspire creativity throughout the community.
Animal Rescue Coalition benefits animals and the people who love them by providing access to affordable, high-quality spay/neuter services and veterinary care.
Humane Society of Sarasota County Inc. is a no-kill shelter that engages the hearts, hands and minds of the community to help animals.
To learn more about the annual grant requirements and program dates, visit cfsarasota.org/nonprofits/grants.