The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee recently approved $157,660 in emergency grants to 13 Jewish organizations from the Strong Together: Coronavirus Relief Fund for food security and health and wellness programming. The recipients are Aviva - A Campus for Senior Life, Chabad of Bradenton, Chabad of Sarasota, Chabad of Venice, Congregation for Humanistic Judaism, Hershorin Schiff Community Day School, Jewish Congregation of Venice, JFCS of the Suncoast, Kol Haneshama, Temple Beth El, Temple Israel of Highlands County and Temple Sinai.

Another $70,000 was distributed in early June to eight of these organizations for food security and upgrades to technology and audio/visual systems in order to provide virtual services and programs for our community, many of whom are isolated and alone due to the pandemic. The federation says more funds will be distributed in early fall for operating needs, with a total of $330,000 being disbursed.  The money was contributed by donors, including a $100,000 matching grant from federation’s board-restricted fund.