The Patterson Foundation is providing $193,000 in catalyst funding to its international partner NetHope as the organization establishes Wi-Fi hotspots at 28 refugee camps in Greece. The Syrian refugee crisis is one of the largest humanitarian disasters in the last half century. NetHope and its team of technical experts have been working since October 2015 to provide connectivity and technical support for both refugees and the non-governmental organizations working to assist them. Establishing a connection to the internet through the Wi-Fi hotspots enables refugees to connect with loved ones in other camps, access important information and apply for asylum, which must be done via Skype.

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation recently awarded $544,182 in scholarships to deserving local students for higher education in the 2016-2017 academic year. The foundation awarded a total of 451 scholarships to 287 students. The awards come from 57 different charitable funds administered by Gulf Coast.

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee recently awarded $63,000 to 20 students from the Sarasota and Manatee region. All recipients are pursuing full-time undergraduate studies at universities, colleges or community colleges, have a strong academic record and demonstrated financial need and a commitment to religious and community service involvement.

SunTrust recently awarded a grant of $10,000 to Goodwill Manasota to promote and expand Goodwill's financial literacy training for low- and moderate-income workers, as well as to adolescents, through a pilot program funded in 2014 and 2015 by SunTrust. The pilot program included classes for budgeting and debt reduction, and provided tools and resources for participants to make sound financial decisions.

The Junior League of Sarasota will host three meet-and-greet events this summer to recruit new members. The events provide an opportunity for prospective members to meet Junior League members, learn what to expect from the first year in the League, and meet fellow prospective members. The events take place 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 21, at Made, 1990 Main St., #112, Sarasota; 10:30 a.m.-noon Sat., July 9, at the Junior League of Sarasota Headquarters, 3300 S. Tamiami Trail, Unit 3, Sarasota; and 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, at Hana Sushi Lounge, 8126 Lakewood Ranch Main St., #102, Bradenton.