In its first ever "Equity and Access" competitive grant cycle, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has awarded five local nonprofit organizations who have expanded their services to promote educational and health care equity for people facing longstanding barriers in our community. Nearly $130,000 has been provided to the Center for Religious Tolerance with support from Multicultural Health Institute and SRQ Strong, Family Promise of South Sarasota County, Forty Carrots Family Center, Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative, and Teen Court of Sarasota. Each of these organizations touch one or several underrepresented groups, including geographically underserved neighborhoods, communities of color, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ communities and single mothers, among others.

Applications are currently available for the Community Foundation's spring Equity and Access Grant cycle; eligible nonprofit organizations can apply here.