The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has kicked off its 23^rd annual Season of Sharing fundraising campaign on Nov. 13.

The Season of Sharing fund is a longstanding 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.

Recently, the Season of Sharing fund has been a resource for individual adults and families displaced by Hurricane Ian. As the ripple effects of the storm become revealed, causing unanticipated expenses and lapses in employment for our residents, the Community Foundation expects a continued uptick in applicants. This is in addition to the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund, which is managed by the Community Foundation to identify and support longer-term solutions revealed by Hurricane Ian, such as energy sustainability, healthcare, and other needs currently being evaluated.

This year, the Patterson Foundation is again offering a $100,000 match for every $500,000 raised by the community through Jan. 31, 2023. 

Since its inception in 2000, Season of Sharing has raised and distributed more than $34 million benefiting more than 41,000 households. While donations are collected for Season of Sharing with an emphasis on the fund drive November through January, money is distributed throughout the year for residents in need. The Community Foundation works with a network of human service agencies with caseworkers who oversee individual requests and fund disbursement.