Gulf Coast Community Foundation recently approved more than $1.5 million in grant awards. The funding included grants supported by legacy donors who established funds that allow Gulf Coast to fulfill the donors’ philanthropic goals and support the causes most important to them in perpetuity.

The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast recently received a $20,000 grant from the Rita B. LaMere Memorial Foundation. The grant supports the not-for-profit’s work to protect the land and water in Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature.

Gamma Xi Boule has received a $30,000 grant from Bank of America to advance its “Journey To Success” social action programs for underserved communities, specifically its summer internship program. Gamma Xi is involved in a number of beneficial programs for underserved students as part of its “Journey To Success” initiative, including a career-focused Speakers Program at local high schools; a professional-focused internship program for local high school students; a scholarship program for promising local high school students; a college study abroad program; good citizenship programs and more.

ALSO Youth, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing advocacy, leadership, support and outreach services to LGBTQ+ youth and their allies, recently awarded six scholarships. The recipients of the awards come from various backgrounds but share pride in their identities within the LGBTQ+ community.

CareerEdge Funders Collaborative, the workforce initiative of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, has awarded $205,000 to support nine local employers through its Upskilling Workers Grant Program. These grants aim to empower individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in today's rapidly evolving job market, consequently, driving economic growth and ensuring a prosperous future for workers and businesses alike.

Embracing Our Differences (EOD) received a $10,000 grant from The Exchange’s new Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education initiative during a grant ceremony on June 8. The grant will provide funds for the organization’s free Make-A-Day of It! field trip program, which provides bus transportation and docent-led tours for thousands of students and teachers to visit EOD’s annual outdoor exhibits.

Samaritan Counseling Services of the Gulf Coast was awarded $20,000 by the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. This grant will support mental health counseling for individuals and families affected by the impacts of Hurricane Ian.