The Gettel Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Gettel Automotive, has
announced a $1 million investment in The Haven’s Community Center Project, a gathering space for clients, families, staff and community members.

FEMA recently approved more than $90 million in funding to support more than 50 recovery and hazard mitigation projects in Florida communities affected by Hurricanes Helene, Milton and other past disasters. Locally, that includes $10.7 million for the South Florida Water Management District for Hurricane Ian emergency protective measures; $1.4 million for Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota for building repairs due to Hurricane Ian; more than $765,000 for the City of Anna Maria to restore stormwater systems after Hurricane Milton; and more than $407,000 for the City of Sarasota for emergency protective measures and park repairs following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Oyster River Ecology recently received a $244,842 grant from the Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund to support oyster reef restoration projects in
the Manatee River and Safety Harbor. The organization was also awarded $360,000 from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to advance restoration efforts in Manatee and Sarasota counties as well as a $50,000 donation from the Crosthwaite Memorial Fishing Tournament and a $108,000 grant from Impact100 SRQ, which enabled Oyster River Ecology to purchase a heavy-duty work truck, cargo trailer, and restoration work boat.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County recently awarded $507,255 in grants to 46 different organizations that are addressing residents’ varied needs across the region, including Art Center Sarasota, Fabulous Arts Foundation, Meals on Wheels Sarasota, Dogs, Inc. and more.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation recently awarded nearly $80,000 in funding to Forty Carrots Family Center’s programming through the Elsa & Peter Soderberg Charitable Foundation and the Carl A. Savickas Charitable Fund.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art has received a grant of $43,000 from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support increased health and accessibility programming, the museum's Community Gallery and digital outreach focused on arts education and community engagement.

CreArte Latino Cultural Center recently received a $12,500 grant from the Eugene F. and Elizabeth Hull Fund at the Manatee Community Foundation. The funding will help CreArte expand access to its programming throughout Manatee County.

The Exchange (formerly the Woman’s Exchange) has awarded $500,000 to 25 local arts and cultural organizations and 27 high school and college students.