10 Major Philanthropic Moments

From big gifts to grassroots campaigns, here are 10 of the year’s major philanthropic moments with huge community impact.

09/01/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Philanthropy

Foundations Provide Funding for Disaster Relief in Sarasota-Manatee

The Patterson Foundation has initiated major support for two initiatives managed by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

10/01/2024 By Staff

Guide to Giving

Leaders of Local Foundations Tell Us About the Critical Needs Our Community Is Facing

Here's what they had to say.

09/01/2024 By Megan McDonald and Cooper Levey-Baker

Philanthropy

19 Local Organizations Will Celebrate Give 8/28

The public is invited to a free mixer at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe to meet leaders from participating organizations.

08/23/2024 By Staff

Q & A

Roxie Jerde, Who's Led the Community Foundation of Sarasota County Since 2011, Is Stepping Down Next Year

We spoke with her about her years with the foundation, what she's most proud of and what's next.

06/25/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Philanthropy

2024 Giving Challenge Raises More Than $17 Million

More than $92 million has been raised since the first challenge in 2012.

04/15/2024 By Staff

The Big Give

The 2024 Giving Challenge Kicks Off April 9

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County's 24-hour challenge runs from noon to noon on April 9-10; all unique donations of $25 to $100 will be matched by The Patterson Foundation.

04/08/2024 By Staff

Philanthropy

Community Foundation Announces Dates for 2024 Giving Challenge

They are April 9-10, 2024, from noon to noon.

03/27/2023 By Staff

Q & A

Yoleidy Rosario-Hernandez on Warriors of Sarasota and Cultivating 'Spaces of Healing and Dialogue'

The documentary highlights the stories of women of color in Sarasota. It debuts at an event this Friday, Dec. 2.

11/30/2022 By Sylvia Whitman

Philanthropy

Season of Sharing Kicks Off 23rd Year

The Season of Sharing fund offers residents one-time financial assistance for basic living expenses.

11/14/2022 By Staff

Grant Report

Barancik Foundation Provides $644,000 for Immediate Hurricane Ian Relief

Plus, grants from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

10/17/2022 By Staff

Hurricane Ian

How to Help People in Florida Affected by Hurricane Ian

Check out this list of local and national organizations mobilizing to help those who suffered most.

10/03/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Strength in Numbers

Giving Circles Bring Together Like-Minded Philanthropists to Help Those in Need

The last 10 years have seen the creation of a number of giving circles—organizations that require an annual minimum donation and work together on a membership basis.

09/16/2022 By Elizabeth Djinis

Grant Report

Barancik Foundation Grant Supports 'Legal Lifeline for Youth' Program

Plus, Forty Carrots receives a $50,000 donation for its mental health program and more.

08/15/2022 By Staff

Grant Report

Sarasota Kiwanis Club Awards $100,000 in Grants to Celebrate 100th Anniversary

Plus, Gulf Coast Community Foundation awards $125,000 to CareerEdge and WBTT receives $40,000 Arts Appreciation grant.

08/01/2022 By Staff

Grant Report

Van Wezel Foundation Receives $1 Million Gift

Plus, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County awards $225,000 in Giving Challenge prizes and Barancik Foundation distributes $475,000 in retention bonuses to early education professionals.

06/06/2022 By Staff

Grant Report

Healthcare Foundation Receives $2 Million Gift for Behavioral Health Pavilion

Plus, CreArte Latino Center is the recipient of a Covid-19 Community Impact Grant and Goodwill receives a donation of art from Patriot Plaza.

05/26/2022 By Staff

Philanthropy

There's Still Time to Donate to Community Foundation's 24-Hour Giving Challenge

The challenge, which ends at noon on Wednesday, April 27, has more than 700 nonprofit participants. The event has raised more than $59 million since 2012.

04/26/2022 By Staff

Grants

Community Day School Receives Equity and Access Grant

The funding comes from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County for the school's Every Child Scholarship Fund.

04/14/2022 Photography by Staff

Grants

Community Foundation Awards More Than $281,000 in Grants

The funding was distributed to 16 organizations in the foundation's Equity and Access competitive grant cycle.

03/24/2022 Photography by Staff