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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

Fast Track

Sarasota Magazine CEO Anand Pallegar Named Chair of Gulf Coast Community Foundation's Board of Directors

Pallegar has served on the organization's board for nearly a decade.

06/27/2025 By Staff

Home for Heroes

Heroes' Village Is the City of Sarasota's First Affordable Housing Complex Dedicated Entirely to Veterans

The housing complex opens its doors to offer stability, support and a path forward for those who served.

04/30/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Power Up

The 25 Most Powerful People in Sarasota

From business leaders to activists, elected officials and philanthropists, these are the people shaping Sarasota’s future.

04/02/2025 By Kim Doleatto, Lauren Jackson, Cooper Levey-Baker, and Megan McDonald

Better Together

Gulf Coast Community Foundation Wants You to Know that You Matter

From March 24 to March 30, the foundation is spreading its inaugural kindness campaign.

03/24/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Helping the Helpers

Gulf Coast Community Foundation Partners With Southern Smoke Foundation to Support Food and Beverage Workers

The Southern Smoke Foundation will provide bridge funding fueled by Gulf Coast's Rapid Response Fund to ensure life-sustaining support for those in areas of greatest need.

10/03/2024 By Staff

Helping Heroes

Sarasota’s First Affordable Housing Project for Veterans Just Broke Ground

Thanks to area nonprofits, donors and gifted land, the city’s first veteran-focused affordable housing units are slated for completion next year. 

11/01/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Reading Rainbow

Sarasota's Rocket Phonics Works With Local Kids to Boost Reading Scores

The pilot program meets at Janie's Garden in Newtown and aims to build the project toward its 20-student capacity.

10/09/2023 By Catherine Hicks/Community News Collaborative

Solar Curious

A New Co-op Takes the Guesswork Out of Going Solar

Sarasota and Charlotte County residents can band together for better buying power and free guidance on going solar.

07/28/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Fast Track

Gulf Coast Community Foundation Names New President and CEO

Phillip P. Lanham currently serves as the chief philanthropy officer at Greater Cincinnati Foundation.

04/17/2023 By Staff

Philanthropy

Gulf Coast Community Foundation Opens Sarasota Philanthropy Center in Downtown Sarasota

The center, located on State Street, is an extension of Gulf Coast's Venice HQ.

09/21/2022 By Staff

Grant Report

Selby Gardens to Receive $2.5 Million Gift from Estate of Longtime Volunteer

Plus, the Barancik Foundation awards a $1 million grant to Safe Children Coalition and more.

09/12/2022 By Staff

Grant Report

Barancik Foundation Board Approves $8 Million in Grant Funding

Plus, the Van Wezel Foundation reports $540,000 in funding over the past year and more.

08/22/2022 Photography by Staff

Fast Track

Former U.S. Congresswoman Joins Mote's Board of Trustees

Plus: more new hires, recognitions and promotions.

08/08/2022 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

Fast Track

Sarasota Chamber Announces Leadership Sarasota Class of 2023

Plus, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright joins the Hermitage Artist Retreat board and Dr. Kameron Partridge Hodgens is honored by More Too Life.

08/01/2022 Photography by Staff

Retirement

Gulf Coast Community Foundation CEO to Retire

Dr. Mark S. Pritchett joined the foundation in 2008 as vice-president of community investment and was named president and CEO in 2015.

07/11/2022 By Staff

Grant Report

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation Donates $60,000 for Wellfield Park Project

Plus, more donations for local arts groups, educational programs and more.

07/01/2022 By Staff

Grant Report

State Provides $5.5 Million for Aviation School at SRQ

Plus, New College receives a grant from the Department of Defense and Goodwill Manasota receives a grant for its GoodPartner Coach program.

06/13/2022 By Staff