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

Stats

How Much Does It Actually Cost to Live in Sarasota and Manatee Counties Right Now?

According to the United Way Suncoast's 2025 ALICE Report, the basic survival budget for a family of four is $104,425 in Sarasota County and $95,004 in Manatee County.

07/07/2025 By Megan McDonald

The MacKenzie Scott Effect

How Billionaire Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott Transformed Six Sarasota Nonprofits

In more than one case, the Scott grant was the largest individual gift in the nonprofit’s history.

08/29/2023 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

The Bay Raises $5 Million; Triggers $1 Million in Matching Funds

Plus, Safe Children Coalition awards scholarships and the Boys & Girls Clubs receive $300,000, three-year grant from United Way Suncoast.

07/18/2022 By Staff

Tax Time

Goodwill Partners With United Way Suncoast, Step Up Suncoast to Provide Free Tax Prep

Through April 14, volunteers are assisting with free tax preparation at Goodwill’s North Sarasota and Ranch Lake locations

03/31/2022 By Staff

Grants

Women's Resource Center of Manatee Receives $22,000 Grant

The funding will be used for the organization's Project UpLift program.

07/30/2021 By Staff

Grants

SOAR Learning Center Receives $49,500 in Funding from United Way Suncoast

The funding will be used to advance SOAR's mission and engage students and their families in reading-related activities.

06/22/2021 By Staff

Tax Time

Goodwill, United Way Partner to Provide Free Tax Prep Services

The service provides free help to those making less than $66,000, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own returns.

02/09/2021 By Staff

Philanthropy

Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee Receives $4 Million Gift

The funds come from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

02/02/2021 By Staff

Marketing

United Way Suncoast Rebrands

The organization also kicked off its annual “Week of Caring” on Monday, Oct. 5.

10/07/2020 By Staff

Coronavirus

United Way Suncoast Begins Distribution of More Than $1 Million in COVID-19 Relief Funds

Fourteen human service agencies serving 194,407 families throughout the region have been awarded emergency funding from United Way Suncoast's COVID-19 response fund.

04/14/2020 By Staff

Fast Track

United Way Suncoast Names New CEO

Jessica Muroff replaces former UWS CEO Suzanne McCormick, who was recently named president of United Way Worldwide.

10/10/2019 By Staff

Education

United Way Grant Helps to Fund New Program at Janie’s Garden

The new after-school program will provide academic support to families with 6- to 12-year-old children living at Janie’s Garden, a mixed-income housing community.

10/02/2019 By Staff

Nonprofits

United Way Picks New Sarasota President

United Way Suncoast recently hired Sue Wetzel.

08/15/2018 By Staff

Banking

'Financial Inclusion' Summit Happens Wednesday

The keynote speaker will be Anthony Barrows of Ideas42, a team of academics and researchers who study behavioral science to help address social issues.

02/23/2018 By Staff

Taxes

Volunteers Provide Free Help with Tax Returns

The United Way, along with several partners and sponsors, is helping provide volunteer tax assistance for anyone who earned less than $64,000 in 2016.

03/14/2017 By staff

Giving

Publix Leads Ranking of 'Most Generous' Companies

United Way Suncoast recently released its list of the 'most generous workplaces' in the Sarasota area in 2016, with Publix, FCCI Insurance Group and the School Board of Sarasota County topping the rankings.

12/30/2016 By staff

Giving

Workforce Development Program Receives $100,000 Donation

United Way Suncoast recently provided $100,000 in funding to the workforce development organization CareerEdge Funders Collaborative.

12/09/2016 By staff

Labor Market

CareerEdge Funders Collaborative Annual Jobs Event

Industry leaders discuss labor market trends.

10/28/2016 Photography by Lori Sax