Description, Funding, and Eligibility
Community Impact Grants are designed to support nonprofits that help families, children and households achieve lasting economic stability and mobility. Building economic stability and mobility for individuals and families is a complex undertaking that involves addressing the many factors that affect a family's well-being. Community Impact Grants are designed to support the development of programs and systems that strengthen our community through neighborhood and family-focused initiatives - ultimately creating an environment rich in opportunity for all.
Community Impact grant requests should not exceed $25,000. Please note the average Community Impact grant award is approximately $15,000.
2Gen Philosophy
Rooted in our 2Gen (two-generation) philosophy, priority will be given to applications that support strategies that intentionally support both children and the adults in their lives. When families (as they define themselves) are centered, and supported holistically, the result is stronger communities and empowered futures.
While many programs focus exclusively on either children or adults, 2Gen bridges this divide, integrating supports that build stronger pathways to social mobility for entire families. We welcome applications from organizations that serve children, adults, or both simultaneously as long as the program reflects an understanding of how strengthening one generation can positively impact the whole family. Explain how your program connects with other services in the community and supports the overall well-being of families—recognizing that families come in many forms and define themselves in different ways. It may be helpful to review our 2Gen report here.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, an organization must have:
- An IRS Letter of Determination that shows the organization is a 501(c)3 public charity
- Primary services are located in one of the following counties: Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, or DeSoto
- An approved/current profile in The Giving Partner, a powerful, searchable online database with more than 700 profiles of charitable organizations serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties
Community Indicators Dashboard
To help define our funding priorities, we have drawn on insights from our Community Indicators Dashboard, a curated collection of community indicators providing key information and data to drive decision-making in support of our mission to strengthen our community. This data-driven approach not only informs the focus areas of our grantmaking but also plays an important role in our decision-making process, ensuring that investments are aligned with community needs and opportunities for meaningful impact.
We invite applications from organizations that are eliminating barriers and expanding access in the following areas:
- Health and Mental/Behavioral Health: Including access to care, mental health supports for youth and adults, and efforts to reduce social isolation and segregation. Please refer to our dashboard for data indicators around youth and adults.
- Social Capital and Community Networks: Strengthening peer and family connections that contribute to emotional well-being and long-term success.
- Workforce Training and Coaching: Equipping families with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to pursue meaningful work and build economic security. Please review the ALICE report as a resource for data points.
- Education and Economic Mobility: Programs that advance access and build supports to opportunities that lead to long-term growth and financial independence.
Preference will be given to applications that demonstrate how their programs remove barriers for populations facing systemic challenges within our community, including but not limited to economic, geographic, identity, age, education, ability racial inequities.
*Our priority areas may evolve throughout the year in response to new data and emerging community needs. We are committed to staying responsive, inclusive, and family-centered in everything we do. Any updates will be provided on our website.
Focus Areas for Impact
Review Process
This grant cycle opens on Jan. 2, 2026, and closes at midnight on Feb. 1, 2026.
Information Session
The foundation recently held an important information session for nonprofits that offered an overview of the grant process, eligibility requirements, and focus areas. Applicants are strongly encouraged to watch the recording of the session prior to submitting an application.
Click here to watch the Zoom recording. The passcode is 2$B+q$gi.
Office Hours
Each Friday from 11 a.m. to noon the Community Impact team will be available to answer questions or discuss applications on an open Zoom call. Click here to attend the meeting. Please visit this site regularly—any cancellations will be listed here.
Questions?
Grant Reporting
As a grantee of the Community Foundation, we have grant reporting expectations and requirements to showcase the results of the great work you are accomplishing with this funding.
A final grant report must be submitted within 12 months of receiving the grant. Information regarding the report will be sent to applicants after a grant has been awarded.
If your organization wishes to extend the grant period, you must receive written permission by emailing impact@cfsarasota.org.
Please note: An incomplete, late, or missing report will delay opportunities to apply for grants in the future.
- Press Release
- Blogs
- Videos
- Testimonials
- Articles
- Podcasts / Audio Recordings
Please reference our Press Kit to help draft your message and coordinate review with Cooper Levey-Baker, Communications Manager, at cooper@cfsarasota.org
Looking for examples? Check out the Stories of Impact below shared by our grantees.
June 25, 2025
Senior Friendship Centers Receives $27,000 Investment From Community Foundation of Sarasota County
May 30, 2024
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards $110,000 in Capacity Building Grants to 15 Local Nonprofits
May 9, 2024
Success of Giving Challenge shows the power of working together
July 19, 2023
Driving Community Change: Forty Carrots Family Center Receives Van Funding from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County
June 27, 2023
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards $120,000 to Area Nonprofits
February 22, 2022
Science and Environment Council Awarded $10,000 Grant
January 31, 2022
Friends of Shannon Staub Public Library Receives Capacity Building Grant
December 1, 2021
Community Foundation Awards Grant to Truly Valued
October 27, 2021
Sarasota Audubon Awarded Grant to Support COVID Retrofit of Nature Center
October 25, 2021