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Description, Funding, and Eligibility

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County invites your organization to submit an application for support that contributes to your mission through ticketed events.

Sponsorship requests are reviewed in cycles, with deadlines to review of Aug. 1, 2026; Oct. 1, 2026; and Dec. 1, 2026. Additional reviews may take place as funding allows.

It is highly recommended that applications are submitted as far in advance as possible. Sponsorships are based on availability of funds, and this application is subject to closing when all allocated funds have been awarded.

These requests should represent the diversity of our region and uphold and promote activities that ensure accessibility for all. They should also bring awareness to community needs and opportunities as well as demonstrate our area’s culture of philanthropy and strive to connect people with causes.

Funding Priorities

The Community Foundation reviews sponsorship opportunities to ensure the geography of our region is fairly represented and sectors reflect the interests of our donors and the needs of the community. 

We do not sponsor walk/run events, festivals, or golf tournaments. 

In order to receive a grant through this program, organizations must also have:

  • An IRS Letter of Determination that shows the organization is a 501(c)3 public charity.
  • At least one current program with local impact 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 750 profiles of charitable organizations serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties.
  • No outstanding grant reports to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. 

Eligibility

Apply and Review Process

Sponsorship requests are reviewed in cycles, with deadlines to review of:

  • Aug. 1, 2026
  • Oct. 1, 2026
  • Dec. 1, 2026

Additional reviews may take place as funding allows.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has a new grant application platform.

If you have not submitted a grant application since May 1, 2025, you must create a new user profile (even if you applied before that date). Each user needs a unique profile.

Since other foundations also use this platform, please confirm that the Community Foundation of Sarasota County logo appears at the top of the application page.

*It may be helpful to clear your cookies/cache or use a different browser so that the email and password you used for another organization doesn't pre-populate in the login space.

Missed our July Information Session? Watch the recording for an overview of our sponsorship process, including eligibility requirements, a walkthrough of the sponsorship application, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Click here to watch the recording.

 Information Session

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.

Grant Reporting

Share Your Story of Impact

Received a Sponsorship Grant? Share how this funding contributed to your organization's work and success within our community. 

What can be a Story of Impact?
  • Press Release
  • Blogs
  • Videos
  • Testimonials
  • Articles
  • Podcasts / Audio Recordings

Please reference our Press Kit to help draft your message and coordinate review with our communications team at communications@cfsarasota.org

Looking for examples? Check out the Stories of Impact below from a variety of grantees.

Resources for Grantees

Eligibility Requirements

Press Kit

Need Assistance?

Michelle Croft

Director, Community Impact

941‑556‑7114

mcroft@cfsarasota.org