Our Role & Commitment
For several years, we have invested in communities of great need to address systemic issues based in poverty that affect health, education, and access to an equitable community. Though we have made considerable progress, our work is far from over – it is beginning anew.
For the last few years our Board of Directors has led a review of our grantmaking, outreach, communications, internal operations, staffing, and board makeup to examine inherent biases we may not be aware of to ensure the Community Foundation can help support a community we all want to live in.
Though an intentional process, this has not been one without its own issues and uneasy moments. To challenge ourselves to hold to disparate ideas of the world we know and the one we can imagine takes courage, and undoubtedly calls for each of us to muster that same courage and bravery to move forward together.
We ask our entire community to join in solidarity and open your hearts and minds to the experiences of those around you to build a community that embraces all perspectives, all voices, all people.
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is committed to improving the lives of all people. We believe the strength of our community is in its diversity. Together, we strive to address issues and create opportunities so every person can achieve their full potential.
Defining Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity
Diversity in philanthropy is about different groups of people brought together through the power of generosity to provide support and services leading to social change. Together with donors, nonprofit partners, and beneficiaries, our board and staff work to empower the whole community.
Equity
Equity is the thoughtful allocation of resources and services, and support of policies that benefit the community.
Inclusion
Inclusion intentionally creates a dynamic environment of belonging that ensures equitable access to resources and opportunities for all in ways that all individuals and groups feel respected, engaged, motivated, and valued.
Pillars of our DEI Philosophy
Diversity is a precious and abundant resource. It is woven into our larger effort to recognize that all of us have a role to play in this ongoing conversation and that our similarities as well as understanding our differences bring our community that much closer together. In this spirit, we have defined the three pillars upholding our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion philosophy as:
Discover Stories of Impact Celebrating DEI
May 6, 2022
Community Day School receives grant from Community Foundation of Sarasota County
April 15, 2022
Newtown Connection Awarded $30,000 Grant
March 24, 2022
Community Foundation of Sarasota County awards more than $281,000 to 16 organizations in its fourth Equity and Access competitive grant cycle
December 5, 2021
Children First Receives Mental Health And Child Safety Support From Community Foundation Of Sarasota County
November 29, 2021
Multicultural Health Institute Awarded $30,000 to Care Navigation Program
November 22, 2021
ALSO Youth expands counseling services with grant support
October 28, 2021
USF Center for PAInT receives funding to promote diversity, equity and inclusion
October 21, 2021
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards 12 Grants Promoting Equity for Healthcare, Education, and Human Services
October 6, 2021
Ringling College Awarded Grants to Support Community, Diversity and Inclusion
October 4, 2021
Beyond Surviving: How We Flourish
September 28, 2021
Community Foundation of Sarasota County to Host Virtual Community Voices Discussion on Connecting People and Ideas
September 1, 2021
“Learning is Action”
August 31, 2021
Local Black-Led, Black-Serving Nonprofit Organizations Raise More than $20,000 during Give 8/28 National Giving Day
August 31, 2021
Local Black-Led Nonprofits Raised More Than $20,000 During ‘Give 8/28'
August 24, 2021
Local Black-Led Nonprofit Organizations Join National Give 8/28 Giving Day to Build a More Equitable Community
August 20, 2021
Beyond Black Philanthropy Month - A Challenge to Our Community
August 6, 2021
Tidewell Foundation Receives $30,000 Grant From Community Foundation of Sarasota County
July 28, 2021
Loveland Center announces new theater program
July 16, 2021
Manatee Literacy Council Awarded Equity and Access Grant
June 29, 2021
A Marathon, not a Sprint
June 18, 2021