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 year 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.
Defining Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
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 all people can achieve their full potential.
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 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 our most 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:
Through these pillars, we make a commitment to rally and affirm our spirit of cohesion. While change of any magnitude inevitably requires time to fully permeate our communities, the time is now to shed off all that divides us and embrace all that unites us. Now is the time for equality and compassion to shine.
Discover Stories of Impact Celebrating DEI
September 8, 2020
Sarasota-Manatee Black-Led Nonprofits Make National Magic
August 20, 2020
Local Black-Led Nonprofit Organizations Join National Give 8/28 Day Supporting Black Communities, Community Foundation of Sarasota County Initiates Local Support with “Kickstarter” Grants
June 4, 2020
Standing in Solidarity, Leading with Empathy
March 10, 2020
The Abundance of Diversity
February 24, 2020
Breaking Barriers and Embracing Diversity at National History Day
February 24, 2020
“Unity Award” Winners Honored with Grants from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to Support their Nonprofit Passions
November 26, 2019
Harvey Milk Festival Launches #WeSupport Campaign
March 4, 2019