Masala Giving Circle Awards More Than $50,000 to Local Nonprofit Organizations

Masala Giving Circle, a group of more than 100 philanthropically minded African American women in the Sarasota area, recently awarded $52,200 to six nonprofits, strengthening efforts to reduce hunger, repair the homes of low-income residents, increase literacy in young students, provide leadership training for teenagers and more.

Giving circles are collections of individuals who pool their donations to maximize the impact of their giving. Masala Giving Circle was created through the Community Foundation of Sarasota County in 2013 by the late Sheila Baynes. The circle began with seven contributing members; today, it boasts 105. Since its creation, Masala has provided more than $350,000 in funding for organizations that serve people in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties.

During a ceremony held last month, members of Masala gathered to announce the recipients of this year’s grants. Organizations selected to receive support this year include:

• All Faiths Food Bank: Masala funding will help the food bank’s Margie’s Market purchase food to distribute. Margie’s Market is a free neighborhood market located in Newtown that gives locals access to fresh produce, meat, dairy and pantry items.
• Bridges to Educational Excellence (BEE) Learning Center: Funding will be used to purchase instructional materials, teacher resources and trainings to help students whose literacy skills are below grade level, including those with dyslexia and other learning differences. This award is made in honor of Masala founder Sheila Baynes, a community advocate and avid reader who was passionate about youth education.
• Habitat for Humanity Sarasota: Funding will cover urgent roof, HVAC and water heater replacements for low-income homeowners who cannot otherwise afford them.
• Meals on Wheels of Sarasota: Funding will provide 1,250 home-delivered meals to homebound residents.
• United Community Centers: Funding will help the organization deliver a robust summer camp program that empowers youth through hands-on learning in entrepreneurship, sustainability and culinary arts. The program provides practical business experience, leadership skills and real-world skills development.
• Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe: A special gift will support the troupe’s Stage of Discovery summer music theater program, in which students are coached in acting, singing and dancing and gain experience in set and costume design. The program is funded entirely by donors and is free to participants.

Pictured at top, from left to right: Masala Giving Circle Grant Chairperson Angela Hawkins, Program Chairperson Wanda Gilbert, President Dale Booker, Secretary Kathleen Pinkett, and Treasurer Jean Taliaferro