26 Years of Stability, Flexibility, and Neighbors Helping Neighbors in Crisis
While Sarasota is ranked among Florida’s most affluent communities, hundreds of hardworking families are just one paycheck away from the threat of homelessness or one emergency away from having to choose between buying food and paying the electric bill.
As a vital community-wide safety net, Season of Sharing has helped tens of thousands of people in our region avert cascading crises by providing temporary financial assistance for essential living expenses. For more than 25 years, Season of Sharing has empowered neighbors to help neighbors in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties rebound from setbacks with dignity.
All money collected through Season of Sharing is distributed to those in need in our four-county region and may be used for rent or mortgage assistance, utility bills, childcare, transportation, or other crucial expenses to help families restore a sense of security when it is needed most.
Hundreds of hardworking families in our region are just one emergency away from homelessness.
Season of Sharing County in Greatest Need
To provide targeted financial assistance for necessities like rent, utilities, car repairs, or other emergency expenses to individuals on the brink of homelessness. This fund supports the greatest need within Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, and Charlotte counties.
Season of Sharing Fund for Sarasota County
To provide targeted financial assistance for necessities like rent, utilities, car repairs, or other emergency expenses to individuals on the brink of homelessness. This fund supports residents of Sarasota County.
Season of Sharing Fund for Manatee County
To provide targeted financial assistance for necessities like rent, utilities, car repairs, or other emergency expenses to individuals on the brink of homelessness. This fund supports residents of Manatee County.
Season of Sharing Fund for Charlotte County
To provide targeted financial assistance for necessities like rent, utilities, car repairs, or other emergency expenses to individuals on the brink of homelessness. This fund supports residents of Charlotte County.
Season of Sharing Fund for DeSoto County
To provide targeted financial assistance for necessities like rent, utilities, car repairs, or other emergency expenses to individuals on the brink of homelessness. This fund supports residents of DeSoto County.
Season of Sharing Diane McFarlin Endowment Fund
To support Season of Sharing and to provide funds for unrestricted use to maintain the Season of Sharing program as an effective resource to those in need in our community.
Donate by Mail
Mail your check—payable to Community Foundation of Sarasota County (please indicate "Season of Sharing: County Designation")—to:
Season of Sharing
c/o Community Foundation of Sarasota County
2635 Fruitville Road
Sarasota, FL 34237
Donate by Phone
Call 941-556-2399.
Since its inception in 2000, Season of Sharing has raised $53.9 million to support more than 57,000 households, all thanks to our community's generosity.
Giving Over Time
As a reflection of our belief that anyone can be a philanthropist, regardless of means, Season of Sharing is an open invitation to all members of our community to give what they can to help their fellow neighbors. To this day, Season of Sharing remains a grassroots campaign that depends on generosity at all levels.
Since its inception in 2000, this time-tested and trusted resource has raised $53.9 million to support more than 57,000 households, enabling individuals and families to get back on their feet.
Throughout the campaign's history, more than 60,000 gifts have been made. Our 26th anniversary campaign, which concluded in January 2026, raised $4.2 million through nearly 2,200 gifts, demonstrating our community's generosity.
Year after year, Season of Sharing showcases the uniquely generous spirit of our community and the eagerness of those who are able to pay their good fortune forward to sustain the health of the communities we call home.
Season of Sharing Through the Years
Since the inception of Season of Sharing, when $121,000 was raised to help neighbors in need, donations have grown substantially thanks to our generous community. Trust in Season of Sharing, built through stories by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune's Saundra Amrhein and the efficiency of our network of community partners to get dollars where they're needed most, has propelled the campaign to new heights nearly every year for more than two decades.
The Patterson Foundation strengthens the support of givers in our region who make Season of Sharing’s impact possible.
Gifts to Season of Sharing contribute to The Patterson Foundation’s match of $100,000 for every $500,000 raised by the community. Over time, The Patterson Foundation's match, along with other gifts, has resulted in more than $11 million in total contributions from The Patterson Foundation since 2010.
Learn more about The Patterson Foundation’s longstanding support for Season of Sharing.
Additional support from The Patterson Foundation
Need a Visual?
- To request help, those in need call 211—the United Way hotline that assists potential clients in finding the appropriate agency—or work with a social worker.
- During their initial 211 call, clients will be referred to one of 50 agencies that best fit their needs and location, whether that be staying in their home, keeping the lights on, or repairing a car so they can get to work.
- Following consultation with a social worker, funds from Season of Sharing will be distributed directly to the client’s landlord, utility, childcare provider, or car repair shop.
Fundraising for Season of Sharing officially runs annually from November through January, but charitable giving continues throughout the year. Because the Community Foundation provides grants directly to nonprofit agencies, individuals must be working with a case worker at a social service agency to receive funds.
If you need assistance, 211 helps potential clients find an appropriate agency. Visit United Way's 211 website to begin your search.
Season of Sharing was created by the Herald-Tribune Media Group and the Community Foundation, but has since been enhanced by partners like The Patterson Foundation and other funders that provide significant matching dollars, in addition to local donors who contribute gifts of varying amounts.
Cost-Burdened Households
Housing affordability refers to a household’s ability to pay for housing without compromising its ability to meet other essential needs. Housing costs are typically considered affordable when they account for less than 30 percent of a household’s gross income. Households spending 30 percent or more are considered cost-burdened, while those spending more than 50 percent are considered severely cost-burdened. Overall, more than 161,000 households in the four-county region (32.7 percent of all households) spend at least 30 percent of their income on housing.
Monthly Electricity Costs by Housing Unit
The Monthly Electricity Utility Cost indicator shows the percentage of occupied housing units that fall within different ranges of monthly electricity expenses, illustrating the variation in electricity costs across households and communities. Electricity bills can vary with home size, building condition, insulation, cooling equipment, household energy use, and utility rates. Overall, in the four-county region, about one in three households charged for electricity reported monthly costs of $200 or more, including 18.6 percent paying at least $250.
Median Childcare Price
Affordable, accessible childcare is essential for parents to remain in the workforce. Without it, parents may have no choice but to reduce work hours or leave their jobs entirely. Both scenarios have impacts on the economy. Beyond family finances and short-term economic factors that make accessible early childcare an essential part of a healthy community, early childcare and education help create an equitable foundation that sets up children for success later in life. Between 2008 and 2022, the cost of childcare rose in all four counties and statewide. Manatee County recorded the largest percentage increase among the four counties, at approximately 76 percent, compared with 56 percent statewide.
Eviction Filling Rate
Eviction filings are an indicator of housing instability, showing how often landlords initiate eviction proceedings relative to the number of renter households. A filing does not necessarily result in an eviction, but it signals that a household’s housing may be at risk. Housing instability can disrupt employment, education, and access to community support. Overall, in the four-county region, filing rates declined in 2020 and have generally increased in subsequent years.
Note: DeSoto County’s data is unavailable for 2021–2023; the zeros shown should not be interpreted as an absence of eviction filings.
Transportation Access
Access to reliable transportation is critical to finding employment and commuting to work, going to school, seeing doctors, or simply buying groceries. The share of households without a vehicle is an indicator of transportation access and potential barriers to daily needs. Households may lack access to a vehicle for a variety of reasons, including financial constraints, disability, age, or reliance on alternative transportation. Overall, in the four-county region, more than 20,000 households have no vehicle available at home.
February 9, 2026
Season of Sharing Campaign Raises $4.2 Million to Assist Families in Need
January 26, 2026
Bishop-Parker Foundation Awards $100,000 Grant to Season of Sharing
December 8, 2025
Holiday Season Is in Full Swing, and so Is Season of Sharing
November 3, 2025
Season of Sharing Donation Campaign Kicks off for 26th Year
April 21, 2025
Homeless families with school-aged kids on the rise in Sarasota-Manatee and Florida
February 19, 2025
Local Hurricane Relief and Recovery Strengthened by 4.2 Million Dollars
February 10, 2025
Sarasota-Manatee community raises historic $7.2 million for Season of Sharing
February 9, 2025
Season of Sharing sets historic mark for 25th annual campaign
January 27, 2025
Untold stories: Housing costs affect many helped by Season of Sharing
January 21, 2025