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 that everyone can thrive.
WE USE DATA TO:
- Deepen our understanding of the community and their needs
- Assess our reach and identify opportunities
- Ascertain what our investments have made possible
We review and examine data to provide insights about our region. This facilitates informed decision-making set in the local context. The data is from our Community Dashboard, an online platform detailing community indicators in the areas of health, housing, economics, and education.
Data and Tools
The Giving Partner
The Giving Partner, presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, enables all of us to explore how local nonprofit organizations are making a difference in the greater Sarasota area. As a centralized nonprofit directory for year-round awareness, engagement, and giving, this is a trusted resource for grant makers and other entities in their philanthropic research. This powerful, searchable database contains over 700 profiles of 501(c)(3), or specific 501(c)(4), charitable organizations serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties. Each profile reflects the organization’s commitment to transparency and includes comprehensive information about their results and impact, leadership, financial health, and more.
The Community Dashboard
The Community Dashboard provides insights for philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, businesses, government, and learning institutions to guide informed decisions utilizing data from reputable sources set in local context.
- Data gives us the opportunity to better understand the lives and circumstances of all our neighbors, colleagues, and friends.
- By learning about the diversity of our community that is revealed through data, we intentionally examine bright spots and gaps in the areas of economy, education, health and housing as the basis for considering how we can work together to cultivate a community where everyone has opportunities to thrive.
- Decision-making at the intersection of knowledge and equity allows for community-minded choices while fostering participation, transparency, and trust.
Population Over Time
Population dynamics are fundamental to understanding the needs and challenges faced by communities in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. Much like Florida overall, the population in the four-county region has been steadily increasing since the turn of the century and is expected to continue growing. This presents both opportunities and challenges: while it can foster economic progress and bring together a wide range of cultures, it also necessitates a mindful approach to ensure sustainable development and equal access to resources.
Third Grade Reading Assessment
Reading assessment scores are key indicators of child development and literacy proficiency. The ability to read, comprehend, and communicate effectively plays a large role in academic achievement and future economic opportunities. Third grade reading scores serve as an early warning system, providing a predictive indicator of future academic performance, making early literacy education crucial for a student’s future.
Median Household Income
Median household income is a gauge of the standard of living and economic opportunities available to residents in different counties and zip codes. This data helps us assess economic resilience, identify potential workforce development needs, and develop targeted strategies that support economic mobility for the areas that need it most.
Health Insurance Coverage
Health insurance coverage acts as an indicator of community well-being, shining a light on health care accessibility, without which, individuals face significant obstacles, including delayed preventative health care, vulnerability during health emergencies, increased financial burden from medical expenses, and a higher risk of untreated chronic conditions. Evaluating the percentage of the population without health insurance provides a strategic lens for understanding community needs, which in turn can inform targeted interventions.
Excessive Housing Costs
Housing affordability serves as an important economic indicator, reflecting the financial strains faced by households across the country, state, and four-county region. This map shows the areas with excessibe housing costs (defined as being 30% or more of a household's income) for owners and renters. When families must allocate a significant portion of their income to housing, it can create financial stress and limit their ability to save for emergencies and pay for other essential needs such as groceries, transportation, and healthcare. The data helps inform strategic approaches to affordable housing initiatives, workforce development programs, and advocacy efforts to address housing cost disparities.
Questions about The Giving Partner?
Kirsten Russell
Vice President, Community Impact
941-955-3000
Questions about Community Indicators Dashboard?
Mischa Kirby
Vice President, Strategy & Communications
941-955-3000