Grant Opportunities for Nonprofits

Grants offered through the Community Foundation of Sarasota County are fulfilling the philanthropic legacies of our donors who have entrusted our team and board of directors with their charitable dollars. Based on the passions and interests of those individuals and families, grant funding is provided to make the greatest impact possible to improve lives and enhance community.

To address issues and opportunities that unite people and families across generations to improve our community, grant support is provided in these ways:

Community Impact Grants 

Rolling grant cycle for requests up to $10,000 that help local organizations transform innovative ideas into successful programs or partnerships that address critical needs or improve a nonprofit's ability to fulfill its mission in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties.

School Readiness Grants

School Readiness Grants are now available, with the purpose to support and strengthen programs that help young children and their families prepare for school and succeed in kindergarten in Sarasota County. 

Giving Circle Grants

Giving Circles are a collection of individuals who pool their charitable gifts together to award grants to local nonprofit groups.

As of March 9, Athena Giving Circle Grants are now available.

2020 Health Care Grant

To support those not-for-profit organizations providing health care services in Sarasota County, Florida to provide direct assistance to worthy individuals.

2Gen & Education Grants 

Grant requests are considered individually throughout the year from organizations that help families realize their full potential. With innovative and collaborative programs, our aim is to partner with nonprofit organizations  that support education for all ages and workforce development to encourage economic mobility.

Cause-Specific Grants 

Annual competitive grants from large Field of Interest funds that invest in specific causes throughout the community. For 2019-2020, the focus is animal welfare and health. 

Sponsorships 

Grants supporting nonprofit events that bring awareness to community needs and opportunities while demonstrating our area’s culture of philanthropy and striving to connect people with causes. 

Foundation Directory Online

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has partnered with the Sarasota County Library System to offer a subscription to Foundation Directory Online (FDO), which provides data and search functionality to help reach fundraising goals quickly and efficiently. With a desire to provide greater access, the Community Foundation has funded access to this subscription for the Jacaranda and Selby branches of the Sarasota County Library system. Accessing the subscription is simple: visit either the Jacaranda or Selby branch locations and access their digital library (the subscription is listed under the Grants tab). If you have any questions, please call the library at 941-861-1110.