The Community Foundation of Sarasota County believes that creating a vibrant dialogue and culture of giving in our community starts with engaging and informing everyone we connect with. We host a variety of events throughout the year for our donors, professional advisors, local nonprofits, and interested community members to connect, learn, and give meaningfully together.

While we strive to connect interested individuals to the community, not all events are open to the public.

Explore upcoming events by clicking an option below or by scrolling down.

Types of Events 

Third
Thursdays

Third Thursdays is a monthly event series that invites friends of the Community Foundation to explore our local nonprofit organizations. Each Thursday begins with light refreshments and a brief introduction to the organization.

Guests are then invited to participate in a unique experience specifically connected with the mission and initiatives of the hosting nonprofit. These events are by invitation. 

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County provides monthly workshops and trainings for local nonprofit board and staff members to enhance their strategic goals, skills, and resources to become more impactful in their roles. All sessions are offered at no cost and exclusively reserved for those organizations with an updated and reviewed profile in The Giving Partner.

Nonprofit Workshops and Trainings

Distinguished
Speaker Series

Distinguished Speaker Series provides educational lectures to local professional advisors, enabling them to earn advanced education credits. These programs are led by our Community Foundation in partnership with the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, with generous sponsorship by area banks.

Upcoming Events

Nonprofit Workshops & Trainings

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Giving Challenge Campaign Communication Planning

Nonprofit Workshops & Training

  • Wednesday , January 21 , 2026 at 12:00 - 1:00 pm
  • Zoom

Strong campaigns start with strong communications. This practical session will help your organization craft clear, compelling messages to use before, during, and after the Giving Challenge. Learn how to create a streamlined communications plan, tailor your messages for different audiences, and maximize your reach across social media, email, and other channels. You will also receive practical templates and a timeline to keep outreach focused and on track.

Jan 21 , 2026

Countdown to Impact

Nonprofit Workshops & Training

  • Wednesday , February 04 , 2026 at 12:00 - 1:00 pm
  • Zoom

As the Giving Challenge approaches, it is time to put your plan into action. This hands-on session will guide participants through creating a detailed “run of show” for the big day, testing planned activities, and spotting potential gaps. You’ll also explore strategies to begin stewardship planning early—so your organization is ready to thank, engage, and retain donors long after the 24 hours have ended.

Feb 04 , 2026

Dinstinguished Speaker Series

Grant Opportunities & Deadlines

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Grant Information Sessions

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Community Voices

You can review previous Community Voices panels and conversations by clicking the button below.