2020 Giving Challenge: Wrap Up
Overcoming the uncertainty of our times, the 2020 Giving Challenge was a resounding testament to our community’s inherent will to selflessly give to others – individuals, organizations, causes, our community – in need, raising $18.4 million in just 24 hours for 686 local nonprofit organizations serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties.

Nearly a month later, we awarded more than 260 prizes that provided an additional $286,000 to nonprofit organizations in recognition of their efforts and achievements. Congratulations to all 2020 Giving Challenge prize recipients! You can view a list of all recipients on the Giving Challenge prize page.
Giving Challenge 2020 Video

Behind the success of the 2020 Giving Challenge are the countless relationships and partnerships that make us feel like we are part of something bigger than ourselves. This year, through a flurry of virtual events, Zoom calls, and donor shout outs on social media, our community was able to connect on a newfound – and often personal – level, sharing experiences and stories while opening hearts to new possibilities.

This same spirit was the inspiration behind our 2020 Giving Challenge Video, created in partnership with SRQ Media. Capturing the creativity, passion, and excitement behind many of this year's nonprofit campaigns, we hope you’ll enjoy this short 4-minute video that reveals how we all are in this together – We Are One.
COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery: Local Nonprofit Organization
Survey Report & Results

Thank you to every nonprofit leader who took the time to inform our local foundations about the needs your organizations – our partners – have encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your responses were candid, thoughtful, and heartfelt.

The massive disruptions encountered the last several months have been difficult. We are  sharing this report of the survey results from May 2020   to offer data that sets a baseline of knowledge of our region.

Know we are listening and are relying on feedback to guide our short-term and long-term philanthropic responses that will complement the changing government and private support responses. We don’t know yet the full impact this crisis will have, but we are committed to continually evaluating the needs of our communities so that our region can cope, adapt, and innovate.
To view the previous survey report and results (March 2020), please visit our website.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Sponsorship Rolling Application


COMING SOON:  Beginning July 2020, requests for sponsorship support will be considered on an ongoing basis through a rolling application process. (Grant funding cycles for programs and/or specific sectors are regularly updated on our website.)  

Only nonprofit organizations certified as 501(c)3 public charities with up-to-date profiles in The Giving Partner will be considered for event sponsorships. Events should represent the diversity of our region and uphold and promote activities that ensure accessibility for all. They should also bring awareness to community needs and opportunities as well as demonstrate our area’s culture of philanthropy and strive to connect people with causes. 

More information will be available on our website in the coming weeks at the below URL.
Junior League of Sarasota County Community Grant

The Junior League of Sarasota (JLS) strives to make an impact in our local community through service to, and partnerships with, local nonprofits. JLS is providing direct funding to nonprofit organizations through a Community Grant and skilled and passionate volunteers through a Community Project from the JLS Done-in-a-Day Committee. Find the links to apply below. You may apply for both. Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.

 Completed applications are due by July 15, 2020
Want to see your grant opportunity featured in Nonprofit News? Send a description of your opportunity to [email protected] .
Apply to Be a 2020 Census Taker

We’re counting on you, Sarasota! The importance of ensuring a fair and accurate 2020 Census count within our region will take all of us, yet many have yet to be counted. According to a recent article published by the Herald-Tribune , counts within Sarasota and Charlotte counties are hovering around 60%, with Manatee and DeSoto counties at 54.5% and 43.5% respectively.

How can you help ensure our community continues to thrive for the decade to come? By becoming a 2020 Census Taker. The U.S. Census Bureau is accepting applications for temporary part-time positions that, after the pandemic has passed, will visit households that haven't responded to the census, speak to residents, and collect census data.

For anyone interested in helping our community be counted, applications can be submitted at the link below.
And remember: when YOU count, we ALL count!
Standing in Solidarity, Leading with Empathy: Our Statement on Racial Injustice
As we watch our nation grapple with crises on two fronts – one stemming from COVID-19, the other from timeworn injustices – we feel and recognize a powerful, urgent calling for action in these trying moments. Many of us are heartbroken and angry about the circumstances that have propelled the very raw and emotional conversations and protests taking part here at home and across our country right now.

Make no mistake: what it takes to make long-lasting change can create confusion and make for uncomfortable feelings, but lasting transformation is possible. It’s up to all of us to share this responsibility and transform current inequities into sustainable solutions.
Nonprofit Job Bank

Whether you're seeking a new nonprofit position or you want to post an open position at your organization, your local resource is the Association of Fundraising Professionals Southwest Florida Chapter's  Job Bank , supported by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.
Missed an issue of Nonprofit News? Review Archived Issues.