Nonprofit News: February 2026 | |
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Trainings, Trainings, Trainings: How to Prepare for the 2026 Giving Challenge
Now is the time to make plans for how your nonprofit can maximize its participation in this year’s challenge.
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The 2026 Giving Challenge is just a little over two months away! That might sound scary, but don’t freak out: You still have plenty of time to plan a successful campaign.
Not sure how to get started? First things first: Get yourself registered for our next online training session, which will take place at noon on Tuesday, March 10. This webinar led by GiveGab will cover last-minute tips and best practices to engage with your supporters and to be successful in the 2026 Giving Challenge. The GiveGab and Community Foundation teams will also answer any and all last-minute questions.
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If you’ve missed our past trainings, don’t worry: Each of them was recorded and has been posted on the foundation’s YouTube channel and on our website. Those sessions are packed with useful information, like tips on how to craft clear, compelling messages to use before, during, and after the 2026 Giving Challenge; how to thank, engage, and retain donors long after the 24-hour challenge ends; and how to set realistic fundraising goals. In addition to the video recordings, you can also access the PowerPoint presentations used during the webinars:
| | And, finally, the learning doesn’t stop with the Giving Challenge. After the challenge is over, it’s important to thank your supporters, build lasting relationships with donors, and focus on stewarding them for the future. In a webinar that will begin at noon on Tuesday, April 28, GiveGab will cover stewardship best practices and strategies for building stronger and longer-lasting relationships with your supporters. | | |
Prizes, Prizes, Prizes: Be Sure to Enter to Win
While your nonprofit will be entered to win some Giving Challenge prizes automatically, other contests require a separate entry.
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Giving Challenge prizes are an engaging way for nonprofits to dive deep into their capacity building efforts and explore partnerships, opportunities, and connections that last far beyond the 24-hour challenge. Of course, prizes also provide a fun, friendly outlet for organizations with fierce competitive spirits.
For some prize contests, all nonprofits will be entered automatically and there is no additional information needed from you. Other prizes, however, require nonprofits to submit a special entry and may have specific reporting requirements. We strongly recommend perusing the “Prize Opportunities” page on the Giving Challenge to see what prizes your nonprofit may be eligible for.
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Pop-up Giving Stations: Team up With Other Nonprofits to Create Community
Official Pop-up Giving Stations will be recognized on the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Giving Challenge websites.
Pop-up Giving Stations are a way for nonprofits of all sizes to come together in person on the day of the Giving Challenge and to invite potential donors to connect with their organizations. Official Pop-up Giving Stations will be recognized on the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Giving Challenge websites, but to be included in our listing, a minimum of five nonprofits must be participating in your Pop-up Giving Station and you must meet certain other basic requirements.
Starting tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 11, you can register your Pop-up Giving Station on the Giving Challenge website. The cutoff to register is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11.
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Capacity Building Grant Application Cycle Opens Next Week
The next opportunity to apply for Capacity Building grants begins on Monday, Feb. 16.
Capacity Building grants help improve a nonprofit's ability to fulfill its mission and grow its impact. Grant awards through this upcoming cycle will range from $5,000 to $15,000. Funding may be used to support a wide range of organizational priorities, including leadership development, strategic planning, evaluation and learning, fundraising capacity, financial health and sustainability, and more.
The foundation will host a Zoom information session for nonprofits thinking about applying at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19. Applicants are strongly encouraged to participate. Click here to join the information session. (The meeting I.D. is 872 4937 0263 and the passcode is 629248.)
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Scholarship News: Students Age 24 and up Can Begin Applying Soon
Complete one common application to be considered for more than 40 different scholarships.
Beginning Monday, Feb. 16, students 24 and older can apply for an Adult Scholarship from the foundation. Applicants must be a resident of Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, or DeSoto County, and they must be pursuing or planning to pursue further education at an accredited university, community college, technical school, or certification program.
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In Search Of: Scholarship Committee Volunteers
After each scholarship application cycle ends, we need volunteers to review applications and make recommendations. If you're interested in joining the Scholarship Committee this year, here's what you need to know:
Eligibility:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must reside in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, or DeSoto County
- Must not be a current recipient of a Community Foundation of Sarasota County scholarship
- Neither you nor your immediate family members will be eligible to apply for a scholarship from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County while you are actively serving as a Scholarship Committee member
Requirements:
- Must have computer access and the ability to use a computer
- Complete our Scholarship Committee application
- Attend the online Scholarship Committee orientation to be trained on the committee review system, or watch a recording of the orientation
Time Commitment:
- Between eight and 10 hours reviewing and providing feedback on scholarship applications through our online committee review system
- This virtual opportunity gives you the chance to review applications on your own time within a two-week period
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Got Questions? We've Got Answers!
Our Community Impact department holds weekly Zoom sessions for nonprofits from 11 a.m. to noon every Friday. This is an excellent opportunity to ask specific questions about the 2026 Giving Challenge, as well as any other questions you may have about grants or grant applications.
There's no need to pre-register. Just click the link below to join.
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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.
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