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Community Foundation of Sarasota County
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About Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Since our founding by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council in 1979, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has been making the important connection between individuals’ personal memories, passions and dreams, and the fulfillment of their charitable goals. By actively listening to the desires of our donors, we help create permanent charitable funds that ensure people of vision have an enduring impact on our community and the causes they hold dear. Our motto — “Be the One” — reflects our deeply-held belief that anyone can be a philanthropist and give back to our community, regardless of means. With assets of $544 million in nearly 1,600 charitable funds, we have the expertise and ability to award millions of dollars in grants and scholarships to local students and nonprofits each year. Since our founding, more than $500 million has been invested back into the communities we serve throughout the region in the areas of education, health and human services, the arts, animal welfare, and the environment. Our support for local nonprofits branches out beyond grantmaking to include building upon their strength and capacity to ensure our donors’ charitable dollars create meaningful impact through our nonprofit resources, workshops and trainings, and volunteer consultants. Additionally, we connect with local professional advisors to provide highly personal and impact-orientated support, information, and expertise on planned giving and estate planning. It is this mosaic of donors, nonprofits, professional advisors, and community members that drives and empowers our mission to create lasting impact through charitable giving in our shared community. For more information, visit www.CFSarasota.org.
Verified activity
Signals from Community Foundation of Sarasota County
9 published signals
Research & Knowledge
Community Foundation of Sarasota County reported that universal dyslexia screening reached 3,600 Sarasota County students in kindergarten through third grade, identifying 527 children who needed targeted interventions.
Reported by Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Research & Knowledge
Community Foundation of Sarasota County reported that reading proficiency increased from 25 percent at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year to 64 percent by year-end, with approximately 1,175 additional first-graders reaching grade-level proficiency.
Reported by Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Research & Knowledge
Community Foundation of Sarasota County reported that kindergarten reading proficiency reached 58 percent by the end of the 2025-2026 school year, nearly matching the statewide average, with every kindergarten through second-grade student taking home more than 30 books.
Reported by Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Research & Knowledge
Community Foundation of Sarasota County reported that kindergarten readiness began at just 16 percent in the 2025-2026 school year, the second lowest readiness rate in the state.
Reported by Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Research & Knowledge
Community Foundation of Sarasota County reported that investments in teachers, coaches, paraprofessionals, and administrators in Manatee County helped improve reading proficiency from kindergarten through third grade with 56 percent of third-graders meeting expectations.
Reported by Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Research & Knowledge
Community Foundation of Sarasota County reported that all first-grade teachers in Sarasota County received intensive professional learning to strengthen phonics-based literacy instruction for approximately 2,300 students across 25 elementary schools.
Reported by Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Partnerships
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Vice President of Community Impact Kirsten Russell and Director of Community Impact Rebecca Abrahamson met with Venice Theatre Executive Director Kristofer Geddie to discuss the arts scene and the rebuilding progress of the Jervey Theatre after Hurricane Ian sustained damage in 2022.
Reported by Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Presence & Recognition
Community Foundation of Sarasota County hosted a listening session with Turning Points FL and Sweet Sparkman to explore ideas for a shared nonprofit campus in Manatee County.
Reported by Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Capital & Finance
Community Foundation of Sarasota County purchased oxygen chambers for the Florida West Coast Avian Society to help parrots in peril.
Reported by Community Foundation of Sarasota County