MISSION
Community Impact Powered by Philanthropy. “Be the One” reflects our deeply-held belief that anyone can be a philanthropist and give back to our community, regardless of means.
DESCRIPTION
We proactively create responsive and long-term charitable funds that have an enduring impact on our community, so everyone thrives. 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.
CORE VALUES
We are passionate about inspiring charitable giving to build the community we all want to be a part of. We live it through our core values:
Compassion — Caring for citizens of our communities
Empowerment — Enabling others to succeed by leveraging our influence, support, and encouragement
Innovation — Discovering, cultivating, and promoting new opportunities
Integrity — Ensuring the highest ethical standards in all we do
Quality — Demonstrating excellence
Stewardship — Managing the assets and resources entrusted to us in a careful and responsible manner for the benefit of all we serve
Inclusiveness — Embracing the perspectives and participation of our community in all we do
SERVICES/PROGRAMS
There are three areas of impact:
• Community Care: Caring for our community means being a resource during challenging times. We invest in emergency needs, disaster relief and recovery, programs that provide and sustain stability, food security and quality healthcare, our environment, and animal welfare, so that those who live here can enjoy a high quality of life.
• Empowerment and Success: A fulfilling life comes from support, encouragement, wisdom, and experience that guide us to our dreams. We invest in literacy support, student enrichment, scholarships & mentoring, career development & advancement, and opportunities to create lifelong connections so that everyone can be empowered to realize their potential.
• Belonging and Culture: To have a place or group where you belong inspires passion and creativity. By supporting organizations whose work Bridge Generations and Unites the Community around Cultural Development & the Arts, we are here to help build the community we all want to live in.
