Founded in 1995, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that serves Sarasota County, Charlotte County, DeSoto County, Boca Grande, Lakewood Ranch, and Longboat Key in Florida. The organization provides grants and scholarships to various sector areas, including health and human services, civic, economic development, education, arts and culture, and environmental.

Examples of key projects:

• CareerEdge Funders Collaborative
  • Employer-led workforce training initiatives that help local businesses upskill employees and strengthen the regional talent pipeline.
• Gulf Coast Community Foundation Annual Scholarship Program
  • Need- and merit-based scholarships to students in the region pursuing postsecondary education or workforce training.
• Affordable Housing & Economic Mobility Grants
  • Nonprofit partners working to expand access to affordable housing and financial stability for families and individuals in Sarasota and surrounding counties.
• Arts Appreciation Grants
  • Supports local arts organizations, cultural institutions, and arts education programs to enhance cultural access and community engagement.
• Environmental Protection & Conservation Initiatives
  • Invests in land conservation, water quality improvement, and environmental education projects that protect Florida’s natural resources.
• Health & Human Services Partnerships
  • Organizations delivering mental health services, food security programs, and support for vulnerable populations.

Resources

Gulf Coast Community Foundation. (2025). Welcome to Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Retrieved November 10, 2025, from https://www.gulfcoastcf.org/.