Giving Challenge Donations Aid COVID-19 Response

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s 2020 Giving Challenge is in the books! This annual 24-hour challenge raised funds for nearly 700 diverse non-profit organizations across Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties. Donations poured in from 59,000 passionate donors and, thanks to a generous matching donation from the Patterson Foundation, an astonishing $19.1 million was raised for causes ranging from child welfare, veterans’ services, mental health and more.

The outpouring of support for the Academy was extraordinary. Our friends at the Steinwachs Family Foundation once again championed us with an additional match exclusive to the Academy. With the addition of their generous support, we raised over $26,000 to help us strengthen our program and respond to additional critical resource needs brought about by COVID-19.

The theme of this years’ challenge was “Be the One,” and it reminds us that change occurs when a groundswell of individuals step up to help. To everyone who stands with us, and with all the other non-profit organizations in our community who strive to make the world a better place, we want to sincerely thank you. You are making a difference in the lives of so many.