grant program
Grants awarded are intended to be used to establish, sustain, enhance and/or expand programs or services in the areas of:
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Community / Social Services
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Cultural Enrichment
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Education
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Environment
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Health
The service area for those who will benefit from the program or project must be located primarily in South Sarasota County, including:
Grant funding may not be used for:
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Venice
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Englewood
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Laurel
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Nokomis
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North Port
🚫 Major capital projects
🚫 Debt reduction
🚫 Loans
🚫 Travel
🚫 Overhead expenses
🚫 Staff salaries
🚫 Scientific research
annual grant cycle
Each grant cycle begins in the fall and applications are accepted throughout the month of September.
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Applications are screened for eligibility and evaluated based upon
established criteria in these areas:
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Use of Funds
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Community Need
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Community Access
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Measuring Success
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Service Area
Grants Committee
The Grants Committee is comprised of 12 Foundation members who serve 3-year staggered terms. They play a key role in the Foundation's grant giving.
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Every application is evaluated by each committee member independently. Scoring is tabulated to determine which applicants will have site visits conducted by a committee member and another volunteer.
The Grants Committee recommendations then go to the Foundation Board for review and final approval (or denial).
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If you are a VGCC member interested in learning more about volunteering opportunities with the Grants Committee or participating as a site visit partner, click here to contact us.