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.
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.
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).
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.