grant program
annual grant cycle
Our annual grant cycle begins with an open application period of September 1st through the 30th. The Grants Committee evaluations and site visits occur over the following four months, with grant recommendations going to the Board for approval in January. Grant funding is distributed in February. All grant recipients are recognized at an annual awards presentation in March.
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 awarded are intended to be used to establish, sustain, enhance and/or expand programs or services in the areas of:
The service area for those who will benefit from the program or project must be located primarily in South Sarasota County, including:
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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
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
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). All grant applicants will be notified in February; grant recipients will receive funding in March.
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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.