Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards $203,000 in Grants Promoting Animal Welfare

April 26, 2021 – Sarasota

Through its annual Animal Welfare competitive grant cycle, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has awarded 14 local nonprofit organizations that promote the humane care of domestic animals across four counties, as well as the care of all animals located in Sarasota County that have yet to find a home.

With generous support from the Helen C. Schwieder Fund, Robert Parker Fund, and others, $203,000 has been provided to support veterinarian visits, medicines, food, emergency medical services, and rehabilitative care for animals in need. Grants will also work towards strengthening nonprofit capacity through the development of volunteer and foster care programs. A committee of community volunteers, staff, and local animal welfare experts were part of the evaluation process.

“Animals hold a special place within our families and hearts. The organizations that care for our lifelong companions help guide us to a more humane community,” says Kirsten Russell, Vice President, Community Impact. “By centering programs on animal wellbeing, our nonprofit partners bring us closer connections, one paw or hoof at a time.”

 Programs Supported: Veterinary Treatment and Volunteer Program Development

• Birds of Paradise Sanctuary & Rescue
• Charlotte County Homeless Coalition
• Easterseals Southwest Florida
• Fox Foster Kittens 
• Friends of Manatee County Animal Services
• Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch
• Humane Society of Manatee County
• Humane Society of Sarasota County
• Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue
• Prospect Riding Center
• Satchel’s Last Resort
• Suncoast Humane Society
• Venice Cat Coalition 
• Vintage Paws Sanctuary 

In the last two years alone, Animal Welfare Grants have invested $376,000 to 21 local nonprofit organizations working towards the betterment of animals in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties. The Animal Welfare competitive grant cycle is offered annually each spring.

For more than 40 years, with the trust of the community, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $323 million to support causes touching not only animal welfare, but also education, health and human services, the arts, and the environment, among others. To learn more about Animal Welfare Grants or view available grant opportunities, visit www.cfsarasota.org/nonprofits/grants