Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards Nearly $200,000 Supporting Animal Welfare

February 10, 2023 – Sarasota

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has awarded 12 local nonprofit organizations through its annual Animal Welfare competitive grant cycle to promote the humane care of domestic, farm, wild and exotic animals across four counties. 

More than $196,000 will be awarded to support emergency veterinary treatment and capacity building for nonprofits that center on caring for animals with generous support from the Helen C. Schwieder Fund, the Robert Parker Fund, the Martha Leiter and Nancy Streetman Fund I, along with others,

Awards this year reflect the diverse needs across animal welfare. Challenges are on the rise in both in domestic and wild animal care, as factors ranging from environmental disasters to economic strain have impacted the health and humane care of animals of all types, said Kirsten Russell, Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation.

“Animals are an essential part of our ecosystem, and as their habitats are compromised, we must invest in organizations that can administer specialized care,” Russell said. “That said, there is also emphasis placed on supporting shelters as they provide care for the growing number of domestic animals seeking forever homes.” 

Programs Supported: Veterinary Treatment and Capacity Building

• Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary Inc
• Save Our Seabirds Inc
• Wildlife Center of Venice Inc. d/b/a The Paul A. and Veronica H. Gross Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida
• Honor Sanctuary, Inc. d/b/a Honor Animal Rescue
• Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County Florida Inc
• Animal Rescue Coalition Inc
• Humane Society of Sarasota County Inc
• Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch, Inc.
• Satchel’s Last Resort, Inc.
• Venice Cat Coalition
• Meals on Wheels of Sarasota, Inc
• St. Francis Animal Rescue of Venice, Inc.

In the last four years, Animal Welfare Grants have invested $733,000 in dozens of 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.

For more than 40 years, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has been key to unlocking possibilities for everyone who calls our area home. With the trust of the community, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $396 million in grants to support causes addressing 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