Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust Distributes $3.145 Million in Matching Grants to Nonprofits in 2020, Extends Matching Program Through 2021

January 5, 2021 – Sarasota

The Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust launched its Contribution Matching Program in January 2020 to honor the Flanzer’s legacy of transformational change through community support. While the Flanzer Trust’s initial goal was to match $500,000 of contributions for select nonprofit organizations across the Suncoast, that cap was removed after individuals quickly met the match to help nonprofits better serve their clients throughout the coronavirus pandemic. By the end of 2020, the Flanzer Trust sent an incredible $3.145 million to agencies in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto Counties, matching $1,572,713 in contributions from 6,500 donors.

“The Flanzers believed in the inherent goodness in people – time and again Americans rise up to the task when need arises and is brought to their attention,” said Eric Kaplan, co-trustee of the Flanzer Trust. “And indeed, that was the case in 2020 when COVID-19 struck. People who never thought they’d ever need a hand needed one. Or perhaps their neighbors did.”

The purpose of the Flanzer Contribution Matching Program is to inspire locals across the Suncoast to make a difference in their communities through meaningful gifts to key nonprofit organizations that result in greater opportunities for those who need assistance the most. The average donation of the 2020 program was $240.

“We’ve felt the most joy at the smallest contributions that we’ve received,” said Kaplan. “Those contributions are cherished because it tells us that we are reaching everyone that Lou and Gloria wanted us to reach.”

With such a successful 2020 Flanzer Matching Contribution Program, the Flanzer Trust has extended the opportunity through 2021. The program will commence on January 8.Contributions between $5 and $500 will be matched, 1:1, for qualifying agencies across Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto Counties in the areas of social services, social welfare, K-12 education and healthcare organizations. The maximum monthly contribution is $500 per agency for each household. Donors may authorize recurring monthly contributions of up to 6 months in advance. Participating agencies will receive 100% of the donations while all processing fees will be covered by the Flanzer Trust.

“The Flanzers felt that these select agencies greatly improve the quality of life for all residents, not just their clients,” said Dr. Dean Hautamaki, co-trustee of the Flanzer Trust. “While many believe that our local agencies are amply funded by large donors and the government, they, in fact, need broad support from the public to be able to do their important work. Through this program, we hope to connect individuals to causes they care about and learn how they can make a difference or encourage others to get involved and give back.”

The Flanzer Trust urges residents of Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto Counties to visit their website at FlanzerTrust.org to see the dozens of agencies who have participated in the 2020 Flanzer Contribution Matching Program and remain eligible for the 2021 program.  

“Participating organizations help provide shelter, clothing and transportation as well as safe places for children to learn and play rather than the streets, places for abused women and children to go for shelter and assistance, services for our veterans and much, much more,” said Hautamaki. “We add more agencies every week. We welcome Suncoast residents to recommend additional agencies for the program through our website.”

Contributions can be made via PayPal at FlanzerTrust.org or by check payable to the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust at 1843 Floyd Street, Sarasota, FL 34239. Direct credit card payments will be added in the coming months. For more information, visit FlanzerTrust.org or call 917-915-0404. 

ABOUT THE LOUIS AND GLORIA FLANZER PHILANTHROPIC TRUST: The mission of the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust is to enhance the life of the people of the Suncoast through social services and healthcare initiatives. The Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization not affiliated with any other member of the Flanzer family. For more information, visit FlanzerTrust.org or call 917-915-0404. FL Dept. Of Consumers Registration Number CH60782.