Putting the “FUN” in Fundraising: The Flanagans and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County

By Kaileia Suvannamaccha | Photo by Nancy Guth | December 2023

For these high school sweethearts, their love affair with Sarasota began in 1999. Former Chicago and Silicon Valley residents Tom and Nancy Flanagan visited this charming coastal city for vacation and fell in love with its vibrant arts community. They then discovered dedicated philanthropic allies like the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, which propelled them to make Sarasota their new home within just six months. 

It all began with a serendipitous encounter with Roxie Jerde, President and CEO of the Community Foundation, during a local event. They were immediately drawn to her enthusiasm and passion for the Foundation and the work it does to strengthen our community. 

“Roxie was brand new to the area and already had a firm grasp of the local landscape including the demographics, issues, and needs of our diverse community. We could see the goodness in her, and her vision for Sarasota, and the power of partnerships really resonated with us,” says Nancy. “Knowing Roxie was at the helm attracted us to want to work with them.” 

Running Towards a Dream

In 2017, the Flanagans created a scholarship fund to support high school runners, an endeavor inspired by Tom’s experience as a former high school cross country coach in Chicago. The scholarship program aids high school runners, generally a male and a female, prioritizing those with at least one year of financial need. 

The Community Foundation’s motto, “Be the One,” aligns with the Flanagans’ commitment to impacting individual lives. Their scholarships make a profound difference to the students who receive them, opening doors to higher education and brighter futures for talented youth who might otherwise not have had access to them.

The Flanagans’ initial goal was to provide a one-time scholarship to freshmen. However, the Community Foundation provided valuable guidance that led to a more sustainable approach. They decided to divide the scholarships into four parts, disbursing funds to the students each fall semester to provide ongoing support.

“You know, we never thought of it from that aspect,” says Nancy. “Yes, we want to support their education, but we also want them to reach for the goal of graduation.”

They learned that for first-generation college students, there isn’t a road map. Put simply, getting to college is one accomplishment; staying in through graduation is a different matter for many students, particularly those who do not have parents with college degrees. Realizing the impact they could have, not just for the scholarship recipients, but for generations that follow, has been a gratifying experience for the Flanagans. 

“Every year, usually right around winter break, the Foundation arranges a luncheon for us to meet with our recipients,” says Tom. “It’s one of the highlights of the year for us. We just love the fact that we can sit down and talk with these young people about their aspirations, their educational goals, their life, and what they want to accomplish. That was one of the things we really liked about the Foundation, that we actually get to see the impact we’re having.”

From two recipients that first year, the number of students whose lives the Flanagans are touching has grown. 

 “We currently have eight students, and when you sit down and talk to them, you have no doubt,” he adds. “They’re goal oriented. They’re going to stay in school, and they’re going to graduate.” 

Their scholarships have already borne fruit, with several students graduating and pursuing careers in their chosen fields. One is now in graduate school, an opportunity made possible through the Flanagans’ scholarship fund.

One aspect the Flanagans appreciate about the Community Foundation is the connections they make, both with recipients of their philanthropy and with the staff at the foundation itself. Meetings with the philanthropy team have combined shared interests and hobbies with discussions of their vision for their philanthropic impact. 

It’s meant sharing coffee and conversations with Community Foundation team members that have allowed the relationship to develop beyond the transactional. One time, a meeting with an advisor was conducted during a run over the Ringling Causeway. 

“It was very fun,” Tom says. “It was different, and I think that also bonded us, and continues to tie us to the Community Foundation even more because they are open, willing to be a little flexible, and to do things a little differently.”

Opportunity Galore

The Flanagans are working to ensure their assets continue to impact the lives of those in need as a part of their legacy.  The couple have recently set up another fund called The Nancy and Tom Flanagan Giving Back Fund, which will be administered by the Community Foundation. This endowment will support social services within the community, adapting to the evolving needs of Sarasota over the years.

“The sky’s the limit,” Nancy says. “We have such great confidence in the Community Foundation and having them be stewards of our legacy is very comforting.”

Both Tom and Nancy are fully engaged in helping groups and individuals in their community. They embrace an active retirement lifestyle and are committed to staying involved through a myriad of philanthropic endeavors.

“There’s plenty of opportunity in Sarasota,” Tom says.

Tom and Nancy’s engagement with the local community goes beyond their scholarships and donations. 

Nancy serves on the Board of Trustees at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, where her vantage point has enabled her to witness the ways that the Community Foundation partners with local nonprofits. Community Foundation support has been integral in helping WBTT to expand its reach and spotlight its mission within the community. 

Tom’s involvement with Meals on Wheels Sarasota further highlights the couple’s dedication to making a difference in the lives of those in need. He serves on its board of directors and is dedicated to delivering nutritious meals to homebound individuals who have difficulty preparing their own food.

Additionally, the Flanagans’ collaborative efforts between Meals on Wheels Sarasota and the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe have been instrumental in creating unique and impactful fundraising opportunities. 

As Nancy recalls, “To help with a fundraising luncheon for Meals on Wheels Sarasota, we reached out to the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe to provide entertainment. It was a huge success and showcased how both organizations could work together to create a fundraising event that was inspiring, entertaining, as well as effective financially.”

Sharing Community Spirit

The Flanagans emphasize that one doesn’t need to make large donations to have meaningful impact. “You just have to find the right passion or find the right cause that you feel passionate about. The Community Foundation is great at matching people with the right causes,” Nancy says.

The Flanagans’ story embodies the generosity and community spirit that defines Sarasota. Through partnerships with organizations like the Community Foundation, Tom and Nancy hope to inspire others to join them in building an even more fun and vibrant city, one act of kindness at a time.

Or, to put it as Nancy did: “Sarasota is growing, and its needs are growing as well. If more people can get involved on any level, it can make a huge difference.” 

FOR MORE INFORMATION on Community Foundation of Sarasota County please call (941) 955-3000 or visit cfsarasota.org.