Selby Foundation Awards $100,000 Grant to Season of Sharing

December 18, 2023 – Sarasota

The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Season of Sharing Greatest Need Fund to advance the community-wide effort preventing vulnerable families from becoming homeless.

Over the years, the Selby Foundation has generously supported the annual campaign, giving more than $1.6 million since 2006. The Foundation’s typical focus areas are high-achieving, community-minded students with outstanding financial need and capital grants supporting vital nonprofits in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. 

“Over the years, we have continued to acknowledge that keeping people in their homes is a strategy that all other charitable missions and youth depend upon for their success,” said Susie Bowie, President and CEO of the Selby Foundation.

“In our conversations with local nonprofits, we know that their clients—and many times their own staff—have suffered tremendously with the high cost of housing. They often fear unexpected financial expenses that could strip them of the ability to pay for rent, electricity, or other basic needs.”

Selby Foundation has invested in various housing solutions through its capital grants, including awards in recent years to Habitat for Humanity of Sarasota County, Harvest House, Manatee County Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay, and Second Heart Homes.

Season of Sharing is a vital safety net that provides targeted financial assistance for rent and other emergency expenses for utilities, car repairs and childcare. With a focus on maintaining stability during a crisis, Season of Sharing has been called upon since 2000 and assisted more than 50,000 households in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties thanks to donations made by the community at large. In the last 23 years more than $38 million has been provided to those who find themselves confronting unforeseen challenges. 

“The Selby Foundation’s ongoing support of Season of Sharing so clearly demonstrates a commitment to the people who make up our community. By helping individuals and families remain secure, our entire community fares better in the long run,” said Roxie Jerde, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. 

All gifts made to Season of Sharing through January 31, 2024 will be enhanced by The Patterson Foundation, which will contribute $100,000 to Season of Sharing each time the community raises $500,000. This includes gifts from individuals, foundations and businesses. All donations – 100% – go directly to helping those in need. 

Learn more about this tax-deductible giving option online at CFSarasota.org, including how gifts can be directed to the local county of preference or to the greatest need area.