Selby Foundation Awards Over $1 Million in Capital Funds to Area Nonprofits

April 26, 2023 – Sarasota

The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation is awarding $1,042,735 in grants to support nonprofits located in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties with capital funds needed to better serve youth, families, neighborhoods, the environment, and the arts. 

“The positive effect these funds will have on people living in a four-county region will be felt for generations through the important work of nonprofit organizations shaping the success of our community,” said Susie Bowie, Selby Foundation President and CEO. 

“Bill and Marie Selby were passionate about opportunity for everyone, and we can see the continued impact of their legacy reflected in these outstanding grants.”

Health and Human Services

• Second Heart Homes – $56,967 to repair plumbing and roofing in three homes serving individuals who were experiencing homelessness.
• Feeding America Tampa Bay Inc. – $50,000 to assist with the purchase of a refrigerated truck dedicated to delivering food to pantries and vulnerable residents of Manatee County.
• Children First – $71,542 for new playground equipment and enhancements at the Dalbeck Center serving children in Head Start programs. 
• ALSO Youth – $30, 000 for technology and furnishings for the new youth services center supporting LGBTQ youth in Manatee County.
• First Step of Sarasota – $250,000 to co-locate life-saving crisis detox services and the crisis mental health services onto one campus.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast Inc. – $90,000 to assist with the renovation of the newly purchased one-to-one mentoring headquarters.
• Arc DeSoto Inc. – $20,725 to purchase IT equipment to improve learning and job training experiences for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 
• Family Oriented Community United Strong, Inc. (FOCUS) – $13,650 for equipment to support progress in restoring human/environmental health to the Tellevast community.

Community and Civic

• Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition Inc. – $99,956 to renovate the historic Reid House which will host exhibits and public programs bringing diverse people together. 
• Old Punta Gorda, Inc. –  $39,375 to restore the Woman’s Club, a National Registered Historic Property in Charlotte County used for community events. 
• Sarasota Audubon Society – $100,000 for a restroom facility for visitors to the new Celery Fields Quads, a partnership with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. 
• Historical Society of Sarasota County – $40,000 to assist with restoration of the historic Crocker Memorial Church.
• Suncoast Waterkeeper – $25,000 toward a patrol boat to identify environmental problems, engage the community, and devise appropriate solutions for protecting our waters.
• Military Heritage Museum – $21,653 for new equipment to enhance the experience of visitors learning about our military.

Arts and Culture

• Circus Arts Conservatory Inc. – $50,000 to assist with improvement of a newly designed Plaza and Entrance to the iconic Sailor Circus Arena.
• Urbanite Theatre – $43,867 to upgrade technical equipment for theatre productions.
• Sarasota Cuban Ballet School, Inc. – $40,000 to purchase a portable dance floor for performances at venues not otherwise totally appropriate for ballet performance.

To learn more about the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, visit SelbyFoundation.org. The next grant cycles open on June 1, 2023.