Selby Foundation Awards Over $226,000 in Hurricane Ian Relief to Area Nonprofits

February 10, 2023 – Sarasota

The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation has awarded $226,614 in Hurricane Ian relief to six Charlotte, DeSoto and Sarasota county nonprofits. The funding will go to discretionary disaster relief, roof, floor and ceiling repairs as well as outdoor lighting and fencing. 

“The devastation from Hurricane Ian has severely impacted area nonprofits, many of whom serve some of our area’s most vulnerable populations.  We are pleased to be able to assist with their basic needs as these organizations recover and restore their service to the community,” says Carol Butera, Selby Foundation CEO and President. 
The grants awarded are listed below:

Charlotte Community Foundation:$100,000 to support the Charlotte County Non-Profit Disaster Relief Fund and $50,000 to support the Hands-Up Grant (HUG) program assisting individuals and families in Charlotte County. The Foundation’s goal is to enhance the quality of life for Charlotte County residents by nurturing a community of givers and connecting them to the causes that make a difference. 
Senior Friendship Centers:$20,700 for roof repairs to the main and maintenance buildings on the organization’s Venice campus. Senior Friendship Centers is the safety net for close to 10,000 older adults living in a four-county service area, providing services and programs that allow seniors to live a connected and vibrant life, maintaining their independence in their own homes as long as possible.
Safe Children Coalition, Inc.:$16,250 for roof repairs to the DeSoto County office. The Safe Children Coalition is a nonprofit, community-based care provider of education, prevention, diversion and child welfare services including adoption and foster care.
Pregnancy Solutions, Inc.:  $4,687 for flooring/ceiling repairs and furniture replacement at the organization’s North Port and Venice locations. Pregnancy Solutions provides confidential care for pregnancy and sexual health related services in Venice, North Port and Port Charlotte.
Suncoast Communities Blood Bank, Inc.:  $18,007 for fencing and a light pole at the Mound Street location in Sarasota. The Blood Bank serves our community by ensuring a safe, adequate supply of blood products, including pathogen-reduced platelets, and services for a range of local hospitals, healthcare facilities, and cancer patients.
Horizons Unlimited Christian Academy: $16,970 for roof replacement.  Located in Sarasota’s  Newtown, the organization provides early childhood education, ensuring families can continue working while their children, ages two to five, enjoy a safe learning environment.

The Selby Foundation is a private foundation founded by William G. and Marie Selby in 1955.  The Foundation supports Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties through capital grants and scholarships.  Since its establishment, the Selby Foundation has provided more than $120 million to the community. For more information on the Foundation’s grant and scholarship application process, visit www.selbyfdn.org.