Seven Local Nonprofits Receive Small and Mighty Grants from the Selby Foundation

August 18, 2023 – Sarasota

The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation is awarding $58,539 in “Small and Mighty” (SAM) grants for capital investments at seven local nonprofits in the region. These grants are available three times each year to strengthen charitable organizations with annual operating expenses of $300,000 or less.

Summer 2023 awardees include:

•                 Arcadia Garden Club, awarded $20,000 for a new roof. The organization partners with community, libraries and youth-serving organizations to engage individuals, families and young people in nature-based activities. Its facility is located at the entrance to Arcadia and is a gathering place for events. 

•                 Healthy Teens, awarded $10,722 for technology upgrades and materials for community education events. The nonprofit’s Teen Health Educator program in Manatee and Sarasota counties engages high-school volunteers in educating and mentoring their peers on critical health topics that affect them, helping them make informed decisions about their health and well-being. 

•                 Heart Gallery of Sarasota, awarded $4,000 for website enhancements that will help connect adoptive families to local children. The organization engages professional photographers who capture the individuality and dignity of children living in foster care. The program helps advocate for permanency and raises public awareness about the needs of these children. 

•                 Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch, awarded $10,000 toward the purchase of a new van that can accommodate up to 12 custom kennels installed for the safe transport of animals from County Animal Services and to/from veterinary partners. The nonprofit provides a safe haven for companion animals in need until a loving, permanent home can be found. Animals brought into the shelter are from Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. 

•                 J5 Experience, awarded $5,824 for technology needs that will increase reading and math proficiency for girls in Academic Boot Camp program. Founded and led by local teacher Sherry Martin, the nonprofit strengthens the mother/daughter bond, helps students overcome barriers at school and achieve acceptable attendance, helps break the cycle of poverty, and establishes a financial knowledge foundation for girls to build upon. 

•                 JoshProvides, awarded $5,895 to upgrade software that will enhance the organization’s fundraising capacity and streamline its accounting systems. JoshProvides improves the quality of life for people living with epilepsy and other seizure disorders by assisting with the purchase of seizure detection and devices, transportation to medical appointments, medical services, and community education and awareness. In addition, JoshProvides sponsors an Epilepsy Support Group.

•                 Queens of Domestic Violence Awareness, awarded $2,098 for technology and a website upgrade. The organization helps survivors of domestic violence in Sarasota and Manatee counties by providing client-centered, crisis intervention services to survivors of abuse and their families who are at immediate risk and under threats of harm. It partners with other organizations in the area with referrals.

The next “Small and Mighty” grant cycle begins accepting applications on October 2, 2023. Visit SelbyFdn.org to learn more.