The Selby Foundation Q3 SAM Grants Cycle Opens July 1

June 6, 2022 – Sarasota

The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation Q3 SAM Grants Cycle opens on July 1 and will close at 3:59 p.m. on August 1. The Grant Portal will be open during that period for area not-for-profit organizations to create an account and access existing accounts as they begin the application process. Grant recipients will be notified by September 30.

About SAM Grants

These quarterly Small and Mighty (SAM) grants were created to meet the emerging needs of nonprofits with operating expenses under $300,000. Since this program’s inception in the Fall of 2021, eight organizations in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties have been awarded grants ranging from $2,800 to $20,000, covering needs such as technology, interior renovation, lighting and even sheet music. The organizations benefitting from a SAM Grant in 2021 and the first quarter of 2022 include:

● Kiwanis Foundation of North Port

● SPAACES Foundation

● Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative

● Florida House Foundation of Sarasota

● Literacy Council of Manatee County

● Sarasota Young Voices Incorporated

● Sertoma Kids

● The Charlotte Chorale

Carol Butera, President and CEO of the Selby Foundation shares “The Selby Foundation Board realizes that many smaller organizations make a big impact in our community. They often just need one thing – a sign, a laptop, an awning – to help a person access necessary services.

Through this process, we’ve made it easier for those organizations new to the grants submission process to participate and benefit.”

Grant Impact

Two such organizations, the Manatee Literacy Council and the Kiwanis Club of North Port, offered their thoughts on the difference this important grant has made for their organizations. Michelle Desveaux McLean, Executive Director of the Manatee Literacy Council shared her gratitude: “The Selby Small & Mighty grant allowed us to purchase critical technology to help improve the digital literacy skills of our learners! The impact of this grant will be felt generationally.”

According to Elaine Allen-Emrich, President of the Kiwanis Club of North Port, “I was hesitant to apply for a Selby Foundation grant because we were up against mighty giants in Sarasota County. However, the Children’s Community Clothing Closet was in need of items to make it a much better experience for needy families in the community. After I applied, I was welcomed to

transition into the SAM grant. I was elated. The Kiwanis could now compete for the money it needed to improve the lives of children in North Port. We are extremely grateful.” Recipients of the second quarter 2022 SAM grants cycle will be announced in July. 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, including its Small and Mighty Grants program, visit www.selbyfdn.org.