Gulf Coast Community Foundation has awarded $67,200 in emergency grants to nine local nonprofit organizations in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Irma.  The funding comes from the Gulf Coast Disaster Fund, which the foundation activated just before the storm to accept donations from the public in anticipation of potential damage, and the Community Health Endowment Fund, a permanently endowed fund at Gulf Coast designated for healthcare needs. The following organizations have received emergency grants from Gulf Coast: All Faiths Food Bank - $10,000 from the Gulf Coast Disaster Fund for food and water distribution and logistics support; Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice - $10,000 from the Gulf Coast Disaster Fund to distribute food, water and household cleaning kits; Education Foundation of Sarasota County - $5,000 from the Gulf Coast Disaster Fund to restore classrooms and replenish supplies in schools used as emergency shelters; Harvest House - $10,000 from the Community Health Endowment Fund for clean-up of supportive and affordable housing properties, hurricane supplies for clients, and lost rent; Jewish Family and Children’s Service of the Suncoast - $4,700 from the Gulf Coast Disaster Fund for food and rehousing; Laurel Civic Association - $10,000 from the Gulf Coast Disaster Fund for food assistance and temporary lodging for affected residents in the Laurel community; Marie Selby Botanical Gardens - $2,500 from the Gulf Coast Disaster Fund for storm recovery materials and supplies; Pines of Sarasota Foundation - $10,000 from the Community Health Endowment Fund to help restore air-conditioning to buildings in the Pines of Sarasota senior-care community; and Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation - $5,000 from the Community Health Endowment Fund for patient needs and special-needs shelter.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation