Photo courtesy Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy.

Almost 200 years ago, the first photograph was made from a camera. The term “photograph” followed to describe the process as “to draw light” (a combination of the Greek words photos and graphein). While the ways we capture images today have dramatically expanded (think: Snapchat stories, Instagram feeds and good old-fashioned scrapbooks, just to name a few mediums), the purpose of photos remain core: to remind all of us of who we are in a particular moment.

At the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, we view grant opportunities in very much the same light. Each grant opportunity represents a critical snapshot of our community’s emerging needs and offers a glimpse of what we can become. For our nonprofit partners, grants act as an indispensable tool to effectively transform how we respond in difficult times into catalysts for connection, innovation and sustainability, and most importantly to improve lives along the way.

You see this picture clearly through our Community Impact Grant Program, which is an open grant application that awards up to $10,000. Since its revamp last August, our program has shifted its focus to tackling emerging needs and opportunities that can unexpectedly be sparked through great ideas and great generosity. While each of these grants has a moving story behind it, I’d like to highlight a few that I have saved in my own metaphorical scrapbook.

Reflecting our caring community, the Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART) created “Warriors in Transition,” a program to support local veterans that provides monthly, full-day horse-related workshops that provide clarity, connection, and life-changing experiences. While this program began in early 2014, an unanticipated partnership with the therapists at Bay Pines VA Healthcare Services presented an opportunity for greater participation and additional programming to support our local veterans.

Next, to build confidence along with in-demand skills, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida has enhanced their Mischief Managed program, a one-day, interactive experience for Girl Scouts grade two and up, with an exciting computer coding activity. Using Harry Potter themed coding kits, participants learn the building blocks of programming by assembling magic wands that can interact with computers and other devices. The best part? Following the program, participants can take their kits home and explore more than 70 step-by-step coding challenges.

Finally, upon recognizing that more than 7,000 students in Sarasota County live with physical disabilities, Mote Marine Laboratory made plans to construct a walkway and floating dock that would make their waterfront accessible to individuals who rely on mobility aids. For thousands of children and their families, this new dock will serve as a lively outdoor classroom that expands access to transformative educational experiences and, ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

As you can imagine, over our 40-year history the Community Foundation has amassed an impressive photo album of nonprofit partnerships, initiatives and causes. Our collection of memories and stories will certainly continue to grow with each grant opportunity, as will our unwavering commitment to strengthening our nonprofit community for generations to come. And I believe that’s a snapshot worth framing.

Roxie Jerde is president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

Photo courtesy Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy.

To explore and apply for grant opportunities, visit here