As an initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County is relying on the Season of Sharing partnership with the Herald-Tribune Media Group and multiple nonprofit agencies to quickly and proactively help the most vulnerable individuals and families with immediate basic needs such as payments for utilities, childcare, and rent. As a response to this crisis and to bolster Season of Sharing funds, The Patterson Foundation has committed up to $1 million to strengthen this important safety net. The commitment includes an immediate $500,000 contribution, along with an additional dollar-for-dollar match up to $500,000. “Even in regular times, Season of Sharing is vital to many in our community, and we are so fortunate to have it to help now,” said Roxie Jerde, president, and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. “In times like this, philanthropy can truly shine by providing resources for those most vulnerable. Our network of local human services nonprofits will be especially needed.  Bolstering Season of Sharing funds now will further support the changing government and private measures that are being developed at state and federal levels.”    

When the match is fulfilled by the community, there will be $1.5 million total in additional funds for distribution in the four-county region of Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. “While people navigate the evolving challenges COVID-19 presents in their own lives, they also want to know how to help others who find themselves facing uncharted financial trauma,” said Debra Jacobs, president & CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “For 20 years, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Herald-Tribune Media Group have harnessed Season of Sharing to help strengthen individuals and families in our region and move them from uncertainty to security. Season of Sharing’s network offers donors a tried and true way to ensure their funds are administered effectively to those with immediate needs.”

Donations to the Season of Sharing fund may be made online at www.cfsarasota.org/season-of-sharing or by sending a check (payable to Community Foundation of Sarasota County) to Attn: Season of Sharing, 2635 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, FL 34237. 

Donate online to the Season of Sharing.