In its first ever Equity and Access competitive grant cycle, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has awarded five local nonprofit organizations. Nearly $130,000 has been provided to the Center for Religious Tolerance with support from Multicultural Health Institute and SRQ Strong, Family Promise of South Sarasota County, Forty Carrots Family Center, Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative, and Teen Court of Sarasota. Each of these organizations touch one or several underrepresented groups, including geographically underserved neighborhoods, communities of color, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ communities, and single mothers, among others. “Each proposal was reviewed by a diverse committee of community members, whose life experiences and perspectives enriched the decision-making process,” says Kirsten Russell, Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation. “These grant awards reflect the community's voice and vision for creating and increasing access and equity in the place they are proud to call home.”

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