The Community Foundation of Sarasota County recently awarded a total of $163,300 in Capacity Building grants to 21 nonprofits. The aim of this round of funding is to help organizations improve fundraising strategies, streamline operations, manage data and invest in technological infrastructure. The Community Foundation’s long-term goal is to support nonprofits as they build greater self-sufficiency so that they can continue to serve their clients, and the community, year after year. The organizations supported work in a wide variety of fields, from providing day shelter services for the homeless to environmental conservation and restoration. One component of the recent grants is to help nonprofits maximize their participation in this year’s Giving Challenge, which takes place from noon to noon, April 15-16. The Giving Challenge is a 24-hour online giving event for nonprofits that are located in or work in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. One of the key goals of the challenge is to connect nonprofits with new donors and encourage them to develop their own effective marketing and fundraising strategies. Nearly 750 nonprofits, a record number, are registered to participate in this year’s challenge.