The Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation has announced a new chapter in its leadership. Dr. John Brothers stepped in as the Foundation’s new President and CEO on December 1, succeeding Teri A Hansen, who leaves behind a powerful legacy of more than a decade as the start-up CEO and a 30-plus-year career in philanthropic leadership. Brothers brings a distinguished record of philanthropic leadership, most recently as President of the T. Rowe Price Foundation and T. Rowe Price Charitable, where he guided more than $750 million in assets and oversaw $150 million in annual giving. His work has spanned global partnerships and grassroots community initiatives, reflecting a deep commitment to equity, trust and impact in philanthropy.From his own past personal challenges to his college football days, his leadership approach and his aspirations for his role as President and CEO, Brothers opened up to SRQ Magazine, giving readers a chance to get to know him on a deeper level.

What does true compassion in philanthropy look like to you?

I have grown up receiving soup from the ladle, meaning I've been homeless. I've gotten soup from the ladle. I've given soup from the ladle. I've managed soup ladlers. I've researched soup ladling and I've funded soup ladling. I've been at all different avenues of that and I can point to you the times in which someone came in and told me they knew more about why I was poor than I did. That is not compassion. Compassion is just sitting side by side with others, not having judgment, working with them to help them get to the next level on their own steam and providing support to them to get there. We are all glasses half empty and I think if we can help each other be the best that we can be, that's great.

Catch the full story in the upcoming January 2026 of SRQ Magazine. 

Photo by Wes Roberts.

MITER Foundation, the charitable arm of MITER Brands, a residential window and door manufacturer, recently donated a decommissioned truck with a non-working engine to the Diesel Maintenance Technician program at Pinellas Technical College (PTC) in Clearwater. The contribution provides students in the program with a hands-on learning opportunity for rebuilding an engine, while also helping to address the shortage of trained diesel mechanics. The Diesel Systems Technician 1 and 2 program at PTC is a 1,050-hour course that covers diesel engine fundamentals, including diagnosis, repair, and overhaul, as well as steering, suspension, and HVAC systems. The program prepares students for ASE certification and lasts approximately 11 months. The curriculum is divided into modules, such as Diesel Engine Mechanic/Technician Helper and Diesel Electrical and Electronics Technician. To celebrate the donation, team members from MITER Brand’s Venice, Florida location joined students and faculty on the PTC Clearwater campus to officially hand over the keys for the vehicle. 

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Florida Studio Theatre (FST) has received a $5,000 grant from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation in support of the theatre’s flagship arts-in-education initiative, WRITE A PLAY. The funding will help expand the program’s reach and deepen its impact during the 2025–2026 school year. For more information about WRITE A PLAY or to support FST’s education programs, visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org. 

The Manatee Literacy Council announces that it has been awarded an $80,000 grant from Bishop-Parker Foundation to strengthen staffing to support the organization’s expanding English and literacy programs for adults in Manatee County. Bishop-Parker Foundation’s investment will directly support critical staffing, enabling Manatee Literacy Council to meet increasing demand for free, high-quality English and literacy instruction. Nearly 68,000 adults in Manatee County face significant literacy barriers, and sustainable staffing is essential to ensuring that learners receive the individualized support necessary to achieve their personal, family, and workforce goals. Learn more at www.manatee-literacy.org. 

Nonprofits across Manatee County will strengthen housing opportunities, expand mental health services, protect local wildlife, and enhance educational programs thanks to more than $4.1 million in fall 2025 grants from Bishop-Parker Foundation. Thirty-five organizations received funding to advance solutions to a wide range of challenges that partner organizations are working to address across Manatee County. This year’s awards support programs that increase access to essential services, invest in long-term community health, and fund projects that preserve and enhance the region’s natural and cultural assets.  

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BayCare Health System has named Kate Sawa its first chief philanthropy officer in a move to enhance the region’s largest academic and not-for-profit health care system’s capacity to serve West Central Florida. Sawa will continue to serve as president of the St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation, including the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation, while adding the responsibility to help mature BayCare’s philanthropic efforts.  For more information, visit BayCare.org.   

The Florida Center for Early Childhood’s Wonder Gala on December 5 at The Ora was an unforgettable celebration of generosity, resilience, and community spirit. More than 260 supporters and staff gathered to honor the organization’s mission. Together, they raised nearly $600,000 to strengthen early education, developmental therapies, and mental health services for young children and their families. Throughout the evening, guests were reminded that the earliest years shape a lifetime—a truth reflected in the stories shared and the moments that unfolded, as families illustrated how timely, compassionate support can change the trajectory of a child’s life and restore a sense of wonder.  

Embracing Our Differences (EOD) has received a $25,000 grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation to support its education programming serving Manatee County students and educators. According to Patrick Arthur Jackson, EOD’s vice president of learning and engagement, the funding ensures that schools throughout the county can continue accessing free, arts-based programs that help students build empathy, strengthen relationships, and feel more connected in their learning environments.  

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County recently awarded $445,000 in Community Impact grants to 28 nonprofits, boosting organizations doing critical work in a wide variety of fields. The funds will go toward programs that support families facing food insecurity, individuals struggling with mental health challenges and substance use disorders, people with conditions like epilepsy and Parkinson’s, survivors of domestic and sexual violence, students overcoming learning disabilities and more. Of the 28 organizations awarded Community Impact grants, 10 also received Capacity Building grants. Those are intended to help nonprofits increase their fundraising ability and develop strategic plans, key steps as they work toward greater long-term sustainability. 

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When you gift tickets to the Inspiring Hope Dinner benefiting Sunshine From Darkness, you’re not just giving a seat at the table - you’re giving hope, connection, and a spark of light to someone who may need it most. This meaningful evening brings our community together to support mental health awareness, celebrate resilience, and fund programs that help turn darkness into light. It’s a gift that leaves a lasting impact - long after the dinner ends. Purchase tickets as a gift today and be part of something powerful. 

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