Transform Together

Together with our donors, we transform our region through bold and proactive philanthropy. We are your community foundation serving Sarasota County, Charlotte County, DeSoto County, Boca Grande, Lakewood Ranch, and Longboat Key, Florida.

Why give through Gulf Coast

Let's Be Better Together This Saturday

03.14.26 | 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. | West Blalock Park

We invite our partners, supporters, and community members to come together with Gulf Coast this Saturday, March 14, to connect, celebrate our shared impact, and enjoy an afternoon filled with music, activities, and fun.

The event will feature hands-on activities inspired by Gulf Coast’s focus areas, along with live music and family-friendly experiences. Together, we’ll also celebrate Venice’s Centennial and Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s 30 years of service to our region.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase from local food trucks.

Join Us

Here for Good

Connected Through Purpose

Our region turns vision into action every day.

Fueled by you, Gulf Coast Community Foundation helps to connect people, ideas, and resources to enrich lives and strengthen communities in the special place we proudly call home.

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Donors

We help guide donors' generosity and support their philanthropic interests today and for future generations.

Your Giving

Nonprofits

So much of what we are able to accomplish is possible only through the work of our nonprofit partners.

Nonprofit Resources

Students

Our scholarship program ensures that our region prepares the skilled workforce we need for the future through students of all ages.

Student Resources

Professional Advisors

We strive to be our Professional Advisors' resource and sounding board as they serve their philanthropic clients.

Advisor Tools & Resources

Areas of Impact

We identify emerging needs in our region and mobilize the right resources and passionate people to address them.

Arts & Culture Civic & Economical Development Disaster Response Education Environment Health & Human Services

It’s all about the gulf coast

As a public charity dedicated to serving the needs of our region, everything we do here is about our local communities.

$625M

Grants & Impact

Invested in community impact since our creation in 1995

850+

Philanthropists

Individuals, families, agencies, and organizations calling Gulf Coast home

$48M

Yearly Granted (FY25)

Grants, scholarships, and initiative support in our latest fiscal year

What's happening

Updates & Insights

All the latest news and happenings from around our community.

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Lakeview Village Executive Summary Proposal 02 04 26

Stories

A Home for Those Who Keep Our Community Running

Lakeview Village – a residential community developed by Harvest House – is expanding access to attainable housing for our community and offering families the opportunity to live closer to jobs, schools, and essential services.

Stories

Stronger Staff, Stronger Impact: Project HEAL Introduces Second Cohort

Project HEAL continues to build momentum by investing in the people and organizations dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness.

Foundation News

Applications Open for 2026 Gulf Coast Leadership Institute February 25

Applications for Gulf Coast’s 2026 Gulf Coast Leadership Institute (GCLI) will open on Wednesday, February 25 and close on Wednesday, March 18.

Stories

From Insight to Action: Protecting Our Water and Open Space

Protecting our natural resources takes more than awareness. It requires knowledge, partnership, and action. By working with local governments, experts, and donors, we’re turning insight into real solutions that preserve our land, water, and trails for generations to come.

Stories

Sarasota Magazine: Hands, Hearts, and Community Connection

The following article appeared in Sarasota Magazine on February 24, 2026.

Stories

SRQ Daily: Where Local Leadership Takes Root, Communities Flourish

The following guest column by Phillip Lanham appeared in the Saturday, February 21, 2026 edition of SRQ Daily.

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