Our History
In 1988, sensing a need to assist the local community, a small group of individuals living in The Plantation Golf & Country Club neighborhood got together to form a charitable organization so they could provide help to those in need. This was the beginning of what was to become the Plantation Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity that supports local people, groups and organizations in the Venice, Englewood, Northport and South Sarasota County area.
Over the years Plantation Community Foundation (PCF) has donated over $3,700,000, all of which has gone to local organizations. What began as a small funding group with a donation of $42,400 in the first year, PCF has become a major benefactor for many groups as annual funding reached a high of $162,685 in 2021 when so many were suffering from the impact of the Pandemic.
The PCF takes both donations and funding very seriously and developed a criteria for both funding decisions and, in turn, to be used as potential donors evaluate the importance and effectiveness of the Foundation. The criteria developed in the 1990s for judging a foundation focuses on “Clarity of Mission,” “Innovative Ability,” “Clear Definition of Results,” and “Willingness to Have its Performance Measured.”
PCF’s mission states it is: “An organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of South Sarasota County residents by supporting organizations involved in social services, healthcare, educational, environmental and cultural activities."
It’s logo states: “Please Give from the Heart and help out neighbors in need” and its vision statement is “Together we make a difference across our community.”
All funds are spent in South Sarasota County where the Foundation is based. It is the policy of the Foundation to make grants to organizations addressing issues within the boundaries of the geographic area from Osprey south to the Sarasota - Charlotte County line and in the east-west direction from the Gulf of Mexico to the general area of Interstate 75.
Making a Difference!
Since inception, the formula of caring and sharing - "Making a Difference" - and having fun doing
it,
is still going strong. In 2023, the Foundation achieved the milestone of $3.7 million in
aggregate giving thanks to our generous members and friends!
Spreading the Seeds of Community Giving
by Supporting These Endeavors
2025 GRANT AWARDEES
Awaken Church Outreach Center
Backpack Angels
Child Protection Center
Children First
Englewood Community Care Clinic
Epilepsy Services
Family Promise
Good Samaritan Pharmacy
Habitat for Humanity
JFCS -Jewish Family & Children Services
Laurel Civic
Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center
Loveland Center
Mothers Helping Nothers
Neuro Challenge Foundation
North Port Meals on Wheels
On The Spot
Operation Warrior
Our Mothers House
Pregnancy Solutions
Samaritan Counseling Services
Senior Friendship Center
Society of St. Vincent DePaul
Teen Court of Sarasota
The Warehouse of Venice
VAMMI
Venice Area Pregnancy Care Center
Women's Resource Center
2024-2025 Board of Directors
Kathy Braglia
President
Joe Noto
Vice President
Donna Castellano
Secretary
John Noyes
Treasurer
Bernadette Higgins
Director
Irene Crowley
Director
Linda Zambaldi
Director
Janet Lee
Director
ByLaws
Committees
Annual Report
Treasurers Report
List of Members
Grant Committee
Our Grant Committee is always looking for members. Please use the Contact Us option below if you are interested in joining the committee.
The 2025 Grant Committee takes on the important task of vetting, evaluating and funding PCF grant proposals. Grants are awarded to organizations throughout South Sarasota County that are deemed worthy of funding.
2024-25 Grant Committee Members: Bettine Brusca, Ruth Ruud, Elaine Lapinski, Pat Hurley, Grant Chair - Jan Lee, Joe Castellano. Not pictured -Kristine Sperry.
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