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 $3,600,000, 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 $3.6 million in aggregate giving thanks to our generous members and friends!
2024 GRANT AWARDEES
Adventure for All
Awaken Church Outreach Center
Backpack Angels
Big Brothers Big sisters of the Sun Coast
Boys & Girls Club
Child Protection Center
Children First
Englewood Community Care Clinic
Epilepsy Services
Family Promise
Girl Scouts of Gulf coast Florida
Good Samaritan Pharmacy
Habitat South Sarasota
JFCS -Jewish Family & Children Services
Laurel Civic
Literacy Volunteers
Loveland Center
Making an Impact
Mote Marine
North Port Meals on Wheels
Neuro Challenge – Impact Grant
On The Spot
Operation Warrior
Our Mothers House
Pregnancy Solutions
Samaritan Counseling Services
Senior Friendship Center
Solve Maternity Home
SPARCC
State College of Florida
Teen Court of Sarasota
The Center of Hope
The Haven
The Hermitage Artist Retreat
The Twig
The Venice Symphony
The Warehouse of Venice
Tidewell
VAMMI
VAPCC
Venice Chorale
Venice High School Graduation Program
Venice Musicale
Venice Nokomis Community Preschool
Wildlife Center of Venice
Women's Resource Center
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Director
Director
Director
Grant Committee
Led by Grant Chair, Pat Hurley, the 2024 Grant Committee takes on the important task of vetting, evaluating and funding PCF grant proposals. Grants are awarded to those social service, health, education, environmental and cultural organizations throughout South Sarasota County that are deemed worthy of funding.
2023-24 Grant Committee Members: Sue Sutton, Elaine Lapinksi, Joe Castellano, Chair-Pat Hurley, Jan Lee, Bettine Brusca, Kristine Sperry, Joe Noto, Ruth Ruud.
Our Grant Committee is always looking for members. Please use the Contact Us option below if you are interested in joining the committee in 2023.
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