Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice is rare in the foundation world in that we utilize the knowledge and expertise of community volunteers in making grant and scholarship recommendations.

In most foundations, these decisions are made by staff and then approved by a board. Here at Gulf Coast Community Foundation, volunteer grant screening committees review grant proposals, conduct site visits, and ultimately make grant recommendations to our volunteer Board of Directors.

In addition, a committee of more than 50 volunteers meets in May to determine Foundation scholarship awards for the coming school year. While these processes take time and effort to coordinate, it is well worth the input from our communities' experts.

Our volunteers' generosity is tremendous, and our communities are stronger because of their efforts. What we are doing here is more powerful than philanthropy alone. We are building social capital, which is a measure of our community’s interconnectedness…our willingness to be involved, to help each other, and to trust each other. Simply put, we are better together.

The commitment our volunteers make is a living example of the "better together" idea. This community foundation is far greater than the sum of its parts, and its strength lies in the vast interconnectedness of our not-for-profit agencies, educators, parents, donors, program administrators, and volunteers.           

Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice is fortunate to have the support of so many citizens who care enough to give of themselves. We thank each of them.


If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, we invite you to complete the online application form below. In addition, please email your resume, curriculum vitae, or any other relevant information to info@gulfcoastcf.org or by mail to 601 Tamiami Trail South, Venice, FL 34285. You can also call 941.486.4600 or stop by the Foundation's office to request a volunteer form.