Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) and its donors have launched two public challenge matches totaling $1 million to support projects across Sarasota County. The dollar-for-dollar matches will help expand child abuse prevention and treatment services in North Port and create 25 attainable apartments for working families in Sarasota County, with every dollar contributed by the public matched by generous Gulf Coast donors.
Both projects come at a critical moment: South Sarasota County's rapid growth is straining child services, and the need for workforce housing across the region continues to outpace supply.
“What moves me is watching our donors lean in when they see a need,” said Sasha Pyatte, Director of Philanthropic Partnerships. They visited the Child Protection Center, they learned about Lakeview Village, and they said yes – with their hearts and their resources.
That kind of commitment is what transforms a community.”
Child Protection Center: Monda Campus of Healing Expansion
CPC is advancing plans to expand its North Port campus in response to rapidly growing demand for services across South Sarasota County.
Gulf Coast provided a $250,000 grant to support this expansion of the Keith D. Monda Family Campus of Healing after a site visit inspired Gulf Coast donors Keith Monda and Veronica Brady to engage more closely with the project and its potential impact. Inspired to build on that investment, more than 20 donor families raised an additional $250,000, creating a $500,000 challenge match designed to generate $1 million for the project. The matching pool includes a lead gift from Scott Moore and Melissa Howard and remains open to community contributions.
Harvest House: Lakeview Village Workforce Housing
Harvest House’s Lakeview Village will provide 25 attainable, energy-efficient apartments for households earning 60–80 percent of Area Median Income, serving working families that include teachers, healthcare workers, social workers, and other essential employees.
The project’s $500,000 matching pool includes a $250,000 grant from the Gulf Coast Board of Directors, alongside significant gifts from the Elsa and Peter Soderberg Charitable Foundation, Bob and Lin Williams, and Kathy and Travis Brown. In addition to expanding workforce housing, Lakeview Village will generate ongoing rental income to support Harvest House’s operations.
Together, these challenge efforts reflect how early investment can catalyze broader participation. Public support will help fully fund the matching pools and move both projects forward.
Interviews with Gulf Coast leadership are available upon request. Individuals interested in contributing to the challenge matches are encouraged to contact the Philanthropy Team.
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