Double Your Impact
This press release was distributed by The Bay on August 4, 2026.
The Bay and Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) are partnering once again to build on the momentum to finish the park that has become a beloved gathering place for the region. A new $2 million challenge match invites philanthropists and the community to co-invest in completing The Bay and help sustain it for generations to come.
Gulf Coast Board of Directors approved a $1 million grant, doubled by anonymous Gulf Coast donors, to establish a total of $2 million in matching dollars for The Bay Park in downtown Sarasota, Florida. This transformational funding will help support the completion of the park and help ensure, in the long term, that The Bay is sustainable in every way -- environmentally, operationally, and financially. Donors who give by June 30, 2027, will have their gift matched dollar for dollar, helping raise $4 million to complete and sustain the park. Donations can be made via The Bay website here.
Gulf Coast has helped advance The Bay since the idea of the park first took shape, when the community was faced with a once-in-a-generation decision about the future of this precious area on Sarasota’s bayfront. That early support helped lay the groundwork for many important contributions, including support for Common Ground, a centerpiece lawn in the first phase of the park, and the extension of the Resilient Shoreline as part of the second phase, currently in progress, which continues environmental restoration efforts throughout the park.
"Almost every day, The Bay is hosting something that brings people together -- free and open to everyone, whether it's a walk in nature, a fitness class or a movie under the stars," said Phillip Lanham, Gulf Coast President & CEO. "That's what a shared, welcoming space does for a community. We're deeply grateful to the anonymous donors who partnered with Gulf Coast to bring this match to $2 million -- doubling every dollar the community gives, for a combined $4 million for The Bay. That's an investment in this region that will pay dividends for generations to come."
“This challenge match from Gulf Coast demonstrates the ongoing importance of The Bay and its growing positive impact -- on the environment and on people throughout the community. Continuing the momentum to create, complete, and provide access to more sustainable green space enables the park to continue to serve as a beloved “third place” -- where people gather, connect, and belong. The Bay is "One Park for All" -- open and accessible, free and welcoming to the full and rich diversity of our community -- now and for future generations,” says AG Lafley, Founding CEO Bay Park Conservancy.
More than 1.2 million people have visited The Bay since the park opened in October 2022. When complete, The Bay will create 53 acres of resilient green space and parkland for everyone in the community to enjoy while also treating millions of gallons of polluted stormwater before it enters Sarasota Bay. With this match, “More Park for All” is within reach, creating even more opportunities for people to gather, connect, and thrive.
