Guidelines & Eligibility

Organizations serving Sarasota County, Charlotte County, DeSoto County, Boca Grande, Lakewood Ranch, and Longboat Key, Florida that are classified as tax-exempt public charities by the Internal Revenue Service are eligible to receive funding. 

Individual schools, booster clubs and/or classrooms are not eligible for funding. Gulf Coast is strongly committed to supporting academic excellence in our region’s schools, and as a result we have made significant investments in systemic initiatives. Only grant requests submitted by authorized representatives of the Sarasota, Charlotte, and DeSoto County School Districts will be considered. 

Yes, for their efforts aligned with Gulf Coast’s priorities. Participation in religious activities must be voluntary. Religious activities must not be a requirement within the program or event being funded. Grant funding may not be used for religious worship, instruction, or proselytization.

The following are not eligible for Program Support or Event Sponsorship

Program Support

• Medical research or disease-specific services
• Pass through organizations that redistribute funding
• Projects outside our geographic service area
• Programs launching in our region without local partners

Event Sponsorship

• Sporting tournaments
• Events with limited community reach
• Individual schools or booster clubs
• Organizations fundraising on behalf of another nonprofit