When the Community Calls, Gulf Coast’s Area of Greatest Need Fund Delivers

Our compassionate donors at Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) hold many causes close to their heart. They have the unique ability to make an impact in the areas that mean the most to them, from investing in mental health, affordable housing, water quality and access to green space to unknown or developing needs in our community.

When our region requires immediate action, the Area of Greatest Need Fund is there. Through this fund, our donors can invest in pressing regional needs even before they’ve occurred and help get meaningful projects over the finish line. With our in-depth knowledge of the community, we can ensure that donors’ gifts into our Area of Greatest Need Fund have the impact where they’re needed now. By staying on the pulse of developing needs in our region, Gulf Coast’s Area of Greatest Need Fund allows us to respond quickly to emerging situations and community needs.

Hurricane Debby caused devastating flooding in many areas of our community, profoundly impacting hundreds of families, leaving them without homes, cars, belongings, and access to necessities. According to the Climate Adaptation Center, the storm brought record rains ranging from 13 to 18 inches with hundreds of high-water rescues and 50 million gallons of sewage flooding into our streets. The Area of Greatest Need Fund was there to support our community members in need. We awarded a $30,000 grant to United Way of South Sarasota County for the Hurricane Debby Recovery and Relief Fund. The grant was made possible by local donor contributions to our Area of Greatest Need Fund. United Way of South Sarasota County is providing direct assistance to those affected by Hurricane Debby. As your community foundation, we stand strong in supporting our community’s displaced families in their recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Charlotte CARE Center, founded in 1989, is a leading shelter provider in Charlotte County; they also run a large food pantry and provide hot meals to our neighbors in need. Our partners at St. Vincent de Paul CARES share the belief that everyone has a right to live in dignified and affordable housing. The Charlotte CARE Center was weathering a difficult time, trying to maintain their essential services to a community in deep need following Hurricane Ian.  Gulf Coast’s Area of Greatest Need Fund was there to answer the call for help. Thanks to our donors’ generosity, a $50,000 grant was made to Charlotte CARE Center for shelter and food for veterans, families, and adults at risk of and experiencing homelessness. Community leaders are grateful to St. Vincent de Paul CARES for stepping in to maintain Charlotte CARE Center. As a longtime supporter of this organization, we are committed to working collaboratively with partners in Charlotte County to end the suffering caused by homelessness.
 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties’ Gene Matthews Club in North Port was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. A grant of $35,000 from our Area of Greatest Need Fund was awarded to rebuild this valuable community asset. Together with our donors, Gulf Cost has provided a total of $1 million to support the rebuilding of the club which has been serving North Port and the surrounding area since 1997. Through the Area of Greatest Need Fund, Gulf Coast’s innovative donors stepped up to support the building of this dynamic campus for the children and families of North Port. The city of North Port’s population is rapidly growing, currently at over 94,000 people. The new club will provide services to over 500 members annually, plus approximately 300 young people in the summer, and over 250 in the school year.

Together with our donors and the Area of Greatest Need Fund, we are transforming our region through bold and proactive philanthropy. The results of this fund demonstrate that by entrusting Gulf Coast with your charitable dollars, you are effectively addressing critical needs in our community. When critical needs arise in our region, Gulf Coast Community Foundation and its generous donors are there to make a significant, lasting impact when it’s needed most. To learn more, please contact our Philanthropy Team.