Posted on August 25, 2009

Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice Awards $2.1 Million in Grants

The Florida-based Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice has announced more than $2.1 million in grants to twenty-five organizations as part of a first round of grantmaking focused exclusively on providing operating support to grantees.

In June the foundation announced a shift to providing operating support in order to help organizations deal with financial challenges brought on by the recession. The largest grantmaking round in the foundation's history included awards to organizations working in the arts and culture, health and human services, education, civic affairs, and the environment. Recipients include Coastal Behavioral Healthcare, Jewish Family and Children's Services of Sarasota-Manatee, Children First, and the Asolo Repertory Theatre.

"This infusion of operating cash into our local nonprofit community will help agencies bridge funding gaps and make up revenue shortfalls while they focus on their long-term strength and sustainability," said Teri A. Hansen, president and CEO of the foundation. "Our community needs these nonprofits now more than ever, and our board of directors sought to invest the kind of help that the organizations need to remain viable."

For a list of grantees, visit the Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice Web site.