The Community Foundation of Sarasota County was created in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council to encourage philanthropic individuals to leave a charitable legacy to the citizens of Sarasota County.

Since 1979, the Community Foundation has been making the important connection between individuals' personal memories, passions, dreams and the fulfillment of their charitable goals. We help create permanent charitable funds of everlasting impact. These funds ensure that people of vision will have an enduring influence on the life of their community and the charitable causes they hold dear, that is truly For Good. For Ever.®

We are one of more than 700 locally controlled community foundations in the U.S. and Canada enjoying rapid growth, making our field the fastest growing sector of American philanthropy. Tax-deductible gifts and bequests make up the permanent endowment of community foundations and annual income from investment of that endowment is used to match donors' charitable interests with needs in the community through grants and scholarships. Each community foundation is governed by a board of directors made up of respected volunteer business and civic leaders chosen to represent the rich diversity of the population.

As a Supporting Organization, the Manatee Community Foundation is a philanthropic partner with the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.  Together, the two foundations, along with the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, provide services to charitable donors and resources to non profits throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties.