The Season of Sharing Fund for Sarasota County

The Season of Sharing Fund for Sarasota County is sponsored by Community Foundation of Sarasota County. This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

Press Alt+1 for screen-reader mode, Alt+0 to cancelAccessibility Screen-Reader Guide, Feedback, and Issue Reporting | New window **Every One Can Make a Difference** * Create a Charitable Fund * Join the Legacy Society * Establish or Participate in a Giving Circle * Consult With Your Professional Advisor * Find Inspiration Through Donor Stories * Donate Through Your Private Foundation * Research Nonprofits and Volunteer Opportunities * Understand Community Needs and Data **Our Services for Professional Advisors** * Charitable Giving Options * Financial Advisor Program * Distinguished Speaker Series **Our Support for Nonprofits** * Workshops and Trainings * Research Community Needs and Data **Scholarship Opportunities** * Scholarships for Students Under 24 Years of Age * Scholarships for Students 24 Years of Age or Older * Tools and Resources for Scholarship Planning * Become a Scholarship Committee Volunteer * Community Knowledge and Impact _Community Knowledge and Impact Overview:_ Community Tools and Reports Community Indicators Dashboard * Emergency Needs & Disaster Relief * Scholarship Opportunities * Cultural Development & The Arts * Building Support & Capacity * 2Gen (two-generational) Approach * “EdExploreSRQ” Student Learning * Education and Career Scholarships * Season of Sharing Donation Campaign * Strauss Literacy Initiative * Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund * Campaign for Grade-Level Reading * History of Community Impact * Our Strategic Framework * Audited Financials and Tax Returns * Our Benefits and Culture # Season of Sharing Donation Campaign ## Empowering neighbors to help neighbors, individuals, and families with immediate basic needs regain stability through community philanthropy.

* **Season of Sharing Campaign** * **How Help Is Requested** ## [](https://www. cfsarasota.

org/knowledge-impact/community-care/season-of-sharing)Season of Sharing Campaign #### 26 Years of Stability, Flexibility, and Neighbors Helping Neighbors in Crisis While Sarasota is ranked among Florida’s most affluent communities, hundreds of hardworking families are just one paycheck away from the threat of homelessness or one emergency away from having to choose between buying food and paying the electric bill.

As a vital community-wide safety net,**Season of Sharing** has helped tens of thousands of people in our region avert cascading crises by providing temporary financial assistance for essential living expenses. For more than 25 years, Season of Sharing has empowered neighbors to help neighbors in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties rebound from setbacks with dignity.

All money collected through Season of Sharing is distributed to those in need in our four-county region and may be used for rent or mortgage assistance, utility bills, childcare, transportation, or other crucial expenses to help families restore a sense of security when it is needed most. ### _Hundreds of hardworking families in our region are just one emergency away from homelessness. _ ## [](https://www.

cfsarasota. org/knowledge-impact/community-care/season-of-sharing)How to Donate Donate to the Season of Sharing Fund. As always, all of your donation—100 percent—goes directly to help families stay in their homes.

Please select from the following individual funds: ###### Season of Sharing County in Greatest Need To provide targeted financial assistance for necessities like rent, utilities, car repairs, or other emergency expenses to individuals on the brink of homelessness. This fund supports the greatest need within Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, and Charlotte counties.

###### Season of Sharing Fund for Sarasota County To provide targeted financial assistance for necessities like rent, utilities, car repairs, or other emergency expenses to individuals on the brink of homelessness. This fund supports residents of Sarasota County.

###### Season of Sharing Fund for Manatee County To provide targeted financial assistance for necessities like rent, utilities, car repairs, or other emergency expenses to individuals on the brink of homelessness. This fund supports residents of Manatee County.

###### Season of Sharing Fund for Charlotte County To provide targeted financial assistance for necessities like rent, utilities, car repairs, or other emergency expenses to individuals on the brink of homelessness. This fund supports residents of Charlotte County.

###### Season of Sharing Fund for DeSoto County To provide targeted financial assistance for necessities like rent, utilities, car repairs, or other emergency expenses to individuals on the brink of homelessness. This fund supports residents of DeSoto County.

###### Season of Sharing Diane McFarlin Endowment Fund To support Season of Sharing and to provide funds for unrestricted use to maintain the Season of Sharing program as an effective resource to those in need in our community.

Mail your check—payable to Community Foundation of Sarasota County (please indicate **"Season of Sharing: County Designation"**)—to: c/o Community Foundation of Sarasota County ##### **Donate by Phone** ### _Since its inception in 2000, Season of Sharing has raised $53. 9 million to support more than 57,000 households, all thanks to our community's generosity.

_ As a reflection of our belief that anyone can be a philanthropist, regardless of means, Season of Sharing is an open invitation to all members of our community to give what they can to help their fellow neighbors. To this day, Season of Sharing remains a grassroots campaign that depends on generosity at all levels. Since its inception in 2000, this _time-tested and trusted resource_ has raised**$53.

9 million** to support more than **57,000** households, enabling individuals and families to get back on their feet. Throughout the campaign's history, more than 60,000 gifts have been made. Our 26th anniversary campaign, which concluded in January 2026, raised $4.

2 million through nearly 2,200 gifts, demonstrating our community's generosity. Year after year, Season of Sharing showcases the uniquely generous spirit of our community and the eagerness of those who are able to pay their good fortune forward to sustain the health of the communities we call home.

## Season of Sharing Through the Years Since the inception of Season of Sharing, when $121,000 was raised to help neighbors in need,donations have grown substantially thanks to our generous community.

Trust in Season of Sharing, built through stories by the _Sarasota Herald-Tribune_'s Saundra Amrhein and the efficiency of our network of community partners to get dollars where they're needed most, has propelled the campaign to new heights nearly every year for more than two decades. The Patterson Foundation strengthens the support of givers in our region who make Season of Sharing’s impact possible.

Gifts to Season of Sharing contribute to The Patterson Foundation’s match of $100,000 for every $500,000 raised by the community. Over time, The Patterson Foundation's match, along with other gifts, has resulted in more than $11 million in total contributions from The Patterson Foundation since 2010. Learn more about The Patterson Foundation’s longstanding support for Season of Sharing.

## _Additional support from The Patterson Foundation_ ## [](https://www. cfsarasota. org/knowledge-impact/community-care/season-of-sharing)How Is Help Requested Through Season of Sharing?

Need a visual? Click here to view a flowchart to learn about the Season of Sharing process. 1.

To request help, those in need call211—the United Way hotline that assists potential clients in finding the appropriate agency—or work with a social worker. 2. During their initial 211 call, clients will be referred to one of 50 agencies that best fit their needs and location, whether that be staying in their home, keeping the lights on, or repairing a car so they can get to work.

3. Following consultation with a social worker, funds from Season of Sharing will be distributed directly to the client’s landlord, utility, childcare provider, or car repair shop. Fundraising for Season of Sharing officially runs annually from November through January, but charitable giving continues throughout the year.

Because the Community Foundation provides grants directly to nonprofit agencies, individuals must be working with a case worker at a social service agency to receive funds. If you need assistance, 211 helps potential clients find an appropriate agency. Visit United Way's211 website to begin your search.

Season of Sharing was created by the**Herald-Tribune Media Group**and the Community Foundation, but has since been enhanced by partners like**The Patterson Foundation**and other funders that provide significant matching dollars, in addition to local donors who contribute gifts of varying amounts.

## Our Community and Season of Sharing: 25 Years The Suncoast region has seen many changes since 2000, including a growing population, with an influx of younger families moving to a region that is historically a retirement destination.

A larger population with diverse needs, along with rising rents and home values and incomes that are remaining mostly stagnant for renters, adds up to an increasing number of people living on the economic edge. Take a look at how our community has changed since 2000 in a special report on Season of Sharing published by the _Sarasota Herald-Tribune_ in October 2024. ## Stories of Impact: Season of Sharing[](https://www.

cfsarasota. org/knowledge-impact/community-care/season-of-sharing) Each life touched by Season of Sharing has a story. Through the years, Season of Sharing has embraced the belief that heartfelt storytelling—by learning about someone’s personal experiences—can unite and inspire our community.

November 3, 2025 #### Season of Sharing Donation Campaign Kicks off for 26th YearApril 21, 2025 #### Homeless families with school-aged kids on the rise in Sarasota-Manatee and FloridaFebruary 19, 2025 #### Local Hurricane Relief and Recovery Strengthened by 4. 2 Million DollarsFebruary 10, 2025 #### Sarasota-Manatee community raises historic $7.

2 million for Season of SharingFebruary 9, 2025 #### Season of Sharing sets historic mark for 25th annual campaignJanuary 27, 2025 #### Untold stories: Housing costs affect many helped by Season of SharingJanuary 21, 2025 #### 74-year-old Bradenton home health aide displaced by hurricanes helped by Season of SharingJanuary 15, 2025 #### A Bradenton mom is helped after a life of helping othersJanuary 6, 2025 #### Season of Sharing helps young mom after car repairs and unpaid medical leave set her backDecember 31, 2024 #### The sun, the sand, and the scars: home for the holidays **Vice President,Philanthropy** [](https://www.

cfsarasota. org/knowledge-impact/community-care/season-of-sharing)[](https://www. cfsarasota.

org/knowledge-impact/community-care/season-of-sharing)[](https://www. cfsarasota. org/knowledge-impact/community-care/season-of-sharing)[](mailto:?

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com/CommunityFoundationSarasotaCounty)[](https://www. instagram. com/cfsarasota/)[](https://www.

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com/@communityfoundation) THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SARASOTA COUNTY, INC. IS A REGISTERED 501(C)(3) NON-PROFIT CORPORATION (EIN 59-1956886). A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 (OR 1-800-352-9832 EN ESPAÑOL) OR GOING ON THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE WWW. FDACS.

GOV/CONSUMERSERVICES. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. One hundred percent (100%) of the donation is received by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, registration #CH2471.

**Every One Can Make a Difference** * Create a Charitable Fund * Join the Legacy Society * Establish or Participate in a Giving Circle * Consult With Your Professional Advisor * Find Inspiration Through Donor Stories * Donate Through Your Private Foundation * Research Nonprofits and Volunteer Opportunities * Understand Community Needs and Data **Our Services for Professional Advisors** * Charitable Giving Options * Financial Advisor Program * Distinguished Speaker Series **Our Support for Nonprofits** * Workshops and Trainings * Research Community Needs and Data **Scholarship Opportunities** * Scholarships for Students Under 24 Years of Age * Scholarships for Students 24 Years of Age or Older * Tools and Resources for Scholarship Planning * Become a Scholarship Committee Volunteer * Community Knowledge and Impact _Community Knowledge and Impact Overview:_ Community Tools and Reports Community Indicators Dashboard * Emergency Needs & Disaster Relief * Scholarship Opportunities * Cultural Development & The Arts * Building Support & Capacity * 2Gen (two-generational) Approach * “EdExploreSRQ” Student Learning * Education and Career Scholarships * Season of Sharing Donation Campaign * Strauss Literacy Initiative * Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund * Campaign for Grade-Level Reading * History of Community Impact * Our Strategic Framework * Audited Financials and Tax Returns * Our Benefits and Culture