The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Inc.
In 1979, seeing a need for a professional, dedicated organization to manage the charitable gifts provided by its clients, the board of the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council sponsored the formation of a community foundation for all of Sarasota County.
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County (CFSC) exists to enhance the community, meeting and identifying ongoing needs through strategic philanthropy. With oversight of more than 1500 charitable funds, the Community Foundation is able to steward the donor’s charitable intent, which may focus on the arts, human services, health, education, the environment, or other areas of concern, and meet the ongoing needs of the community.
CFSC offers many advantages over a private foundation with a highly favored tax position as all contributions made through the foundation are tax deductible as gifts to a 501 (c)(3) public charity and relief from the administrative burden of managing a private foundation. A donor can have a personal identity by setting up a named fund or give to any existing fund. A donor may choose a specific area of charitable interest or allow the Community Foundation to meet changing community needs. Through a donor advised fund, a donor may suggest organizations to which grants may be made, and appoint successor advisors to the fund. All fund types enjoy economies of scale, including reduced administrative costs and increased investment opportunities.
Members of the Council are encouraged to introduce charitable clients to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County:
Betsy Pennewill, J.D., Corporal Counsel (betsy@cfsarasota.org) or
Jay Young, Vice President, Philanthropy (young@cfsarasota.org)
Community Foundation of Sarasota County
2635 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone: (941) 955-3000