Florida Studio Theatre has announced a challenge gift of $4 million from Ed and Susan Maier toward FST's Arts Plaza. The Maiers have proposed that their challenge gift be used as a “one-to-one matching fund” to create a “circle of friends” to name the Arts Plaza in honor of Dennis and Graci McGillicuddy. 

Donna and Jim Boldt recently donated $1 million to help Venice Theatre continue its ongoing recovery from damage sustained during Hurricane Ian and support its Technical Arts Center, which will be named after the Boldts.

The Library Foundation for Sarasota County received a $15,000 grant from the Harry Shapiro Charitable Foundation to support the 2024 Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources’ Summer Learning program.

The Pine Shores Presbyterian Church Missions Committee recently donated $14,203.52 to Samaritan Counseling Services, which will utilize the funds to provide licensed counseling to the foster care community and partner with local nonprofits in this effort.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation recently awarded Mothers Helping Mothers a $10,000 grant to sponsor its annual fundraising event, “Power of Purple,” and support Mothers Helping Mothers’ C.A.R.E.S. program.