Sarasota-based Clear Idea Labs, a software development firm, has unveiled its #GiveBack campaign and is accepting submissions from local nonprofits that need a new website or are looking to update their online brand image. The goal of the #GiveBack campaign is to help local nonprofits build online exposure, engage their online audience and increase donations by delivering a custom website that is mobile friendly and easy to use. In addition to a new website, Clear Idea will include hosting, website management and ongoing maintenance for one year.

 

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We Care Manatee received a $25,000 matching grant from Manatee Matches, a group of philanthropic men who support organizations through a fund at the Manatee Community Foundation. We Care Manatee met the match, yielding the nonprofit organization a total of $50,000 to commit to a nurse position for the next three years. Jenny Koselak, R.N., was hired to fill the nurse position.

 

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The Johnson Singer Foundation awarded $100,000 to the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. This unrestricted gift will help support the foundation’s mission to protect critical natural lands forever.

 

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The Be Inspired event, held on March 26 at the Field Club in Sarasota, continues to be a money raiser for the nonprofit organization, Springboard and its parent charity, Everyday Blessings, Inc. With matching funds from an anonymous donor from the Community Foundation of Sarasota, more than $65,000 has been raised. Springboard was founded by Bob and Joan Geyer to meet the needs of young adults aged 18-22 who are participating in the extended foster care program or in danger of becoming homeless, as they transition into adult independence, including housing.

 

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Brighton Collectibles at the Mall at University Town Center will host a give-and-get event to benefit the Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota County through this Sunday, July 26. The handbag trade-in event marks Brighton Collectibles’ 16th annual drive nationally to collect and deliver gently used handbags to women in need. Shoppers who donate a clean, gently used handbag made by any manufacturer will receive $25 off a purchase of $100-$150 and $50 off a purchase over $151 towards a new Brighton handbag.

 

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As a lead partner in the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, United Way has partnered with the School District of Manatee County and the Children’s Movement to bring ReadingPals to kindergartners housed in five of Manatee County’s Title I elementary schools for a fourth year. Funding for this program was generously provided by Carol and Barney Barnett and the Evans Family Charitable Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or would like additional information, please contact Doreen at (941) 748-1313 or via email at [email protected].

 

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Area businessmen and philanthropists Steve Hall and Bill Robertson have offered matching funds to stimulate donations to Goodwill Manasota's SERV initiative, which provides Special Emergency Resources for Veterans. Together, Robertson and Hall, whose participation and financial contributions helped Goodwill to launch SERV in March, and a private donor are offering up to $2,500 in matching funds for donations made during each of the "Helping Our Heroes" shows, a radio talk show held from 4-5 p.m. on Fridays on WSRQ. To support Goodwill’s SERV initiative and take advantage of the matching funds, please go to experiencegoodwill.org or call (941) 355-2721 ext. 104.