Recent Small and Mighty Grants

To purchase two forklifts to move heavy pallets of food supporting North Port residents in need.

For event furniture to help generate vital earned income and for new tables to support volunteer-led horticulture programs.

For risers and iPads to support community outreach and expansion of performances.

For a new shelving system to store, preserve, and catalogue documents important to Venice history.

To customize technology to track program outcomes of high school students engaged in success-building programs

For parking lot improvements at the organization’s new headquarters supporting people in recovery.

For technology supporting a results-based empowerment and health program for girls.

For technology and equipment to increase capacity for a Manatee-based food program for families who cannot leave their home to access pantries.

For a smartboard and technology needed for programming

For updates to a mobile shower trailer serving unhoused people in Manatee County

For case management and cybersecurity software to support mental health services 

For hurricane relief and recovery materials in DeSoto County

For technology to support the executive director

For soundproofing studio spaces and an interactive board for student training

STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) tools boosting the organization’s residency program with elementary-aged students, currently at Emma E. Booker Elementary School. The organization gives children—especially those who are underrepresented in STEAM fields—an opportunity to explore with interactive instruction and hands-on learning. 

Technology and furnishings to support a growing team focused on increasing post-secondary attainment and parental involvement in education in DeSoto County. This project is vital for DeSoto County, where educational and economic challenges severely limit students’ opportunities. 

For parts to refurbish devices provided to low-income adults and young people. The organization partners with local schools and nonprofit organizations to help individuals access laptops and other devices necessary for schoolwork, employment, emergency information, and to be informed and engaged citizens.

To improve shared spaces at low-cost art studios for professional artists in Sarasota. In addition to providing affordable space, the nonprofit develops partnerships between artists and local nonprofits to increase understanding of social issues using art as a medium for expression.

For furnishings to accommodate growing audiences learning through visual arts

For a Promethean board and stand to support multi-cultural music education for an after-school program serving at-risk youth.

For outdoor signage helping residents access their local library

For software supporting learning gains for English Language Learner adults

For climate control in spaces used for tutoring and mentorship of at-risk girls and for community programs hosted by partner organizations

Toward a skiff for oyster restoration in the Manatee River and associated environmental education/ citizen engagement

To support technology for the organization’s new executive director position supporting the LGBTQ+ community 

Toward the purchase of a pop-up trailer to provide environmental education to park visitors and others.

To purchase a storage shed for furniture, allowing multi-purpose use of the space for community events.

For iPads to support learning in the Freedom School, a weekend-based African American history initiative for students.

To fund walkways connecting the site of the Underground Railroad and a museum about freedom seekers in Manatee County to nearby public spaces, encouraging increased visitation.

To support an office reconfiguration improving air flow and logistics in the service area supporting children with auditory challenges who receive therapeutic services.

To upgrade software that will enhance the organization’s fundraising capacity and streamline its accounting systems. JoshProvides improves the quality of life for people living with epilepsy and other seizure disorders by assisting with the purchase of seizure detection and devices, transportation to medical appointments, medical services, and community education and awareness. In addition, JoshProvides sponsors an Epilepsy Support Group.

For new picnic tables to support the visitor and education experience at the Felts Preserve in Manatee County

To purchase a new roof. The organization partners with community, libraries and youth serving organizations to engage individuals, families and young people in nature-based activities. Its facility is located at the entrance to Arcadia and is a gathering place for events.

To purchase technology upgrades and materials for community education events. The nonprofit’s Teen Health Educator program in Manatee and Sarasota counties engages high-school volunteers in effectively educating and mentoring their peers on critical health topics that affect them, helping them make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

For website enhancements that will help connect adoptive families to local children. The organization engages professional photographers who lend their equipment and time to capture the individuality and dignity of children living in foster care. The organization advocates for children’s permanency and raises public awareness about their needs.

Toward the purchase of a new van that can accommodate up to 12 custom kennels installed for the safe transport of animals from County Animal Services and to/from veterinary partners. The nonprofit provides a safe haven for companion animals in need until a loving, permanent home can be found. Animals brought into the shelter are from Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties.

To purchase technology that will increase reading and math proficiency for girls in Academic Boot Camp program. Founded and led by local teacher Sherry Martin, the nonprofit strengthens the mother/daughter bond, helps students overcome barriers at school and achieve acceptable attendance, helps break the cycle of poverty, and establishes a financial knowledge foundation for girls to build upon.

To upgrade software that will enhance the organization’s fundraising capacity and streamline its accounting systems. JoshProvides improves the quality of life for people living with epilepsy and other seizure disorders by assisting with the purchase of seizure detection and devices, transportation to medical appointments, medical services, and community education and awareness. In addition, JoshProvides sponsors an Epilepsy Support Group.

To purchase technology and a website upgrade. The grassroots organization helps survivors of domestic violence in Sarasota and Manatee counties by providing client-centered, crisis intervention services to survivors of abuse and their families who are at immediate risk and under threats of harm. It partners with other organizations in the area with referrals.

To purchase equipment for navigators – individuals who will bring online community resources to those experiencing homelessness in Manatee County. This grassroots organization is best known for its mobile showers and partners with other agencies serving vulnerable people with their most critical needs.

To purchase multicultural/bilingual, large print, and children’s books for the new Lakewood Ranch Library. In a public/private partnership, the Friends group is raising funds for the opening collection of the new library. It will be the closest public library location for many residents in east Sarasota/Manatee counties.

To purchase OSHA compliant safety helmets for the Search and Rescue team. The all-volunteer team is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to assist public safety agencies in locating missing and lost children, elderly and despondent persons that have walked away, human remains detections, and evidence searches.

To replace siding on the historic Sparkman Cottage. This nonprofit is believed to be the only plant conservatory in the United States focused exclusively on succulents that holds independent ownership of its property, structures and clubhouse, the latter being the 1930s-era former home of founder Walter Sparkman. In 2004, the Sparkman Cottage received designation as a historic property by the City of Sarasota.

To purchase equipment for expansion of residential food scrap recovery and composting in Sarasota. This organization has provided education and outreach to nearly 4,000 residents ranging from preschool classes to groups of mature adults and elders in community clubs and neighborhood associations. They have facilitated programs that have recovered nearly 150,000 lbs. of food scraps for compost-making instead of sending these valuable resources to the landfill.