Education Foundation of Sarasota County
/OVERVIEW: The Education Foundation of Sarasota County supports in college, career, and life readiness, art and innovation, and excellence in teaching in Sarasota County, Florida.
FUNDING AREAS: Education, college/career/life readiness, art and innovation, excellence in teaching
IP TAKE: This is a foundation designed to support Sarasota County Public Schools and educators, not typically for general education nonprofits in the region.
PROFILE: Established in 1988, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County (EFSC) is a local foundation based in Sarasota, Florida. A community member and public education advocate named Shirley Ritchey founded EFSC to support schools in the area. The foundation aims to "enhance the potential of students, promote excellence in teaching, and inspire innovation in education, guided by strategic philanthropy.” It funds local education efforts related to college, career, and life readiness, art and innovation, and excellence in teaching.
The Education Foundation of Sarasota County program for college, career, and life readiness addresses the tools students need for post-secondary opportunities, training, and career opportunities. This includes mentoring, scholarships, and career chats with professionals. Art and innovation support from EFSC goes towards arts education and technology and innovation skills enhancement that will help students excel in college and careers. EFSC is involved with the regional STEM fair, STEMSmart Summit, and digital learning labs. The excellence in teaching category supports professional development for instructors and school-wide improvements to empower Sarasota County educators. These efforts include professional development program, teacher of the year awards, and EducateSRQ grants to educators in K-12 classrooms.
Grants range between about $1,000 and $10,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses exclusively on Sarasota County, Florida. Past local grantees are Sarasota County Public Schools and educators for teacher of the year awards.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications for certain opportunities, such as the EducateSRQ grants program. Direct general questions to the staff at 941-924-0965.
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