Prior Grant Requests
| Organization Name | Grant Year | Cycle | Request Amount | Grant Awarded | Awarded Amount | Matching Funds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azara Ballet Inc | ||||||
| Azara Ballet Inc | 2026 |
2026-1 |
$2,500.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Organization Name: Azara Ballet Inc
Organization Website: azaraballet.org
Year Established: 2022Â
Mission Statement:
To inspire joy, foster unity, and promote mental health through the universal language of dance.
Contact Name: Avery Held Years in Position: 2
Contact Email: avery@azaraballet.org
Contact Phone: 3173794682
Address: 5020 Clark Road
#504
Sarasota, Florida 34233
Have you previously received a grant? No If yes, please indicate the year(s): Â
How did you hear about our organization?
I discovered TLC Women’s Giving Circle through an online search and was impressed by your focus on supporting programs that benefit women, children, and families.
What do you believe we can provide your organization?
Support from TLC Women’s Giving Circle would provide seed funding for Azara Ballet’s newly established Arts Access Program, allowing us to expand access to professional ballet for Sarasota and Manatee County communities who do not normally have the opportunity to experience the arts. TLC’s investment would help launch the program and reinforce the importance of making live arts accessible, strengthening community connections and inspiring joy for audiences who might otherwise be excluded.
What will the grant be used for?
Grant funds will underwrite approximately 60 of the 1,800 complimentary tickets for the 2026–2027 season, across 6 performances with 300 seats per show. Tickets will be offered to underserved members of Sarasota and Manatee County, including students, families, teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, and current outreach partners. Funding will cover ticket costs only; administrative costs and the remaining tickets will be provided through other foundation support and organizational resources.
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Provide the grant amount you are seeking: $2,500.00
Do you provide services to Sarasota and/or Manatee County? Yes
What is the financial impact per individual/program this grant will provide?
For the 2026–2027 season, Azara Ballet will provide 1,800 complimentary tickets, with each ticket valued at $40. TLC Women’s Giving Circle’s grant of $2,500 would directly fund approximately 60 tickets, creating a clear, measurable impact by giving individuals who might not otherwise attend professional ballet the opportunity to experience the arts.
Please provide the estimated number of women, children and families impacted.
For the 2026–2027 season, Azara Ballet’s Arts Access Program will provide 1,800 complimentary tickets across 6 performances, reaching 1,800 individuals from Sarasota and Manatee County who do not normally have access to the arts, including students, families, teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, and community partners.
Is there a matching grant? No If yes, indicate donation source:
May we tour your facility? Yes
What reciprocal benefit can you provide our organization:
Azara Ballet would be thrilled to acknowledge TLC Women’s Giving Circle as a valued supporter of our Arts Access Program across multiple platforms, providing visibility and recognition for your generosity. This could include featuring the TLC logo on our website partners page, highlighting your support in our season newsletters, and recognizing TLC at performances and community events associated with the program. We are happy to work with TLC to tailor recognition in ways that best showcase your organization’s commitment to expanding arts access in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
Proof of Non-Profit Status https://tlcwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/15/IRS-Letter-.pdf
Organization’s Logo [110 show_image=1]
Project/Program-specific budget: https://tlcwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/15/TLC-Grant-Budget-1.pdf
Guide Star Profile/Rating (if applicable): https://tlcwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/15/Azara-Ballet-Inc-_-Print-_-Candid.pdf
Anything else you would like to share with us?
Azara Ballet is a professional nonprofit company dedicated to inspiring joy and fostering community through dance. We have produced acclaimed performances, including world premieres, and have been recognized by The New York Times for our innovative approach to mental health and inclusivity, creating a supportive environment for neurodivergent and all dancers alike. Beyond the stage, our outreach programs with Easterseals and Parkinson’s Place expand access to the arts and strengthen connections across Sarasota and Manatee Counties. With TLC Women’s Giving Circle’s support, we can continue to build on this foundation of artistic excellence and community impact.