Prior Grant Requests
| Organization Name | Grant Year | Cycle | Request Amount | Grant Awarded | Awarded Amount | Matching Funds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) | 2021 |
2021-1 |
Yes | $1,500.00 | $500.00 | |
| Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) | 2022 |
2022-1 |
$2,000.00 | Yes | $2,100.00 | $600.00 |
| Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) | 2026 |
2026-1 |
$2,000.00 | Yes | $1,600.00 |
Organization Name: Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC)
Organization Website: http://www.sparcc.net
Year Established: 1979Â
Mission Statement:
SPARCC’s mission is to provide a safe haven and promote empowerment, awareness, and social change to end domestic and sexual violence.
Contact Name: Melissa Smith Years in Position: 19
Contact Email: msmith@sparcc.net
Contact Phone: 9413650208
Address: 2139 Main Street
Sarasota, Florida 34237
Have you previously received a grant? Yes If yes, please indicate the year(s): 2021, 2022, 2023Â
How did you hear about our organization?
We are familiar with The Lake Club through their previous grant support of SPARCC, as well as through many of our supporters who live in the community.
What do you believe we can provide your organization?
The Lake Club can provide meaningful community partnership and philanthropic support that helps SPARCC continue serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Sarasota County. Support from The Lake Club helps ensure survivors and their children have access to safe shelter, advocacy, and critical resources as they rebuild their lives.
What will the grant be used for?
We are requesting support for SPARCC’s Emergency Shelter. The shelter operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing safe housing and wraparound services including crisis counseling, safety planning, legal advocacy, case management, therapy services, children’s programming, transportation, basic needs such as food and clothing, and even a pet kennel to ensure no one is left behind. Survivors can access the shelter through our 24-hour hotline, outreach offices, or referrals from law enforcement, hospitals, or courts. Trained staff are on site at all times to ensure survivors are met with compassion and trauma‑informed care.
If awarded, the grant funds will be used to directly support the daily operations of SPARCC’s Emergency Shelter, ensuring uninterrupted access to life saving services for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Grant funds will help sustain the core resources necessary to operate a safe, trauma informed shelter environment, including staffing, essential supplies, and survivor support services.
Â
Provide the grant amount you are seeking: $2,000.00
Do you provide services to Sarasota and/or Manatee County? Yes
What is the financial impact per individual/program this grant will provide?
The program operation expenses average approximately $100 per night of safe-housing for a single victim and $175 per night for a family in crisis needing shelter – and specific services which include but are not limited to: crisis counseling, safety planning, children’s art therapy and child programming, therapy, legal services, court advocacy, job and economic empowerment training, as well as bus transportation, which allows participants to safely travel to work, job interviews and medical appointments.
Please provide the estimated number of women, children and families impacted.
Last fiscal year alone, SPARCC provided 4,499 nights of shelter to 99 adults, 50 Children and 9 pets at its Emergency Shelter.
Is there a matching grant? No If yes, indicate donation source:
May we tour your facility? No
What reciprocal benefit can you provide our organization:
SPARCC will recognize The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle through a dedicated social media highlight, sharing gratitude and impact with our engaged online community of 6,200 Facebook followers and 1,897 Instagram followers, helping amplify your commitment to supporting women and families in crisis.
Proof of Non-Profit Status https://tlcwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/15/SPARCC_501-c-Tax-Exempt-Status-letter.pdf
Organization’s Logo https://tlcwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/15/SPARCC_4color-150×150.png [110 show_image=1]
Project/Program-specific budget: https://tlcwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/15/Shelter-Budget-FY26-27-TLC.pdf
Guide Star Profile/Rating (if applicable): https://tlcwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/15/SPARCC-Guidestar-Rating-150×150.png
Anything else you would like to share with us?
Why SPARCC – Organizational Strength
• 47 years of service to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
• Comprehensive service model including emergency shelter, legal advocacy, housing assistance, case management, and prevention education.
• State-Certified annually by the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence. Undergo rigorous annual monitoring to ensure adherence to best practices
• Trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach.
• Strong community partnerships with law enforcement, healthcare, courts, and social services.
• Proven fiscal management with clean audits and sustainable operations.
• Long-term sustainability supported by an established endowment fund and legacy society, providing a foundation of financial resilience against funding threats and uncertainties.
• Committed team of experienced professionals demonstrating deep expertise and exceptional longevity – with long-tenured staff at every level of the organization and 10% of team members bringing 18 or more years of service to SPARCC.