Prior Grant Requests
| Organization Name | Grant Year | Cycle | Request Amount | Grant Awarded | Awarded Amount | Matching Funds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education Foundation of Sarasota County | 2026 |
2026-1 |
$3,000.00 | Yes | $1,800.00 |
Organization Name: Education Foundation of Sarasota County
Organization Website: https://edfoundationsrq.org/
Year Established: 1984Â
Mission Statement:
To enhance the potential of students, promote excellence in teaching, and inspire innovation in education, guided by strategic philanthropy.
Contact Name: Trish McNamee Years in Position: 4
Contact Email: tmcnamee@edfoundationsrq.org
Contact Phone: 9419270965
Address: 2000 Webber St Ste 130
Sarasota, Florida 34239
Have you previously received a grant? No If yes, please indicate the year(s): Â
How did you hear about our organization?
Referred by member
What do you believe we can provide your organization?
The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle brings together community-minded women who invest directly in programs that help young people succeed. Beyond financial support, your partnership helps raise awareness and advocacy for preparing students for life after high school and ensures local students have access to opportunities that can change the trajectory of their futures.
What will the grant be used for?
Many students have never toured a college or technical campus or spoken directly with a local employer. Some struggle with professional communication skills such as making eye contact, offering a firm handshake, or speaking confidently about their strengths. Social media and technology shape how students present themselves, but they do not always prepare them for real-world interactions.
Families often want to help but are unsure how to navigate postsecondary options, financial aid, or workforce pathways.
Future-Ready Scholars Program was designed to respond directly to these realities. Future-Ready Scholars prepares students to begin thinking intentionally about their future by helping them connect their interests, strengths, and goals to real opportunities after high school. Summer Bridge both extends this work for current participants and introduces new students during some of the most pivotal years of high school. The Summer Bridge program serves as a point to extend this work.
A grant from The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle will specifically support the Future-Ready Scholars Summer Bridge, a one-week immersive experience held in June for approximately 25 high school students grades 9 – 12.
During the week-long program, students participate in hands-on experiences that help them translate their interests into realistic next steps. Activities include:
• Exploring career pathways through conversations with local professionals
• Developing resumes and practicing interview skills
• Strengthening professional communication skills such as introducing themselves confidently, making eye contact, and articulating their goals
• Participating in guided goal-setting sessions that help them begin mapping a pathway after high school
As part of the experience, students will also have the opportunity to earn up to two employer-recognized digital badges focused on foundational professional skills such as workplace communication, collaboration, and career readiness. These credentials help students demonstrate competencies valued by employers and build confidence as they begin planning their future.
For many students, Summer Bridge is the first time they begin to see how their interests and abilities can translate into real opportunities. By the end of the week, students leave with greater confidence, practical skills, and a clearer sense of direction as they enter the next school year.
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Provide the grant amount you are seeking: $3,000.00
Do you provide services to Sarasota and/or Manatee County? Yes
What is the financial impact per individual/program this grant will provide?
The requested $3,000 investment will support approximately 25 students participating in the Future-Ready Scholars Summer Bridge program, representing an estimated $120 investment per student.
This funding helps provide a week-long immersive experience that includes career exploration activities with local professionals, program materials, and a structured learning environment that allows students to fully participate in workshops, skill-building sessions, and future planning throughout the week.
Please provide the estimated number of women, children and families impacted.
25
Is there a matching grant? Yes If yes, indicate donation source: Florida Department of Education State – School District Education Foundation Matching Grant program
May we tour your facility? Yes
What reciprocal benefit can you provide our organization:
A grant of $3,000 will allow us to recognize The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle as a Circle of Champions Educator Champion level. This recognition includes listing on Circle of Champions listing webpage and in our annual impact report.
Proof of Non-Profit Status https://tlcwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/15/IRSTaxExemptLtrEFSC.pdf
Organization’s Logo https://tlcwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/15/EducationFoundation_Regular_BlackLetters-3-150×150.png [110 show_image=1]
Project/Program-specific budget: https://tlcwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/15/FY27FRSSummerBridgeProjected.pdf
Guide Star Profile/Rating (if applicable): https://tlcwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/15/Education-Foundation-of-Sarasota-County-Inc.-_-Candid.pdf
Anything else you would like to share with us?