Prior Grant Requests
Organization Name: Suncoast Science Center
Organization Website: https://suncoastscience.org
Year Established: 2011
Mission Statement:
To inspire and support tomorrow’s innovators through experiential learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). Through our Faulhaber fabrication lab and innovative programs, we encourage people of all ages to explore ideas, build skills and confidence, and become lifelong learners.
Contact Name: Jenn Sams Scott
Years in Position: 7
Contact Email: jenn.sams@suncoastscience.org
Contact Phone: 9418404394
Address:
4452 S Beneva Rd
Sarasota, Florida 34233
Have you previously received a grant? No
If yes, please indicate the year(s):
How did you hear about our organization?
Search engine
What do you believe we can provide your organization?
TLC Women’s Charitable Foundation can provide the $5,000 needed to replenish consumable materials used for the Fab Lab’s numerous hands-on programs while building an engaged community partnership. Members can see the impact firsthand through a Fab Lab tour and, if interested, stop by a class or camp where the materials are used to bring learning to life.
What will the grant be used for?
Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab requests $5,000 to replenish the consumable materials and high-use supplies that power its hands-on STEAM programs for students throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties. From STEAM Saturdays and Homeschool Workshops to LEGO RoboRumble, the RC Custom Car Open, summer camps, and outreach programs for underserved students, thousands of local students learn by designing, building, experimenting, testing, and problem-solving.
Funding will support materials such as science experiment supplies, batteries and electronic components, robotics and engineering materials, 3D printing filament, wood and fabrication supplies, adhesives, safety materials, and other frequently used consumables essential to delivering high-quality, hands-on learning experiences. Because many of these materials must be replaced after each use or program cycle, maintaining a reliable supply is critical to keeping programs accessible, engaging, and ready for the next group of learners.
For students, these materials transform concepts from something they read or hear about into something they can experience firsthand. Whether programming a robot, building a race car, testing a scientific principle, or creating a prototype, students develop technical skills alongside creativity, confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving. This grant will help approximately 2,000 local students access meaningful experiential STEAM learning opportunities, including children who may not otherwise have access to these tools and materials.
Provide the grant amount you are seeking: $5,000.00
Do you provide services to Sarasota and/or Manatee County? Yes
What is the financial impact per individual/program this grant will provide?
Based on approximately 1,015 students served directly at the Fab Lab, 5,600 students served through our Science Lending Library, and approximately 1,200 students and families served through outreach programming during the 2025-2026 school year and summer, the $5,000 request represents about $0.64 per student.
Please provide the estimated number of women, children and families impacted.
Approximately 7,815 children in Sarasota and Manatee Counties will be directly served during one school year/summer cycle.
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:
The Fab Lab will recognize TLC Women’s Charitable Foundation in its enewsletters, social media, and an annual impact report, as well as provide photographs and student-centered results for TLC’s communications. Members are invited to tour the facility and observe programming.
Proof of Non-Profit Status
https://tlcwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/15/CSL-Letter-of-Determination-Document.pdf
Organization’s Logo
https://tlcwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/15/SSC-Logo-WEB-med-150×150.png
Project/Program-specific budget:
https://tlcwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/15/Suncoast_Science_Center_TLCWCF_STEAM_Program_Supplies_Budget.docx.pdf
Guide Star Profile/Rating (if applicable):Â
https://tlcwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/15/candid-seal-platinum-2026-2-150×150.png
Anything else you would like to share with us?
Our programs are built around a unique near-peer, learner-to-leader model that allows high school students to take an active role in designing, developing, and teaching hands-on STEAM experiences for younger learners. This approach creates a powerful ripple effect: younger students see relatable role models who help them envision themselves pursuing STEAM and stepping into leadership roles, while our high school students gain invaluable technical, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
TLC’s support would therefore do more than provide materials for individual programs. It would help fuel an ecosystem where students learn from one another, grow in confidence, and progress from curious learners into capable mentors and leaders who inspire the next generation.