Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Foundation

About Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Foundation

CareerEdge Funders Collaborative appears as the clearest expression of Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Foundation Inc’s grantmaking: an employer-led workforce initiative that uses donated funds to build a skilled labor pool across the Manatee-Sarasota region. The foundation’s recent grants repeatedly support training tied to specific jobs, with awards going to hospitals, manufacturers, technical schools, and local employers for upskilling, internships, and on-the-job training. Its portfolio shows a practical emphasis on getting workers into higher-demand roles. State College of FL received support for CNA training, manufacturing leadership training, and healthcare leadership training, while Suncoast Technical College was funded for a marine fast track program, CNA training, auto lube fast track program, and HVAC training. Employers also figure prominently, including Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Chris - Craft Corporation, and Air Products, each funded for workforce development or training-related reimbursement. The foundation’s approach links education providers and businesses in a common workforce pipeline rather than isolating grantmaking to one sector alone. Recent awards also show support for youth and entry-level pathways through internships and employer reimbursements, alongside business grants tied to the Opportunities For All program.

What Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Foundation Funds

Workforce development sits at the center of the foundation’s giving. Sarasota Memorial Hospital received $52,706 in 2024 for OFA intern reimbursements and upskilling workers, showing how internship support and employee training can be paired in one award. Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County received $8,286 in 2024 for Opportunities For All internships, tying youth access to paid work experience into the funder’s broader talent strategy. Training for specific occupations is another clear theme. State College of FL was funded $58,344 in 2023 for CNA training program, manufacturing leadership training, and healthcare leadership training. Suncoast Technical College received $32,447 in 2024 for marine fast track program, CNA training program, and auto lube fast track program, plus $13,750 in 2023 for HVAC training. The foundation also backs employer training, as shown by Bartelt Packaging’s employee training and support program awards in 2023 and 2024.

How Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Foundation Gives