With its vibrant neighborhoods, innovative thought leaders, and thriving local industries, our region continues to stand out as an area of possibility and progress. Here, trailblazing ideas and community vision come together to shape a dynamic place to live, work, and build a future. Because civic and economic development so deeply influences our regional vitality and long-term resilience, Gulf Coast is committed to investing in strategic efforts that strengthen opportunity and support a prosperous community for all.
Civic & Economic Development
We are committed to moving our region toward an innovation-based economy.
Our Work in The Area
Gulf Coast embraces a leadership model that brings together public, private, and nonprofit leaders to build inclusive systems that strengthen individuals, expand opportunity, and support a resilient region.
Affordable Housing
- Since 2017, Gulf Coast has helped move people from crisis to housing through a coordinated response system. Read more about the strategies behind this collaborative approach in the Sarasota Housing Action Plan.
Veteran's Housing
- No one should be left behind. The need is clear - safe, permanent, veteran’s housing in Sarasota.
Project HEAL
- Homeless services providers are becoming trauma informed by planning and executing strategies to address the root causes of homelessness.
CareerEdge
- Currently managed by the Sarasota Chamber, CareerEdge helps employers meet a changing economy by training the next generation of workers.
Civic & Economic Development Stories
Discover the Impact
Learn how community efforts support the growth of civic and economic development.
Stories
Sarasota Magazine: Through the Eyes of…Three Veterans Who Call Heroes’ Village Home
The following article was written by Gulf Coast Community Foundation and appeared on Sarasota Magazine’s website on October 27, 2025.
Stories
Venice Gondolier: $150k grant given to CareerEdge
The following article appeared in the Venice Gondolier on July 9, 2025.
Stories
SRQ Daily: From Vision to Village: A Home for Our Heroes
The following guest column by Phillip P. Lanham appeared in the Saturday, May 17, 2025 edition of SRQ Daily.
Stories
FOX 13 Tampa Bay: Heroes’ Village bringing first-of-its-kind veteran housing to Sarasota
The following article appeared on FOX 13 Tampa Bay in May 2025.
Stories
SRQ Daily: Investing in the Healers: Project HEAL Sparks Culture Shift Across Local Nonprofits
The following guest column by Phillip P. Lanham appeared in the Saturday, April 19, 2025 edition of SRQ Daily.
Investment in Civic & Economic Development
(Fiscal Year 2025)
$0.5
Million
Board-Directed Giving
Our Board of Directors' investment in civic & economic development.
$4.4
Million
Donor-Directed Giving
Gulf Coast donors' investment in civic & economic development.
Past Work
These community-wide initiatives are now led by trusted community partners.
BECAUSE IT MATTERS
Civility is the foundation of community, so Gulf Coast worked to increase civic participation, civil discourse, and social capital.
Better Together
An education series that brought innovators and thought leaders to discuss emerging issues and pitch big ideas for transforming our region.
Bright Ideas on the Gulf Coast
BIG connects idea generators, business experts, and support resources in brand-new ways to nurture entrepreneurs on the Gulf Coast.