From our stunning coastline to our cherished parks and waterways, our region's environment is central to our identity and quality of life. These landscapes nurture wildlife, sustain our economy, and offer a sense of place that draws people from around the world. Because environmental resilience is essential to our community’s well-being and long-term prosperity, Gulf Coast is dedicated to advancing conservation efforts, restoring vital ecosystems, and protecting the natural resources that define our region.
Environment
Investing in our environment allows us to impact the future, today.
Our work in the area
Gulf Coast embraces a leadership model that brings together diverse stakeholders to protect natural resources, strengthen environmental resilience, and ensure a healthy, sustainable region for current and future generations.
Water Quality Playbook
- We convened local experts to create a first-of-its-kind guide for improving the environmental water quality in our region.
The Bay Sarasota
- This cross-sector collaboration supports a long-term master plan for one of the most promising properties in all of Florida: The Bay.
Venice Urban Forest
- Volunteers are reforesting a former railway corridor into a beautiful greenway with abundant benefits.
Environment Stories
Discover the Impact
Learn how community efforts support a stronger environment.
Stories
SRQ Daily: Inspiring Change through the Water Quality Playbook
Phillip's Voice: Our President | CEO Phillip Lanham reflects on our newly updated Water Quality Playbook and how we can take meaningful action to protect our waters.
Stories
Sarasota Magazine: Water Quality Through the Eyes of...
The following article was written by Gulf Coast Community Foundation and appeared on Sarasota Magazine’s website on July 1, 2025.
Stories
Herald-Tribune: The Bay raises $3 million in community co-investment to unlock $2 million matching grant
The following article appeared in the Herald-Tribune on January 20, 2025.
Foundation News
Funding for The Bay Match is Realized
Learn how the power of partnerships in support of The Bay has raised $3 million in community co-investment to unlock a $2 million matching grant from Gulf Coast, totaling $5 million in funding.
Stories
Visionary Founders Create Tranquil Botanical & Sculpture Oasis for All
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens provides Charlotte & Lee counties with world-class sculptures and spectacular botanicals for all to treasure.
Investment in the Environment
(Fiscal Year 2025)
$0.5
Million
Board-Directed Giving
Our Board of Directors' investment in the environment.
$4.6
Million
Donor-Directed Giving
Gulf Coast donors' investment in the environment.
Past Work
These community-wide initiatives are now led by trusted community partners.
Legacy Trail Extension
Extending the Legacy Trail connects more communities, conserves wildlife habitat, enhances health and safety, and spurs development.
Manasota Key Offshore Archaeological Site
A discovery near Venice could transform the field of underwater archaeology and vastly expand knowledge of Florida’s earliest people.
Partners for Green Places
This cross-sector collaboration is creating a more energy-efficient future for our region, with nonprofit organizations leading the way.
Solar United Neighbors
Gulf Coast has helped a network of residential solar co-ops scale statewide to bring clean, affordable solar energy to homeowners.