Andrew Vincent Messina Scholarship and Elsie Bird Davies Memorial Scholarship Grant

Andrew Vincent Messina Scholarship and Elsie Bird Davies Memorial Scholarship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Last Updated: March 28, 2026

Summary

The Andrew Vincent Messina Scholarship and Elsie Bird Davies Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, aims to provide music education to children in Sarasota and Manatee counties who are financially disadvantaged. Preference is given to students aged 6-18 who have been studying music for at least one year. This initiative embodies the belief that everyone can contribute to their community through philanthropy, fostering a love for music among youth.

Overview

Our Mission Our motto — “Be the One” — reflects our deeply-held belief that anyone can be a philanthropist and give back to our community, regardless of means. Since our founding by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council in 1979, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has been making the important connection between individuals’ personal memories, passions and dreams, and the fulfillment of their charitable goals. By actively listening to the desires of our donors, we help create permanent charitable funds that ensure people of vision have an enduring impact on our community and the causes they hold dear. Our motto — “Be the One” — reflects our deeply-held belief that anyone can be a philanthropist and give back to our community, regardless of means. Andrew Vincent Messina Scholarship and Elsie Bird Davies Memorial Scholarship The charitable purposes of the Andrew Vincent Messina Fund for Music Education and the Elsie Bird Davies Memorial Fund for Piano Students is to provide music lessons and instruments to children with financial need who otherwise would be unable to participate in music education.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must be residents of Sarasota or Manatee County who are taking lessons from a teacher who is a member of the Piano Teachers Association in either Sarasota or Manatee County.