Athena Giving Circle Grants

Mission: The Athena Progressive Giving Circle is a community of women funding programs/initiatives that meaningfully improve the lives of women and girls in the community.

Geographic Scope: Sarasota and Manatee Counties

Purpose: Fund programs and initiatives that meaningfully improve the lives of women and girls in the local area.

Current Status (2025-26): Athena is supporting a local organization that provides vital services for women. No additional funding requests will be considered at this time. Applicants should check back in spring 2026 for details on next cycle.

Funding Timeline:

• Athena decides what it will fund by May each year
• Grant applications are provided to eligible 501(c)3 or tax-exempt organizations
• Athena decides who to fund by October each year
• Funds are distributed by December each year

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a 501(c)3 organization or other tax-exempt organization
• Must serve Sarasota and/or Manatee counties
• Must show an innovative, holistic, effective, and direct approach to supporting women and girls
• Must show a clear need for the funds and a plan for their use
• Must demonstrate a deep commitment to their work

Contact Information:

• Email: sborkowski@cfsarasota.org
• Phone: 941-556-7110
• Address: 2635 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237
• Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., M–F

To Stay Updated:

• Sign up for the Nonprofit News e-newsletter to receive announcements about upcoming application cycles

Application Process

Timeline:

• The application cycle is currently closed for 2025-26
• Next application cycle details will be available in spring 2026

General Process:

1. Athena decides what it will fund by May each year
2. Community Foundation provides grant application to eligible organizations in the determined field(s)
3. Organizations submit grant applications
4. Athena reviews all applications and decides who to fund by October
5. Funds are distributed to receiving organization(s) by December

Grant Reporting:

• Grantees must meet grant reporting expectations and requirements to showcase results of work accomplished with funding

To Stay Informed:

• Sign up for the Nonprofit News e-newsletter at cfsarasota.org
• Check back in spring 2026 for application details

Questions:

• Contact Stephanie Borkowski, Coordinator of Community Impact
• Email: sborkowski@cfsarasota.org
• Phone: 941-556-7110