Selby Foundation- Traditional Grants

The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation offers traditional grants twice a year to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations with budgets over $300,000 serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties. Grants support capital expenditures such as building renovations, technology, and equipment. The Foundation does not fund operating expenses, completed projects, or travel. It encourages organizations to contact the Foundation for preliminary discussions before applying.

All organizations that are applying for a grant are required to contact the Foundation for a preliminary discussion before applying.
Mr. Selby died in December of 1956, however, one year prior to his death, he set up the Charitable Trust with $3,000,000. Mr. Selby set up the trust because he wished to help young people. In his oil business, he encountered a great number of young men with untapped potential who were handicapped by lack of technical education. Not having children of their own, the Selbys were concerned about young people. They wanted to use their money to help the youth of future generations.
After Mr. Selby‘s death, Marie Selby became heavily involved with the activities of the Foundation and encouraged giving to a variety of charitable organizations. She often matched a grant from the Foundation with an equal gift from her own resources.
Marie Selby died in 1971 at the age of 86. She left her home and five acres for the development of a botanical garden. This property later became part of the world-renowned Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (this is a separate entity from the Foundation). She left $2,000,000 to provide an endowment for the gardens to help support the operation and maintenance. The balance of her $16,500,000 estate was left to the Foundation.
The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation awards “traditional grants” twice each year.
What Can Be Requested?
Grants are restricted to capital expenditures that support an organization’s success in making gains in our community. These items include:

• Building or renovation related expenses
• Technology
• Vehicles
• Software (new or significantly updated)
• Equipment
• Websites

Eligibility

Organizations with budgets greater than $300,000 that primarily serve Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties have the opportunity to apply.Applicants are restricted to 501(c) 3 non-profit entities (or equivalent).On rare occasions, exceptions are made for groups outside of these counties who can demonstrate that a majority of their clients (>50%) come from within our 4-county service area.

Ineligibility

Chambers of Commerce
Public or Private K-12 Schools (including charter schools and booster organizations)
Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and/or any other religious institution
Fire or police departments (including volunteer organizations)Board members are not to be solicited.Though we recognize the importance of these investments, the Selby Foundation does not fund:Operating/program expenses