OSPREY, FL (May 20, 2025) The Community Foundation of Sarasota County recently awarded a $20,000 grant to Big Waters Land Trust, formerly Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, to support the regional land conservancy’s Community Outreach and Education Program. The grant will help fund both continued and expanded educational and experiential offerings, including innovative programming designed to provide nature access and environmental education to differently-abled individuals and underserved youth and families.
Big Waters provides inclusive, hands-on opportunities to explore nature and foster environmental literacy, community engagement, and a sense of belonging. Through their Community Outreach and Education Program, the non-profit land trust works to address the growing disconnect between people and the natural environment in Southwest Florida, a region experiencing rapid development, diminished access to natural spaces, and minimal in-person connections between neighbors and community. This issue is particularly acute among underserved populations, including at-risk youth and differently-abled individuals, who often face barriers to outdoor experiences and environmental education. Through collaboration with numerous local organizations, including The Haven, The Lighthouse, Easterseals, Sarasota Housing Authority, Boys & Girls Club, Loveland Center, and more, Big Waters helps ensure diverse groups can connect with nature through transformative outdoor experiences.
“We thank the Community Foundation of Sarasota County for their generous investment in our mission and community,” comments Christine P. Johnson, president of Big Waters Land Trust. “These funds will get more people outside, connecting with nature and each other! They will gain a deeper appreciation for our environment and critical role the natural world plays in our everyday life, while also enjoying each other’s company.”
Funding for the grant came from three different sources at the Foundation: the Donald W. Hogue Fund for Beautification & Conservation, the Eleanor “Ellie” A. Herring Charitable Fund II, and the Kathleen D. Baylis Fund.
Big Waters’ Youth Education Program, a branch of their Community Outreach and Education program, connects thousands of children to nature education and outdoor experiences each year. In 2024, youth comprised approximately 38% of Big Waters’ Community Outreach and Education program participants. They recently expanded programming to increase access for differently-abled individuals of all ages to advance their core conservation value of Access for All. Big Waters also offers a range of free experiences, outings, and educational events for teens, adults, families, and other multi-generational groups.
Visit bigwaterslandtrust.org/events to explore upcoming opportunities to get outside and connect with nature today!
About Big Waters Land Trust
Big Waters protects land and water in Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature. Through strategic collaborations with individuals, groups, organizations, and government, they work to ensure all people have access to clean water, fresh air, nutritious food, abundant wildlife, beautiful natural areas to enjoy, and all the other physical and mental benefits nature provides. Their vital work strengthens Southwest Florida’s resiliency to storms and floods, enriches lives, and helps safeguard our community for generations to come. Learn more at bigwaterslandtrust.org.
About the Community Foundation of Sarasota County
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council as a resource for caring individuals and the causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community. With assets of $544 million in more than 1,590 charitable funds, the Community Foundation awarded grants and scholarships totaling $56 million dollars last year in the areas of education, the arts, health and human services, civic engagement, animal welfare and the environment. Since its founding, the Community Foundation has been able to grant more than $500 million to area nonprofit organizations in our community thanks to the generosity of charitable individuals, families, and businesses. For more information, visit www.CFSarasota.org or call (941) 955-3000.
