Gannett Foundation seeks applications in national, local crowdfunding and grant program

Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·2 min read
The Sarasota-based Josh Epilepsy Assistance Foundation received a $4,000 donation from the Gannett Foundation in 2020. The Gannett community initiative has donated more than $17 million since its inception in 2017.
The Sarasota-based Josh Epilepsy Assistance Foundation received a $4,000 donation from the Gannett Foundation in 2020. The Gannett community initiative has donated more than $17 million since its inception in 2017.

The Gannett Foundation is leading a $2 million initiative in 2022 that will award grants to organizations and nonprofits looking to improve their communities.

Gannett, the parent company of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, created the initiative, "A Community Thrives," in 2017. The program has donated more than $17 million through awards and crowdfunding efforts to more than 500 organizations, including groups in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

A Community Thrives has opened applications for organizations seeking to bring awareness to a project that focuses on community building with an emphasis on historically underserved individuals and groups.

Sarasota Crew Inc. received a $2,000 grant from the Gannett Foundation in 2020 to support its "Newtown Rowing Initiative" for underserved youth.
Sarasota Crew Inc. received a $2,000 grant from the Gannett Foundation in 2020 to support its "Newtown Rowing Initiative" for underserved youth.

“The program offers not only grants but opportunities for organizations to extend their networks and deepen their donor base by creating connections with our consumers," said Sue Madden, director of the Gannett Foundation. "In addition, participation in the A Community Thrives program can result in national and local media exposure. Year after year, we hear fantastic anecdotes from participants on how the program has accelerated development.”

Organizations will raise money by crowdfunding, then they will be eligible for 16 project grants: three $100,000 grants, seven $50,000 grants and six $25,000 grants. There are also operating grants for eligible entrants with community operations in Gannett’s markets, incentive grants for groups that raise the most funds, and bonus challenge grants.

Organizations can apply at acommunitythrives.mightycause.com. The fundraising phase of the program will take place from July 18 through Aug. 12, and recipients will be announced on Oct. 5.

The stories told by journalists in the USA TODAY Network helped inspire the creation of A Community Thrives.

“A Community Thrives further highlights Gannett’s mission to empower communities to thrive by not only telling their stories, but also providing support to those who need it most,” said Mike Reed, CEO of Gannett and chairman of the Gannett Foundation. “This initiative organically assists quality organizations that share our desire to improve lives, and we are proud to be implementing the program for the sixth year.”

USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Gannett Foundation's grant program focuses on community building