Michael Saunders Foundation grants aid 50 local causes

The latest grants from the Michael Saunders & Co. Foundation is more than just a blank check.

For a group of local veterans, it’s a gift to help them transition to civilian life in their new homes. For others, it will mean a new home entirely.

Those are among the 50 causes the foundation contributed to this summer with $56,000 in grants to nonprofits in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties.

“The need is definitely great in the community, and we’re so honored to be able to do this twice a year,” said MSC Foundation Chief Marketing Officer Jennifer Horvat. “The need has definitely not slowed down.”

Headquartered in Sarasota, Michael Saunders & Co. is one of the nation’s largest real estate brokerage firms. Its charitable foundation has raised more than $457,000 for nearly 150 organizations since 2011.

Each nonprofit was nominated through grant requests by Michael Saunders employees. The foundation presents grants in the summer and winter of each year to recipients who align with the foundation’s mission to improve lives by offering shelter, sustenance, education and a path to self-sufficiency.

“The reaction is always extremely positive, both with our agents, because they love giving back to the community, as well as the charitable organizations receiving the funds,” Horvat said.

During its winter round of giving, the foundation announces contributions at a formal event. During the summer, company employees present the grants in person to the beneficiaries.

“You get a better feel for where your money is going, where it's being spent and how it’s being used," Horvat said. "And you also get to see it in action."

That's the case for the contribution to the Jewish Family and Children's Services of the Suncoast. Through its Operation Military Assistance Program, JFCS will help support five veteran families with housewarming blankets. 

"We are so appreciative of the support received from the MSC Foundation to help veterans and their families," said JFCS President Heidi Brown. "Literally coming out of their cars or from tents in the woods, these families need basic household items, cleaning supplies and toiletries for their new home."

Sarasota Meals on Wheels Executive Director Marjorie Broughton said this year's contribution will provide more than 200 meals for some of Sarasota's most neediest residents. Not affiliated with the federal program, Broughton said all funds will go directly to serving people in the immediate area.

Michael Saunders Realtor Julia McClung said this focus on local organizations allowed her to personally connect with her community. A volunteer and contributor with the Red Cross of Southwest Florida, her nomination helped the nonprofit secure funds to help families displaced by house fires.

"It’s not just people handwriting in grants," Horvat said. "It’s a relationship."